Development of a neutron-activated concrete powder reference material

摘要

In this paper, the development of a neutron-activated concrete powder reference material is described. The material originated from core samples taken from a concrete bioshield of a decommissioned nuclear reactor which ceased operation almost 30 years ago after approximately 20 years of operation. The assigned values, which were in the Bq g~(-1) range, for the radionuclides in the material were determined by a 'consensus' method from measurements made by 33 organisations from 15 countries. The measurements were made within a wider test exercise (the NPL Environmental Radioactivity Proficiency Test Exercise 2008). Assigned specific activity values were obtained for ~(60)Co, ~(133)Ba, ~(152)Eu and ~(154)Eu and indicative values were obtained for ~(3)H (total), ~(3)H (leachable), ~(14)C, ~(40)K, ~(55)Fe and ~(63)Ni.