Open AccessAn investigation of false positive dosimetry results
Author(s) -
Lewandowski,
Steven A. Davis,
T.E. Goff,
C. F. Wu
Publication year - 1996
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/515496
Subject(s) - dosimetry , thermoluminescent dosimeter , dosimeter , radioactive waste , calibration , thermoluminescent dosimetry , engineering , medical physics , environmental science , waste management , nuclear medicine , medicine , mathematics , statistics
The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is a facility designed for the demonstration of the safe disposal of transuranic waste. Currently, the radiation source term is confined to sealed calibration and check sources since WIPP has not received waste for disposal. For several years the WIPP Dosimetry Group has operated a Harshaw Model 8800C reader to analyze Harshaw 8801-7776 thermoluminescent cards (3 TLD-700 and 1 TLD-600) with 8805 holder. The frequency of false positive results for quarterly dosimeter exchanges is higher than desired by the Dosimetry Group management. Initial observations suggested that exposure to intense ambient sunlight may be responsible for the majority of the false positive readings for element 3. A study was designed to investigate the possibility of light leaking through the holder and inducing a signal in element 3. This paper discusses the methods and results obtained, with special emphasis placed on recommendations to reduce the frequency of light-induced false positive readings