Objective
Specific Objectives:
1. To standardise a 134Cs solution and a 137Cs solution;
2. To standardise a 137Cs solution and a 137Cs solution;
3. To perform the first underground measurement of Hiroshima samples;
4. To design a new type of ULB HPGe detector for HADES;
5.To assist in radiological emergencies;
6. To certify 6 IAEA reference materials for their radioactive components;
7. To prepare 235U Reference Samples for the EUROMET Project 591;
8. To train a PhD student in ultra-low level radioactivity measurements;
9.To supply mass and length metrology services to other JRC actions. Anticipated milestones and schedule This Action is of a horizontal kind - it concerns mainly services to customers. Hence, this schedule is not complete - only the major projects are listed - as far as they are known today. First underground measurement of Hiroshima samples: sample preparation, distribution of samples, measurements (Jan. - Dec.). A new type of ULB HPGe detector for HADES: design (Jan. - Dec.)
Intercomparison with CTBTO (UN): planning (Jan. - Dec.). Ultra low-level measurement of swipe samples for ESO (DG TREN): this is a continuous service. It is expected that some 10 samples per year will be analysed (Jan. - Dec.). Assistance in emergencies: develop procedures (Jan. - Dec.). Preparation and reference measurements of samples for customers: this is a continuous service e.g. 134,137Cs standard solutions, 235U samples, IAEA RMs (Jan. - Dec.). Mass / length metrology: this is a continuous service (Jan. - Dec.). Benchmarking of radioactivity in European steel (similar to the benchmarking exercise of German steel performed in FP5): Discussions with DG ENV and CELLAR partners (Jan. - Dec.).
Planned Deliverables:
1. Primary Standard solution of 134Cs;
2. Primary Standard solution of 137Cs;
3. Sample preparation, distribution of Hiroshima samples, measurement result of first 3 samples;
4. The design of type of ULB HPGe detector for HADES;
5. Working instructions for gamma-ray spectrometry;
6. Report to the IAEA on 6 RMs for their radioactive components;
7. 235U Reference Samples;
8. First year of training of a PhD student in ultra-low level radioactivity measurements;
9. Supply of mass and length metrology services to IRMM.
Summary of the Action:
This action focuses on several lines of activity: To assess radionuclides and their activity in samples (e.g. RMs) from outside customers (e.g. ESO) and from within DG JRC. To assess environmental neutron fluence of neutron irradiated samples (as e.g. in the case of the JCO accident) To co-ordinate activities of the CELLAR network including members from Candidate Countries; To develop new, and to improve existing measurement methods for ultra low levels of activity. To supply on request certain reference samples with certified radioactive components. To set up a system to assist radioactivity measurements in radiological emergencies. To support mass/length metrology at JRC To train grantholders using the Large Scale Facility HADES. This is a continuous activity, about 200 samples have to be analysed per year. Additionally, at least one new ultra low-level detector system will be built during FP6.
Rationale:
This activity is in support to Safeguards, Environment and Industry. It concerns mainly the assessment of the radioactive components in various materials, mainly at low levels of radioactivity, in support to EU legislation.
Fields of science
Not validated
Not validated
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
JRC - Joint Research Centre researchCoordinator
B-2440 Geel
Belgium