Evaluation of a High Pressure Proportional Counter for the Detection of Radioactive Noble Gases
Abstract
This report presents a study of the characteristics of a high pressure proportional detector for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of radioactive noble gases. Several external sources (Americium 241, Cadmium 109 and Cobalt 57) were used to establish the detector's response at high pressures using argon fill gas. A radioactive xenon gas sample with Xenon 131m and Xenon 133 was used to demonstrate the detector's utility for the analysis of radioactive noble gases. Procedurally, counting gas from a 12.34-liter reservoir was cryo-genically condensed in the 0.197-liter detector volume. Energy calibration was performed using the external sources. The analysis of the internal radioactive xenon gas source was not successful. The Xenon 131M to Xenon 133 concentration was 50% of the planned minimum value, and the Xenon 133 source activity was one hundred times the acceptable level. The associated detector recovery time and space charge density reduced the efficiency drastically (approx 1%). Occasional unpredictable responses from contaminants adsorbed in the epoxy seals produced excessive numbers of erratic data with the internal noble gas source.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA189816
Entities
People
- Richard E. Lackey
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology