Spectral composition of the gamma-ray exposure rate due to noble gases released during a reactor accident
Beck, H.L.
Health Physics 43(3): 335-343
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-9078 PMID: 7174327 Document Number: 189348
The spectral compositions of the exposure rate from .gamma.-radiation emitted by model clouds of fission-product noble gases were calculated. These results allowed reasonable estimates to be made of the response as a function of source composition for various types of detectors commonly used for monitoring around nuclear power plants. Many detectors, including high-pressure ionization chambers and other detectors with a limited low energy response, when calibrated correctly for higher energy radiation field, may provide highly inaccurate results when the free air exposure rate is due mostly to Xe fission gases. This would be the case for a reactor accident where gaseous releases occurred .apprx. > 12 h after the cessation of fission.