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Calibration and optimization of alpha-beta separation procedures for determination of radium/radon in single- and two-phase liquid scintillation systems

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Abstract

Liquid scintillation alpha beta discrimination technique based on pulse shape analysis (PSA) was evaluated for determination of 226Ra and 222Rn in water samples. In view of the significance of calibration, for the reliable and precise determination of 226Ra and 222Rn concentrations in water samples, calibration procedures were standardized for single and two phase systems using Quantulus 1220 liquid scintillation counter. PSA optimization and efficiency calibrations were performed using 226Ra standard rather than conventionally used pure alpha and beta standards and substantiated by measuring the activity concentrations of 226Ra and 222Rn in the spiked water samples.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiation Safety Systems Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India

    Sonali P. D. Bhade, P. J. Reddy, S. Anilkumar & D. D. Rao

  2. Analytical Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India

    R. K. Singhal

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  1. Sonali P. D. Bhade
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  2. P. J. Reddy
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  3. S. Anilkumar
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  4. R. K. Singhal
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  5. D. D. Rao
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Correspondence to Sonali P. D. Bhade.

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Bhade, S.P.D., Reddy, P.J., Anilkumar, S. et al. Calibration and optimization of alpha-beta separation procedures for determination of radium/radon in single- and two-phase liquid scintillation systems. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 315, 13–20 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5643-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5643-x

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