1. NAME AND TITLE

RADCOMPT 2.10L: Sample Analysis Code System for the Dual Channel Counter.

2. CONTRIBUTOR

MK-Ferguson, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

3. CODING LANGUAGE AND COMPUTER

RADCOMPT was written in C using Borland's Turbo C++ compiler v1.01. Borland C++ extensions are used. The code runs on IBM PC's and compatibles.

4. NATURE OF PROBLEM SOLVED

RADCOMPT automates gross alpha and gross beta sample analysis calculations and, in many cases, warns the technologist when a hazard level is being approached or when it has been exceeded. The RADCOMPT program is unique in that it corrects for crosstalk between channels, and in this way provides increased accuracy and efficiency. Even though it is designed explicitly for the analyses of air samples and wipe samples, it can also be used for other sample types. It is designed to be used with a dual channel counter (in which one channel is used for alpha detection and the other for beta detection), but may be used with two single channel counters employed for the same purpose. In addition, it provides an automated means for the execution of the following radiological sample analyses protocol:

A. Calibration of the counting system

B. Calculation of sample activity or air activity concentrations (with the activities of air activity concentrations at the top and bottom of the two-sided 95 percent confidence interval also specified).

C. Determination of minimum sample counting times required for detection and/or quantification of specified alpha and beta activities or air activity concentrations. In addition, alternate counting times are determined for alternate activities such that the specified alpha and beta activities are at the top of the 95% confidence interval, increasing the confidence that the activities measured are below the specified limits.

D. Calculation of the minimum detectable activities or air activity concentrations.

E. Determination of air sample volumes required for detection and/or quantification of specified alpha and beta air activity concentrations.

F. Calculation of long-lived activities or air activity concentrations based on radon daughter and thoron daughter decay.

G. Calculation of employees DAC-Hours and estimated Committed Effective Dose Equivalent.

H. Varying calibration constants (to coincide with possible adjustments to the counting system) to help optimize the calibration of the counting system.

5. METHOD OF SOLUTION

The crosstalk correction is performed via simple derivation as described in the manual. The long-lived activity calculations use methodology derived from reference C (below). The statistical error calculations use techniques derived from the references noted as background information.

6. RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS

RADCOMPT is NOT designed to be used with an alpha ONLY or beta ONLY counting system. It is designed to be used with a dual channel counter (in which one channel is used for alpha detection and the other channel is used for beta detection), or with two single channel counters employed for the same purpose.

7. TYPICAL RUNNING TIME

Solution output is immediate.

8. COMPUTER HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

An IBM PC or compatible with a color monitor. The program utilizes the 80 column, 16 color text mode. A math coprocessor is desirable.

9. COMPUTER SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

Borland Turbo C++ v1.01 was used to create executables in package.

RADCOMPT will run either within the MS-DOS environment or within MS Windows 3.0 or above (utilizing MS-DOS emulation). When MS Windows is utilized, several copies of the RADCOMPT program may be run simultaneously on the same computer, with each copy corresponding to a different counter (when each copy of the RADCOMPT program is run from a different directory on the hard drive). Installation instructions may be obtained by activating the "INSTALL.BAT" file by typing "INSTALL" and pressing the Enter key.

10. REFERENCES

a: Included in documentation:

M. L. Jamieson, "RADCOMPT Program Installation" (1994).

M. L. Jamieson, "Graphical Illustration of One of the Unique Options Provided By RADCOMPT for the Counting of Samples" (1994).

M. L. Jamieson, "Example Instruction to Radiological Control Technicians for Use of the RADCOMPT Program" (1994).

M. L. Jamieson "Sample Analysis System for the Dual Channel Counter (Utilizing the RADCOMPT Computer Program)," MK-Ferguson Oak Ridge (December 1993).

b: Background information:

NCRP Report No. 58, "A Handbook of Radioactivity Measurements Procedures," (Second Edition). National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (1985).

J. C. Lochamy, CHP, "The Minimum Detectable Activity Concept" (PSD No. 17), EG&G Ortec (September 1981).

H. J. Moe and E. J. Vallario, "Operational Health Physics Training (Revised Edition)," Argonne National Laboratory (September 1988).

11. CONTENTS OF CODE PACKAGE

The referenced document and 1 DS/HD (1.44 MB) diskette is included. The diskette contains the RADCOMPT source files, the author's executable, sample input/output, and information files.

12. DATE OF ABSTRACT

September 1994.