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Improvement of Portable Instruments and Analytical Techniques for in Situ Applications
Closed for proposals
Project Type
Project Code
G42004CRP
1752Approved Date
Status
Start Date
Expected End Date
Completed Date
6 April 2016Description
The CRP relates to emerging new techniques and applications of nuclear spectrometry for in-situ characterization of materials. In particular, the development of improved portable spectrometers and analytical procedures for in-situ characterization of materials will be addressed. The development of portable instruments faces the challenges of achieving a more efficient instrumental response, a reduction in noise and time signal processing to achieve higher input count rate capabilities and energy resolution while outlining designs with the lowest possible weight and power demands. The implementation and validation of robust analytical procedures including solutions to correct the inaccuracies in the results arising from differences in sample geometry, matrix and other characteristic features of in-situ analysis are of no less importance.
Objectives
The CRP proposed under the IAEA project 1.4.3.4. Nuclear spectrometry for analytical applications will help Member States laboratories to enhance their analytical capabilities to effectively utilize in-situ nuclear spectrometry techniques, and to implement improved analytical services in environmental pollution monitoring and nuclear energy systems related applications through new and extensive use of portable instruments and in-situ analytical techniques.
Specific objectives
To contribute to enlarge the spectrum of in-situ applications of nuclear spectrometry methods in support of research and technological development in nuclear science and technology, environmental pollution monitoring, industry, among other fields.
To develop portable instruments featuring more efficient instrumental response, reduction in noise and time signal processing to achieve higher input count rate capabilities and energy resolution, in designs with the lowest possible weight and power demands
To implement and validate robust analytical procedures including solutions to correct the inaccuracies in the results arising from differences in sample geometry, matrix and other characteristic features of in-situ analysis
Impact
This CRP was initiated in 2010 with the objective to enhance the capability of interested Member States to effectively utilize portable nuclear instrumentation and measurement techniques for in-situ applications. Three research coordination meetings were held, summary reports are available from the RCS III PO Module. The CRP included a number of investigators working on the subject worldwide and provided a forum for exchange of information on improvements on portable instruments, developments on analytic techniques and use in new application studies. Extensive technical discussions were held on improvements to XRF portable spectrometers, theoretical and empirical methods to improve the calibration of gamma and XRF portable spectrometers and on the validation of methods for environmental studies and characterization of cultural heritage objects.
A technical document was prepared and all approval were in place, however its publication was not finalised in time. On the other hand, 22 scientific articles were published, 34 participations in international conferences, 24 PhD theses were associated with CRP topics and a number of synergies/collaborations between participating institutes were established.
Relevance
The successful implementation of the CRP allowed achieving different improvements in instrument designs, signal processing and a variety of novel applications for in situ techniques. Additionally, a large number of educational activities were conducted within the projects implemented. The CRP has reviewed the current status in implementation of in situ techniques. The applications of portable instruments cover many fields such as cultural heritage, environmental pollution monitoring, industrial and pharmaceutical control. The ideas presented by the participants provided possible solutions for particular problems. Potential interactions have been identified among participants with common interests, particularly related to verification of performance of the instruments and external quality control actions.