Accounting for the self-absorption of betas in cobalt-60 hot particles

This paper reports that the assumptions used dose calculations can be overly conservative for discrete hot particles (activated satellite chips and irradiated fuel fragments) due to self-absorption of betas within the particles. Using data from tests with a Co-60 hot particle, a model is developed to estimate the dose reduction factor afforded by self-absorption in a satellite chip with a known thickness. The model can be applied indirectly using ion chamber survey instrument readings (the thickness of the particle does not have to be measured). Tests with Co-60 particles found at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station verify that self-absorption is significant -- in one case, a dose reduction factor of 7 was measured in a satellite chip with a visible thickness