A COMPUTER-COUPLED QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURE FOR GAMMA-RAY SCINTILLATION SPECTROMETRY.
Abstract
Long-term stabilization of instrumental performance is necessary for gamma-ray scintillation spectrometry whether used for nuclear spectroscopy studies or for radionuclide identification and estimation. This requirement is especially important if high-precision measurements are to be made on a routine basis. It is proposed to achieve sufficient stabilization through statistical quality control, a technique used to maintain the quality of output of a process or system. A quality control procedure was devised which consists of periodic measurement of a current standard spectrum and comparison of it, on a channel-by-channel basis on a computer, with a reference standard spectrum. Significant differences between the two spectra are interpreted as machine deviations that require correction. As part of the procedure, values obtained from this measurement are charted so that current and past performance can be compared easily. This makes possible a prompt awareness of unusual changes in performance. Application of the technique has resulted in improved stability, improved reliability, and reduced maintenance. Approximately 20 minutes of technician time are required per day to apply this procedure to a single instrument. Less time per instrument is required when several instruments are simultaneously controlled. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 25, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0636736
Entities
People
- D. F. Covell
Organizations
- Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory