Cal Lab Support
Performed the initial characterizations of the X-ray, photon, beta and neutron radiation fields for the new Personnel Radiological Monitoring Calibration Laboratory (PRMCL) at the Pantex plant. The fields were characterized against requirements of the DOE laboratory accreditation program for personnel dosimetry processors and against the criteria for federally-owned secondary laboratories, as appropriate.
Trained staff at the new calibration facility at the Savannah River Site on establishing and characterizing beam quality for x-ray fields.
Provided quality-control support to processors of thermoluminescence dosimeters for commercial power utilities.
Developed the capability to remotely calibrate survey instruments using a PC rather than having to physically adjust potentiometers on the instrument itself. This innovation allows calibrations to be completed far more rapidly than is possible with the conventional practice, and provides enhancements such as automated generation of calibration reports, automated archiving of calibration data and the ability to predict instrument failures a priori.
Performed Bonner sphere measurements to characterize the neutron spectrum for Indian Point Unit 3's (IP3) neutron calibration source (238Pu:Be). This effort included validation of the methodology used by their vendor for primary calibrations by performing measurements of the neutron fields maintained by the Southwest Radiation Calibration Center at the University of Arkansas in addition to those made at IP3.
