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Measurement systems

  • In the early phase of a radiological incident, the BfS uses automatic stationary and quasi-stationary ODL measurement systems.
  • Later, complementary measurements provide a more refined picture of the radiological situation.
  • Four different types of measurement systems are held available altogether.

In the event of a radiological emergency, the BfS exclusively uses automatic stationary and quasi-stationary gamma dose rate (ODL) measurement systems in the early phase of such an incident.

After the radiological situation has become stable and no more releases are expected, complementary mobile measurements provide a more refined picture of the radiological situation. To do this, the spatial distribution of radioactive materials is mapped using helicopter-borne measurement systems.

If the evaluation identifies areas with ambient dose rate values clearly exceeding the natural radiation background, more detailed radiological investigations using car-borne measurements can be performed in these areas. For this purpose, particularly equipped cars are available at six locations in Germany.

These investigations can be supplemented by performing on-site-measurements and taking soil and plant samples with subsequent radiochemical laboratory analysis.

Four types of measurement systems

Four different types of measurement systems are held available altogether.

ODL-Probes

Stationary and quasi-stationary gamma dose (ODL) probes

The ODL measuring network comprises stationary probes with wired connections for power supply and data transfer. So-called quasi-stationary gamma dose rate (ODL) probes are held available as well. These are mobile probes with a self-contained power supply. In the event of an incident, the measuring network can be densified with these probes in a potentially affected area. In this way assessments of the radiological situation on a smaller scale are possible. The overall picture becomes more accurate.

Design and functional principle of the measuring probes

The stationary and quasi-stationary gamma dose rate (ODL) probes are of largely identical design. They consist of two Geiger-Müller counter tubes. The counter tubes are filled with gas and are located in an electric field. When particles strike the tube wall, a voltage pulse is generated and is counted afterwards. The gas-filled counter tubes are sized differently and thus allow an extremely wide measurement range between about 0.04 microsievert per hour and 5 sieverts per hour.

The low-dose counter

The sensitive so-called low-dose counter permits the determination of the gamma dose rate (ODL) within the range of background radiation. This is the range around natural environmental radioactivity which is typically between 0.04 and 0.25 microsievert per hour in Germany and Europe.

The high-dose counter

In order to be prepared for all scenarios, the second so-called high-dose counter allows measurements of the gamma dose rate (ODL) of up to 5 sieverts per hour.

A total value of environmental radioactivity without discriminating between different radionuclides is determined from the data generated by the gamma dose rate (ODL) probes..

Gamma dose rate (ODL) spectrometer probes

A gamma dose rate (ODL) spectrometer probe is used for the energy dependent recording of gamma and X-radiation. In a scintillation detector, for example, the radiation energy is converted into light pulses. The light is amplified and is processed to an analogue electrical signal. This signal is converted to a digital value and is further processed. If these signals are recorded over a longer period - for example 30 minutes - a spectrum is created. This spectrum provides information about which radionuclides are involved and in what intensity.

Measurement systems in helicopters

Measurement systems in helicopters

High-purity germanium detector (HPGe) High-purity germanium detector (HPGe)High-purity germanium detector (HPGe)

For measurement flights, helicopters are fitted with special equipment for the detection of gamma-emitting radionuclides.

Detectors

Two different types of detectors are used for this purpose: On the one hand there is a high-purity germanium detector for the identification of radioactive substances, on the other hand there are up to four sodium iodide detectors for detecting radioactive sources and radiation anomalies as well as for determining the gamma dose rate.

Owing to the high sensitivity of sodium iodide detectors, spectra can quickly be recorded and analysed. During a one-second measurement cycle, at a flight speed of 100 kilometres per hour, a distance of about 28 metres is covered.

Sum spectra of a germanium detector and a NaI(Tl) detector from the "Biblis" measurement flight Sum spectraSum spectra of a germanium detector and a NaI(Tl) detector from the "Biblis" measurement flight

Due to the low probability of detection, however, the measurement cycles with germanium detectors can last several tens of seconds while the natural radioactivity in the environment is being mapped.

Other measuring instruments such as a gamma dose rate monitor can additionally be installed in the helicopter. In that way, the helicopter crew can stay informed about the current dose rate or accrued dose at any time during the measurement flight.

Radiological mapping

Using the radar altimeter integrated in the helicopter, the flight altitudes and the geographic coordinates (GPS) are also recorded in addition to the measurement spectra during every measurement cycle.

This clear allocation of the geographic coordinates to the measurement data allows the radiological mapping of the measurement areas overflown.

Measurement and evaluation software

The BfS has developed several programs for recording and further processing data during the flight and uses e.g.

  • Control Flight Server (CFS), with which all hardware components within the measurement system can be controlled,
  • Programmable Interface for Spectrometry Applications (PISA), which can be used to initiate and terminate measurements and to display and save the measurement parameters set as well as the recorded measurement data, and
  • Rohflug (German name of the program), which allows a first, detailed evaluation of the measurement data directly after the helicopter has landed.

Car-borne

Mobile in-situ mesurement systems

To detect radionuclides in soil "in situ" - in other words on site and without sampling - the type of radiation emitted during the decay of the radionuclides is analysed. The radiation type is characteristic of the particular process. The type of emitted particles and their energy(-distribution) are sort of a "fingerprint" of a radionuclide.

In-situ gamma spektroscopy

In situ gamma spectroscopy uses almost exclusively measurement systems where the main component is made up of a detector head filled with high purity germanium (abbreviated HPGe). The energy of the gamma radiation is converted into electrical impulses. Using a multichannel analyser, the pulse height is processed and a spectrum is created.

HPGe detectors are distinguished by a very good energy resolution which, however, can only be obtained through strong cooling (about -196 degrees Celsius). Large volume detectors and long measurement periods also allow the detection of very small quantities of radionuclides.

Mobile ODL

Mobile gamma dose rate (ODL) for measurements while driving

The BfS employs a large volume NBR (natural background reduction) system for gamma dose rate (ODL) measurements while driving.

The system uses a special method to distinguish between artificial and naturally occurring radioactive radiation. In the process, the system detects gamma radiation in various energy ranges and compares the measured values. If the measured spectrum deviates from the previously registered natural spectrum, this deviation indicates artificial activity.

Backpack-borne gamma dose rate (ODL) measurement systems for small-scale mapping

The mobile measurement system is made up of a calibratable scintillation probe combined with a GPS mouse and a laptop.

The following data are supplied to a program developed by the BfS:

  • the gamma dose rate (1 value per second) measured by the probe as well as
  • the geographical position,
  • the speed and
  • the geographical altitude of a connected GPS mouse.

At one-minute intervals, the data can be automatically transferred to one of the six central data servers of the BfS gamma dose rate measuring network (ODL measuring network) via mobile connection and can be fed into a database. The position and the measured gamma dose rate of the measurement systems involved can be observed online by the staff on site and at the BfS Coordinating Office. If necessary, they can alter the route via mobile phone or order measurements on a smaller scale in a certain location.

State of 2023.05.31

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