Time temperature controlled non-contact automatic TLD system methodology for performance evaluation

This paper documents the test procedures and results pertaining to a new four chip TLD dosimeter, TLD card type 8801, when evaluated in the System 8800 TLD card Reader developed by Harshaw. The reader is automatic and uses hot nitrogen gas for non-contact heat transfer. The heating method is unique in the sense that it employs a closely controlled, linearly ramped time temperature profile. Since the overall performance of the equipment used in radiation protection dosimetry has a major role in the final determination of the dose equivalent, we have developed and implemented a methodology for the performance evaluation of the Model 8800 Reader and its associated TL dosimeters. Nine test procedures were performed, including Dose Response and Repeatability, Batch Uniformity, Card Reusability and Endurance, Fading, Thermal Neutron Sensitivity, Residual Signal, and Element Thickness. The results of each test are reported and discussed