Norwegian Radiation Authority Seeks Portable Gamma Spectrometry Equipment

The Norwegian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA) has operational duties within nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness in Norway. In addition, the DSA is also a part of IAEA's response and assistance network RANET, with exercises and assignments internationally.

One of the most important analytical methods in nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness is high-resolution gamma spectrometry with HPGe detectors, where one out of the energy spectrum from the detector can identify and quantify gamma-emitting radionuclides.

In a nuclear or radiological emergency or incident it is important to be able to transport measuring equipment to the location and under field conditions quickly to perform gamma spectrometric measurements with or without an external power source. It has to be possible to do the measurements outdoors and in the climate prevailing in Norway.

The instrument (and supplied batteries) has to be approved for transportation by air both nationally and internationally. There is a large variety in geometry of samples or objects that might be analysed. It is therefore a requirement that the detector is prepared for mathematical efficiency calibration. The detectors must be delivered complete with spectrum analysis software.

To strengthen our capabilities in high resolution gamma spectrometry for nuclear or radiological emergency preparedness, we will acquire 1 portable electric cooled HPGe detector (with option for 2 more) for field measurements.