Processes of verification and calibration of portal monitors for the detection of radioactive sources in metal scrap.

摘要

In Spain a large number of systems are installed for the detection of radioactive sources at theentrances of metal recycling facilities (scrap yards, steelyards and smelting installations).This equipment issubject to operational controls that depend on the facilities at which it is installed. No homogeneous criteriaexisting in Spain for the verification of its correct operation and sensitivity. A project has been undertaken toharmonize the operating parameters of the portal monitors installed. This project has been carried out by Enresa(the Spanish radioactive waste management agency) and the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN, Spanish regulatoryauthority) in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Madrid. A series of tests and checks have beencarried out on the portal monitors of several facilities. This has allowed verification and calibration proceduresto be drawn up for this type of detection equipment, with recommendations regarding the frequency with whichthese processes should be performed. Presented hereby are the protocols developed for the verification andcalibration of this equipment, along with the results obtained from the tests performed on various portal monitorsinstalled in Spain.