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LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL DATE: 6/27/2025 ATTN: LLRW
CC; Treesa Parker Karen Kirkwood RE: Transmittal 2025-039
Description of Documents Transmitted Qty
See attached updates for Laboratory. CL-LB-PR-100 Rev 7, Gamma Spectroscopy 1
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CL-LB-PR-100
Gamma Spectroscopy
Revision 7
Authored By:
Jerrod Andresen, Gamma Spectroscopy Specialist Date
Reviewed By:
Sam Stanley, Radiation Control Technician III Date
Reviewed By:
Jared Stark, Lead, Laboratory Date
Approved By
Thomas A. Brown, Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Date
Non-Proprietary New
Proprietary Title Change
Restricted Information Revision
Safeguards Information Rewrite
Sensitive Security Information Cancellation
Jerrod Andresen Digitally signed by Jerrod Andresen
Date: 2025.06.26 07:26:59 -06'00'
Sam Stanley Digitally signed by Sam Stanley
Date: 2025.06.27 08:20:16 -06'00'
Digitally signed by Jared Stark
Date: 2025.06.27 09:29:02 -06'00'
Thomas Brown Digitally signed by Thomas Brown
Date: 2025.06.27 09:50:35 -06'00'
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Table of Contents
1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE ........................................................................................................ 3
1.1 Purpose .......................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Scope .............................................................................................................................. 3
2 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 3
3 GENERAL .............................................................................................................................. 3
3.1 Definitions ..................................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Responsibilities ............................................................................................................. 4
3.3 Precautions and Limitations........................................................................................ 4
3.4 Records .......................................................................................................................... 5
4 REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDANCE .................................................................................. 5
5 ATTACHMENTS AND FORMS........................................................................................... 9
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1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
1.1 Purpose
This procedure is to provide a guideline for the routine calibration, operation, and
maintenance of the gamma spectroscopy equipment on the EnergySolutions Clive
Facility. This procedure shall also provide consistency to the process for sample
analysis as performed by the gamma spectroscopy lab.
1.2 Scope
This procedure establishes the methods for calibration, operation, and
maintenance of the gamma spectroscopy system and all of its components to
obtain gamma spectra for samples containing gamma emitting radionuclides in
various matrices.
2 REFERENCES
2.1 Genie 2000 Operations Manual
2.2 CL-LB-PR-001, Sample Control-Chain of Custody Procedure
2.3 CL-LB-PR-041, Analytical Data Review
2.4 Apex Operations Manual
2.5 ISOCS/LABSOCS Characterization Report
2.6 Canberra Training Module SU-477 LABSOCS Measurements
3 GENERAL
3.1 Definitions
3.1.1 Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) – An electronic circuit that converts
continuous signals to discrete digital numbers.
3.1.2 Check Source - A radioactive source which is used to confirm the
satisfactory operation of the instrument. A mixed gamma standard with
nuclides emitting photons within the energy calibration range.
3.1.3 Control Boundary - The permissible upper and lower bounds of the QC
check.
3.1.4 Dewar - Container used for transporting and storage of liquid nitrogen.
3.1.5 Efficiency - The percent of decay events from a standard radioactive
source in a specific reproducible geometry that are seen and measured by a
detector.
3.1.6 Full Width Half Max (FWHM) - The width of a peak at half of the
maximum peak height.
3.1.7 Geometry - A standard sample or source counting configuration (container
material, shape and size defined) and its relationship to the detector.
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3.1.8 Minimum Detectable Activity - Level at which there is a 95% confidence
that a radionuclide is detected as a function of the counting instruments
sensitivity in “counts/time/activity” as it correlates to count time of the
sample.
3.1.9 Traceable Calibration Standard Source - A calibrated radioactive source
prepared from a standard reference material traceable to NIST (National
Institute of Standards and Technology) and contained in a designated
geometry. A mixed gamma standard with nuclides emitting photons
within the energy calibration range.
3.2 Responsibilities
3.2.1 Lead, Laboratory, or designee, is responsible for the overall
implementation of this procedure and reviews all documents associated
with sample analysis and instrument calibration and maintenance.
3.2.2 Gamma Spectroscopy Specialist, or designee, performs onsite and offsite
radiological analysis review, as well as operating, maintaining and
calibration of the gamma spectroscopy system. Provide technical
knowledge and assistance for ongoing site operations. Acts as designee in
behalf of the Lead, Laboratory, upon request, for this procedure.
3.2.3 Gamma Spectroscopy Technician performs QC checks along with
counting of unknown samples using the gamma spectroscopy system.
Assists the Gamma Spectroscopy Specialist in calibration and
maintenance operations for the gamma spectroscopy systems.
3.3 Precautions and Limitations
3.3.1 The methods and procedures described in this and other documents related
to the calibration of the gamma spectroscopy systems are designed to be
performed by trained personnel in a suitable workplace. Lab procedures
may involve hazardous materials and substances of unknown toxicity. In
order to safely and correctly perform these activities, all standard safety
procedures for sample handling must be observed.
3.3.2 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for set-up. Observe all of the
manufacturer’s limitations and cautions, reference 2.1 and 2.4.
3.3.3 Never exceed manufacturer’s recommended operating voltage for the
detector. This may result in detector damage, reference 2.1 and 2.4.
3.3.4 Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) shall be worn in accordance
with the applicable Safety Data Sheet when handling Liquid Nitrogen
and/or lines charged with liquid nitrogen.
3.3.5 Liquid Nitrogen is defined as a simple asphyxiant. Nitrogen is nontoxic
but the liberation of a large amount in a confined area could displace the
amount of oxygen in air necessary to support life.
3.3.6 Use caution when handling Liquid Nitrogen as it is an extremely cold
liquid. If skin contact has occurred flush affected area with lukewarm
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water. DO NOT USE HOT WATER. A physician should see the patient
promptly. See SDS for further hazards and treatment associated with
Liquid Nitrogen.
3.3.8 Individuals performing this procedure shall be aware of the precautions
necessary for proper handling of radioactive materials.
3.3.9 External background radiation – Although the detector is shielded,
background gamma and x-ray radiation can interfere with the instrument;
Sources of radiation should be stored at an appropriate distance from the
detector.
3.3.10 Detector Contamination – All samples shall be cleaned and surveyed for
external contamination prior to placing sample(s) onto detector.
3.3.11 Low Energy Gamma Emitters – low energy Gamma emitting isotopes may
fall subject to interference from electronic noise.
3.3.12 Compton Scattering – This occurs when a photon hits an electron with
some of the photon energy being transferred to the charged particle. This
will increase the counts associated with the continuum and may
subsequently drown peaks of a lower count rate.
3.4 Records
3.4.1 Documents generated pursuant to this procedure shall be maintained in
accordance with CL-QA-PR-005 Quality Assurance Records.
3.4.2 Documents generated pursuant to this procedure shall be transmitted to
Document Control.
4 REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDANCE
4.1 Equipment and Supplies
4.1.1 Instrument operation software
4.1.2 Genie 2000
4.1.3 Apex (latest version)
4.1.4 Gamma Spectroscopy System which consists of:
• High Purity Germanium (HPGe) Detector
• Cryostat
• Liquid nitrogen dewar
• Preamplifier
• Multi-channel analyzer (MCA)
4.2 Reagents and Standards
4.2.1 Liquid Nitrogen
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4.2.2 Applicable NIST traceable calibration standards for multiple counting
geometries
Note: Applicable NIST traceable calibration and/or check
sources may be verified for quality assurance by the
corresponding efficiency calibration for a given sample
geometry provided the method of said efficiency
calibration has been cross-referenced by a known
sample or standard.
4.3 Calibration and Standardization
Note: All gamma-spec calibrations expire six months after
completion.
4.3.1 Energy and FWHM calibration
4.3.1.1 This calibration shall be performed at initial instrument set up,
after system maintenance that may affect the calibration, prior to
efficiency calibration and whenever a problem is suspected.
4.3.2 Efficiency Calibration
4.3.2.1 This calibration shall be performed at initial instrument set up,
after system maintenance that may affect the calibration, when new
sample geometries are introduced, and whenever a problem is
suspected.
4.3.3 Daily Q.A. Checks
4.3.3.1 This check shall be performed daily prior to counting samples,
following instrument maintenance which may affect the
calibration, or whenever a problem is suspected.
4.4 Energy and FWHM
4.4.1 Ensure the certificate files have been created for the standard(s) to be
used.
4.4.2 Position the Traceable Calibration Standard Source on the detector and
close the shield.
4.4.3 From the Apex main view select the calibration button.
4.4.4 Under the count tab, select appropriate calibration type, detector, and
geometry.
4.4.5 Clear the current spectra then start the count.
4.4.6 Adjust the spectrum using the hardware adjust button until the desired
configuration is reached.
Note: Calibration count should continue until 10,000 net
counts for each peak of interest is achieved.
4.4.7 When calibration count has finished and saved, select the energy tab.
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4.4.8 Choose the appropriate detector and saved calibration count from the
dropdown menus.
4.4.9 Associate the correct energy line to its respective peak using the cursor
method.
4.4.10 View the energy and shape calibration displays and drop peaks as
necessary to better fit the energy/shape curve.
4.4.11 Save the calibration.
Note: Calibrations cannot be used until a secondary approval
is done by the gamma-spec specialist or Lead,
Laboratory.
4.5 Efficiency Calibration
4.5.1 Ensure the certificate files have been created for the traceable calibration
standard source(s) to be used for efficiency calibration.
4.5.2 Position the traceable calibration standard source in the position to be
calibrated and close the shield.
4.5.3 Count the traceable calibration standard source in accordance with Section
4.4.1 thru 4.4.6 above.
4.5.4 When calibration count has finished and saved, select the efficiency tab.
4.5.5 Select appropriate detector and geometry from dropdown list. Provide a
calibration description if desired and create calibration using calibration
counts. Push next button.
4.5.6 Select the calibration count that matches the date and count description
then push next.
4.5.7 Review the calibration curve and report and drop peaks as necessary to
better fit the calibration curve and select all the appropriate calibration
models.
4.5.8 Save the calibration.
Note: This calibration may also be done using
ISOCS/LABSOCS geometry modeling in accordance
with reference 2.6.
4.6 Operation
4.6.1 Daily Calibration/QA Checks
4.6.1.1 Choose appropriate check source and center it on the detector.
Close detector shielding.
4.6.1.2 From the Apex main selection screen, select “QACheck” on the
appropriate detector.
4.6.1.3 Choose the appropriate QA count type (Calibration check,
background check, or system background), then select “OK”.
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4.6.1.4 Upon completion of the acquisition, a Last Measurement Report is
automatically generated. All of the predetermined quality
assurance parameters shall at this point be verified by the gamma
spectroscopy technician to be within specified boundaries.
4.6.1.5 If all QA parameters are within their respective control limits, the
gamma spectroscopy technician shall initial, date, and store the
document in preparation for a quarterly submission to document
control.
4.6.1.6 If one or more QA parameter is out of its control limit, a flag will
be printed on the report. The gamma spectroscopy technician shall
then perform appropriate system adjustments followed by a
recount of the standard.
4.6.1.7 If failures persist, the instrument shall be tagged out of service and
a further investigation shall be performed by the gamma
spectroscopy specialist.
4.6.2 Counting and Analysis of an Unknown Sample
4.6.2.1 Upon receipt of the sample(s) and COC, verify that the sample(s)
is correctly noted on the COC and accept custody of the sample(s).
4.6.2.2 Initiate a Radiological Review Form per sample, if applicable.
4.6.2.3 Record results from external radiological survey and visual
inspection on review form. Sign to verify completeness.
4.6.2.4 Record sample information within the Gamma Spectroscopy run
log and center the sample directly atop the gamma detector and
close the shielding.
4.6.2.5 Each sample counted in this system shall have a protocol
designation defined in CL-LB-PR-100-F3, Gamma Spectroscopy
Protocol Log. These guidelines are used to customize the type of
analysis performed for each sample. The CL-LB-PR-100-F3,
Gamma Spectroscopy Protocol Log book shall be maintained in
the on-site laboratory.
4.6.2.6 Using the guidelines discussed in the previous step, enter the
sample information and analysis parameters into the system and
initiate the count.
4.6.2.7 Upon completion of the count, the gamma spectroscopy technician
shall review the analysis to ensure quality, completeness, and
adherence to the protocol guidelines. A secondary review and
subsequent final approval by the gamma spectroscopy specialist or
Lead, Laboratory shall be completed.
NOTE: Evaluation of analysis parameters shall
include but are not limited to:
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• Validity of identified nuclides
• Evaluation of misidentified or unidentified
peaks.
• Overlapping energy interference.
• Achievement of MDA requirements.
• Peak quality in terms of resolution and ratio.
• Quality of ROI distribution
• Compliance with associated protocol log
4.6.2.8 After completion of reviews, a detailed report shall be distributed
back to the requisitioning department or submitted to document
control.
4.6.2.9 As a quality control check, at least five percent of the incoming
waste samples that are analyzed on-site for gamma spectroscopy
shall be sent to a Third Party Laboratory for the same analysis.
5 ATTACHMENTS AND FORMS
5.1 CL-LB-PR-100-F1 Gamma Spectroscopy Run Log
5.2 CL-LB-PR-100-F2 Gamma Spectroscopy Detector Calibration Approval
Form
5.3 CL-LB-PR-100-F3 Gamma Spectroscopy Protocol Log
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Attachment 5.1 CL-LB-PR-100-F1 Gamma Spectroscopy Run Log
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Attachment 5.2 CL-LB-PR-100-F2 Gamma Spectroscopy Detector Calibration
Approval Form
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Attachment 5.3 CL-LB-PR-100-F3 Gamma Spectroscopy Protocol Log
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