Development of a Tool for the Rapid Quantitative Analysis of Multiple Gamma Spectra

Often multiple gamma spectra are acquired for the quantitative measurement of process holdup, filter banks, waste containers, D and D objects, or other such items. These spectra can represent data for single items, background data, and multiple assays of the same item or multiple areas representative of a single process area. The spectra are often collected under differing circumstances with regard to attenuating materials, distances, assay times, relative backgrounds, and many other such parameters. Quantitative results, and associated errors, are often dependent on multiple calibration constants, assays of varying isotopes, source geometries (point, line, or area), background averaging, Compton effects, and the accurate analysis, i.e. region of interest, of the raw gamma spectra. A tool has been developed to assist in this endeavor. The calculations have been quality checked so that the tool can readily be used with assurance that the calculations are consistent and correct. This tool allows for multiple spectra (up to 150) to be compared and manipulated. The tool has features for: dynamic average background subtraction; accounting for varying Compton effects; different calibration constants; up to three attenuating materials; any gamma energy; and variance in collection parameters such as distance, angle, assay times, and isotope. Selections of point, line, or area calculations are easily specified. The tool has a report writer that allows for averaging over multiple assays, graphing of activity (e.g., graphing activity in a sump allows the hot spots to be identified), and presentation of results with associated error components or MLDs. The resulting database allows for easy self-documentation and archiving