Alpha Spectroscopy Training Course

MS101 Training Course

Modern Methods in Alpha Spectrometry

A Short Course in Practical Methods

The field of alpha spectrometry has seen some significant developments in recent years, both in the area of sample preparation as well as new system designs, which provide for more efficient counting and analysis. This 5-day course will begin with a review of the basics of alpha spectrometry and then present a detailed overview of some of the most useful innovations for the analyst. Real-world examples will be emphasized throughout and a "hands-on" approach will be emphasized with about 60-70% laboratory sessions. Recent groups included not only students from the U.S., but also international participants. Topics will include:

Sources and distribution of radioactive contamination of the environment
Basics of sample preparation for alpha spectrometry
New approaches to sample preparation
Redox chemistry of the actinides (separating actinides by solution chemistry)
Use of new types of ion exchange and extraction chromatographic resins
Source preparation techniques by electro deposition and micro precipitation techniques
Some specific method descriptions including screening procedures
Basics of alpha radiation, detectors, sample counting
Recommended QA/QC practices
Energy and efficiency calibration
Prevention of recoil contamination
Background and reagent blank corrections
Nuclide activity calculations (calculations for U, Th, Pu, Am analysis)
Propagation of counting errors, MDA’s

The course has been designed so that students new to alpha spectrometry will benefit from the fundamentals being presented while the more experienced analysts will gain from exposure to a review as well as the presentation of new and developing techniques. Students will receive classroom instruction and will work in small groups in the laboratory with close supervision instructor:

Dr. Bill Burnett
Environmental Radioactivity Measurement Facility
Department of Oceanography
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306

List of Tentative Laboratory Experiments:

Standard Experiments

#1 Review of counting procedures-1 (energy calibration, pulser checks, etc.)
#2 Review of counting procedures-2 (recoil prevention, efficiency, geometry considerations)
#3 Calculation of theoretical counting geometries
#4 Methods of coprecipitation for actinide analyses
#5 U, Th, and Pu in soil via ion exchange procedures
#6 Screening analysis for actinides in water via extraction chromatography
#7 Preparation of counting sources by fluoride microprecipitation/filtration
#8 Electrodeposition of sources and determination of electrodeposition rates
#9 Calculation of sample activities, propagation of counting errors

Additional Experiments (By Request)

#1 Separation of U, Am, Pu from air filters via extraction chromatography
#2 Radium Isotopes in water samples via alpha spectrometry

Registration is accomplished by submitting the registration form and a purchase order or check for the amount of the tuition. Course capacity is filled in order of the date of receipt of the tuition fee. This course is subject to a minimum enrollment of six (maximum of twelve). If more information is desired, please contact the Training Coordinator, ORTEC, 801 South Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-0895 U.S.A.

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received at least 20 business days prior to class will receive a full refund or class credit. If a cancellation or reschedule request is received 10-19 business days before the class date, 75% of class tuition will be refunded or class credit. If a cancellation or reschedule request is received within 1-9 days of class date, 50% of tuition cost will be refunded or class credit. Refunds will not be allowed for "no shows."

Cancellation Liability
ORTEC reserves the right to cancel classes for any reason. ORTEC's liability is limited to the return of the tuition fee only. ORTEC will not reimburse registrants for any travel or hotel cancellation fees or penalties.