Gamma Analyst Performance Characteristics (MDAs)
Introduction
With so much attention being given to environmental issues, the process of sample characterization is challenging today's analytical laboratories. The ever changing and increasingly stringent method sensitivity requirements have created a demand for more efficient utilization of laboratory instrumentation. Knowing the sensitivity of your instrument prior to loading the first sample is the first step to effectively maximizing instrument throughput.
Canberra's ProLine Gamma Analyst provides the complete application solution for automated high throughput gamma spectroscopy. Each standard Gamma Analyst is provided with guaranteed performance specifications, defining achievable detection limits for several factory calibrated sample geometries. This predictable performance is possible because each instrument is of a completely standardized, low background design. Knowing the instruments capability ahead of time takes the guess work out of estimating laboratory sample throughput.
To further optimize the instrument throughput the instrument also makes use of the "Count to MDA" feature. This tool allows each individual sample to be counted to its own specific set of MDAs automatically. Once acquisition has started the computer automatically reads these desired detection limits from the nuclide library and calculates the optimum counting time, based on the actual sample background. This method of counting ensures that no valuable counting is wasted.
Guaranteed Application Performance
The instrument is available in two basic models, the GAM-AN1 for general applications and the GAM-AN2 for applications requiring higher sensitivity and shorter counting times. Each instrument is available with guaranteed performance specifications (Minimum Detectable Activities), when purchased with optional factory calibrations.
The data acquired for the determination of the instrument performance specifications were collected using a standard Gamma Analyst instrument configuration. The detectors were carefully characterized during manufacturing to allow for the utilization of the MCNP (Monte Carlo Neutron Proton) calculation techniques for the determination of the efficiencies for each of the counting geometries. These mathematically derived efficiencies were then used in conjunction with the nuclide library (listed in Appendix A) to determine the detection limits for each of the specified geometries. The detection limits for soil geometries were calculated based on background counts measured on actual background soil samples. All other geometries are based on an empty shield background. The MDA values derived were based solely on the sample containers listed in Table 1. They presume sea level operation, single analyte in the sample and a typical background field.
Tables 2 through 7 contain a summary of the performance specifications for the various factory calibrated sample geometries listed in Table 1 for fixed acquisition times of 1,000, 10,000 and 50,000 seconds for each of the standard instrument designs. Use of sample containers other than those listed in Table 1 may yield different results.
| Geometry | Part No: | Manufacturer |
| 1 liter Marinelli beaker | 130G | GA-MA Associates, Inc. |
| 1 liter Marinelli beaker | 138G | GA-MA Associates, Inc. |
| 500 ml Marinelli beaker | 590G | GA-MA Associates, Inc. |
| 500 ml Marinelli beaker | 530G-E | GA-MA Associates, Inc. |
| 125 ml Poly bottle | 2089-0004 | Nalgene |
| 20 ml Poly scint. vial | 6001075 | Packard |
| 2 in. petri dish with 47 mm filter | 7242 (dish) | Gelman |
| 1882-047 (filter) | Whatman |
Table 1 Gamma Analyst Standard Geometries
| Geometry | Marinelli | Marinelli | Marinelli | Marinelli | 125ml bottle | 20ml vial | 47mm filter |
| Model | 130G | 130G | 530G | 530G | Nalgene | Packard | Gelman |
| Matrix | Water | Soil | Water | Soil | Water | Water | Filter |
| Density | 1.0 g/cc | 1.6 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | 1.6 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | N/A |
| Volume | 1.0 liter | 1600 gram | 0.5 liter | 800 gram | 0.125 liter | 0.020 liter | 1 filter |
| Isotope | pCi/L | pCi/g | pCi/L | pCi/g | pCi/L | pCi/L | pCi/filter |
| Na-22 | 3.8E+01 | 7.9E-02 | 6.3E+01 | 1.1E-01 | 3.5E+02 | 1.4E+03 | 7.6E+00 |
| K-40 | 4.7E+02 | 7.3E-01 | 7.6E+02 | 6.3E-01 | 4.1E+03 | 1.6E+04 | 1.7E+02 |
| Cr-51 | 2.1E+02 | 4.0E-01 | 3.4E+02 | 5.3E-01 | 1.5E+03 | 5.7E+03 | 5.1E+01 |
| Mn-54 | 3.8E+01 | 7.0E-02 | 6.3E+01 | 9.2E-02 | 3.0E+02 | 1.2E+03 | 1.1E+01 |
| Co-57 | 1.8E+01 | 4.1E-02 | 2.9E+01 | 5.4E-02 | 1.2E+02 | 4.1E+02 | 3.8E+00 |
| Co-58 | 4.1E+01 | 6.3E-02 | 6.6E+01 | 9.2E-02 | 3.2E+02 | 1.3E+03 | 1.2E+01 |
| Fe-59 | 7.3E+01 | 1.4E-01 | 1.1E+02 | 2.0E-01 | 6.0E+02 | 2.4E+03 | 2.3E+01 |
| Co-60 | 3.8E+01 | 7.0E-02 | 6.3E+01 | 1.0E-01 | 3.5E+02 | 1.4E+03 | 1.4E+01 |
| Zn-65 | 8.2E+01 | 1.9E-01 | 1.3E+02 | 2.7E-01 | 7.0E+02 | 2.7E+03 | 2.7E+01 |
| Nb-95 | 9.5E+01 | 2.4E-01 | 1.5E+02 | 3.3E-01 | 7.0E+02 | 3.0E+03 | 2.3E+01 |
| Zr-95 | 6.3E+01 | 1.1E-01 | 9.8E+01 | 1.6E-01 | 4.7E+02 | 1.9E+03 | 1.8E+01 |
| Ru-106 | 3.1E+02 | 5.6E-01 | 5.0E+02 | 7.4E-01 | 2.3E+03 | 9.2E+03 | 8.5E+01 |
| Ag-110m | 3.5E+01 | 6.0E-02 | 5.7E+01 | 7.9E-02 | 2.6E+02 | 1.0E+03 | 9.5E+00 |
| Sb-125 | 7.6E+01 | 1.5E-01 | 1.2E+02 | 2.0E-01 | 5.4E+02 | 2.1E+03 | 1.9E+01 |
| I-131 | 2.7E+01 | 5.4E-02 | 4.4E+01 | 7.0E-02 | 2.0E+02 | 8.2E+02 | 7.0E+00 |
| Ba-133 | 4.1E+01 | 9.2E-02 | 6.6E+01 | 1.4E-01 | 3.0E+02 | 1.1E+03 | 1.0E+01 |
| Cs-134 | 3.1E+01 | 6.3E-02 | 5.1E+01 | 8.5E-02 | 2.3E+02 | 8.8E+02 | 8.2E+00 |
| Cs-137 | 4.1E+01 | 7.0E-02 | 6.6E+01 | 9.5E-02 | 3.2E+02 | 1.2E+03 | 1.1E+01 |
| Ce-144 | 1.4E+02 | 3.2E-01 | 2.3E+02 | 4.1E-01 | 9.8E+02 | 3.5E+03 | 3.2E+01 |
| Pm-144 | 3.2E+01 | 5.7E-02 | 5.1E+01 | 7.3E-02 | 2.4E+02 | 9.2E+02 | 8.5E+00 |
| Eu-152 | 5.4E+01 | 1.3E-01 | 8.5E+01 | 1.6E-01 | 3.5E+02 | 1.2E+03 | 1.1E+01 |
| Eu-154 | 3.8E+01 | 8.8E-02 | 6.3E+01 | 1.1E-01 | 2.6E+02 | 9.2E+02 | 8.5E+00 |
| Eu-155 | 5.7E+01 | 1.4E-01 | 9.2E+01 | 2.2E-01 | 3.3E+02 | 1.2E+03 | 1.1E+01 |
| Tl-208 | 3.8E+01 | 4.7E-02 | 6.3E+01 | 6.6E-02 | 2.9E+02 | 1.1E+03 | 1.0E+01 |
| Pb-212 | 5.7E+01 | 6.6E-02 | 9.2E+01 | 1.4E-01 | 4.2E+02 | 1.5E+03 | 1.4E+01 |
| Bi-214 | 7.6E+01 | 1.1E-01 | 1.2E+02 | 1.8E-01 | 5.7E+02 | 2.2E+03 | 2.1E+01 |
| Pb-214 | 7.9E+01 | 1.5E-01 | 1.3E+02 | 2.0E-01 | 5.7E+02 | 2.1E+03 | 2.0E+01 |
| Ra-226 | 5.7E+02 | 1.0E+00 | 9.2E+02 | 1.8E+00 | 4.1E+03 | 1.5E+04 | 1.3E+02 |
| Ac-228 | 1.4E+02 | 2.1E-01 | 2.3E+02 | 3.5E-01 | 1.1E+03 | 4.4E+03 | 4.4E+01 |
| Pa-234 | 6.0E+01 | 1.7E-01 | 9.8E+01 | 2.1E-01 | 3.7E+02 | 1.3E+03 | 1.2E+01 |
| Pa-234m | 6.0E+03 | 1.2E+01 | 9.5E+03 | 1.7E+01 | 4.9E+04 | 1.9E+05 | 1.9E+03 |
| Th-234 | 6.3E+02 | 1.8E+00 | 1.0E+03 | 2.5E+00 | 3.5E+03 | 1.2E+04 | 1.1E+02 |
| U-235 | 3.5E+01 | 6.3E-02 | 5.7E+01 | 1.1E-01 | 2.5E+02 | 8.8E+02 | 8.2E+00 |
| Am-241 | 7.6E+01 | 2.4E-01 | 1.2E+02 | 3.5E-01 | 3.8E+02 | 1.4E+03 | 1.3E+01 |
Table 2 Model GAM-AN1 Detection Limits 1,000 second count time
| Geometry | Marinelli | Marinelli | Marinelli | Marinelli | 125ml bottle | 20ml vial | 47mm filter |
| Model | 130G | 130G | 530G | 530G | Nalgene | Packard | Gelman |
| Matrix | Water | Soil | Water | Soil | Water | Water | Filter |
| Density | 1.0 g/cc | 1.6 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | 1.6 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | N/A |
| Volume | 1.0 liter | 1600 gram | 0.5 liter | 800 gram | 0.125 liter | 0.020 liter | 1 filter |
| Isotope | pCi/L | pCi/g | pCi/L | pCi/g | pCi/L | pCi/L | pCi/filter |
| Na-22 | 1.2E+01 | 2.5E-02 | 2.0E+01 | 3.4E-02 | 1.1E+02 | 4.3E+02 | 2.4E+00 |
| K-40 | 1.5E+02 | 2.3E-01 | 2.4E+02 | 2.0E-01 | 1.3E+03 | 5.2E+03 | 5.4E+01 |
| Cr-51 | 6.6E+01 | 1.3E-01 | 1.1E+02 | 1.7E-01 | 4.8E+02 | 1.8E+03 | 1.6E+01 |
| Mn-54 | 1.2E+01 | 2.2E-02 | 2.0E+01 | 2.9E-02 | 9.6E+01 | 3.8E+02 | 3.6E+00 |
| Co-57 | 5.7E+00 | 1.3E-02 | 9.2E+00 | 1.7E-02 | 3.8E+01 | 1.3E+02 | 1.2E+00 |
| Co-58 | 1.3E+01 | 2.0E-02 | 2.1E+01 | 2.9E-02 | 1.0E+02 | 4.0E+02 | 3.8E+00 |
| Fe-59 | 2.3E+01 | 4.5E-02 | 3.6E+01 | 6.2E-02 | 1.9E+02 | 7.5E+02 | 7.4E+00 |
| Co-60 | 1.2E+01 | 2.2E-02 | 2.0E+01 | 3.2E-02 | 1.1E+02 | 4.4E+02 | 4.5E+00 |
| Zn-65 | 2.6E+01 | 6.1E-02 | 4.2E+01 | 8.5E-02 | 2.2E+02 | 8.6E+02 | 8.6E+00 |
| Nb-95 | 3.0E+01 | 7.7E-02 | 4.9E+01 | 1.0E-01 | 2.2E+02 | 9.6E+02 | 7.4E+00 |
| Zr-95 | 2.0E+01 | 3.6E-02 | 3.1E+01 | 5.0E-02 | 1.5E+02 | 5.9E+02 | 5.6E+00 |
| Ru-106 | 9.9E+01 | 1.8E-01 | 1.6E+02 | 2.3E-01 | 7.4E+02 | 2.9E+03 | 2.7E+01 |
| Ag-110m | 1.1E+01 | 1.9E-02 | 1.8E+01 | 2.5E-02 | 8.2E+01 | 3.2E+02 | 3.0E+00 |
| Sb-125 | 2.4E+01 | 4.8E-02 | 3.9E+01 | 6.4E-02 | 1.7E+02 | 6.6E+02 | 6.1E+00 |
| I-131 | 8.6E+00 | 1.7E-02 | 1.4E+01 | 2.2E-02 | 6.3E+01 | 2.6E+02 | 2.2E+00 |
| Ba-133 | 1.3E+01 | 2.9E-02 | 2.1E+01 | 4.4E-02 | 9.4E+01 | 3.5E+02 | 3.2E+00 |
| Cs-134 | 9.7E+00 | 2.0E-02 | 1.6E+01 | 2.7E-02 | 7.2E+01 | 2.8E+02 | 2.6E+00 |
| Cs-137 | 1.3E+01 | 2.2E-02 | 2.1E+01 | 3.0E-02 | 1.0E+02 | 3.9E+02 | 3.6E+00 |
| Ce-144 | 4.5E+01 | 1.0E-01 | 7.3E+01 | 1.3E-01 | 3.1E+02 | 1.1E+03 | 1.0E+01 |
| Pm-144 | 1.0E+01 | 1.8E-02 | 1.6E+01 | 2.3E-02 | 7.5E+01 | 2.9E+02 | 2.7E+00 |
| Eu-152 | 1.7E+01 | 4.0E-02 | 2.7E+01 | 5.0E-02 | 1.1E+02 | 3.9E+02 | 3.6E+00 |
| Eu-154 | 1.2E+01 | 2.8E-02 | 2.0E+01 | 3.5E-02 | 8.3E+01 | 2.9E+02 | 2.7E+00 |
| Eu-155 | 1.8E+01 | 4.5E-02 | 2.9E+01 | 7.0E-02 | 1.1E+02 | 3.7E+02 | 3.4E+00 |
| Tl-208 | 1.2E+01 | 1.5E-02 | 2.0E+01 | 2.1E-02 | 9.1E+01 | 3.5E+02 | 3.3E+00 |
| Pb-212 | 1.8E+01 | 2.1E-02 | 2.9E+01 | 4.3E-02 | 1.3E+02 | 4.8E+02 | 4.4E+00 |
| Bi-214 | 2.4E+01 | 3.6E-02 | 3.9E+01 | 5.7E-02 | 1.8E+02 | 6.9E+02 | 6.5E+00 |
| Pb-214 | 2.5E+01 | 4.8E-02 | 4.0E+01 | 6.4E-02 | 1.8E+02 | 6.7E+02 | 6.2E+00 |
| Ra-226 | 1.8E+02 | 3.2E-01 | 2.9E+02 | 5.7E-01 | 1.3E+03 | 4.6E+03 | 4.2E+01 |
| Ac-228 | 4.5E+01 | 6.8E-02 | 7.2E+01 | 1.1E-01 | 3.6E+02 | 1.4E+03 | 1.4E+01 |
| Pa-234 | 1.9E+01 | 5.3E-02 | 3.1E+01 | 6.5E-02 | 1.2E+02 | 4.1E+02 | 3.8E+00 |
| Pa-234m | 1.9E+03 | 3.8E+00 | 3.0E+03 | 5.4E+00 | 1.6E+04 | 6.1E+04 | 6.0E+02 |
| Th-234 | 2.0E+02 | 5.8E-01 | 3.3E+02 | 7.9E-01 | 1.1E+03 | 3.8E+03 | 3.6E+01 |
| U-235 | 1.1E+01 | 2.0E-02 | 1.8E+01 | 3.5E-02 | 7.8E+01 | 2.8E+02 | 2.6E+00 |
| Am-241 | 2.4E+01 | 7.5E-02 | 3.9E+01 | 1.1E-01 | 1.2E+02 | 4.3E+02 | 4.2E+00 |
Table 3 Model GAM-AN1 Detection Limits 10,000 second count time
| Geometry | Marinelli | Marinelli | Marinelli | Marinelli | 125ml bottle | 20ml vial | 47mm filter |
| Model | 130G | 130G | 530G | 530G | Nalgene | Packard | Gelman |
| Matrix | Water | Soil | Water | Soil | Water | Water | Filter |
| Density | 1.0 g/cc | 1.6 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | 1.6 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | N/A |
| Volume | 1.0 liter | 1600 gram | 0.5 liter | 800 gram | 0.125 liter | 0.020 liter | 1 filter |
| Isotope | pCi/L | pCi/g | pCi/L | pCi/g | pCi/L | pCi/L | pCi/filter |
| Na-22 | 5.1E+00 | 1.1E-02 | 8.1E+00 | 1.6E-02 | 4.3E+01 | 1.7E+02 | 1.7E+00 |
| K-40 | 6.4E+01 | 1.0E-01 | 1.0E+02 | 1.3E-01 | 5.6E+02 | 2.2E+03 | 2.3E+01 |
| Cr-51 | 3.1E+01 | 5.7E-02 | 5.0E+01 | 7.7E-02 | 2.3E+02 | 8.2E+02 | 7.7E+00 |
| Mn-54 | 5.1E+00 | 9.2E-03 | 8.2E+00 | 1.3E-02 | 4.0E+01 | 1.6E+02 | 1.5E+00 |
| Co-57 | 2.5E+00 | 5.8E-03 | 4.0E+00 | 7.4E-03 | 1.6E+01 | 5.8E+01 | 5.3E-01 |
| Co-58 | 4.7E+00 | 8.7E-03 | 7.4E+00 | 1.2E-02 | 3.6E+01 | 1.4E+02 | 1.4E+00 |
| Fe-59 | 9.0E+00 | 2.0E-02 | 1.4E+01 | 2.8E-02 | 7.5E+01 | 2.9E+02 | 2.9E+00 |
| Co-60 | 5.0E+00 | 9.4E-03 | 7.9E+00 | 1.3E-02 | 4.3E+01 | 1.7E+02 | 1.7E+00 |
| Zn-65 | 9.5E+00 | 2.7E-02 | 1.5E+01 | 3.7E-02 | 7.9E+01 | 3.1E+02 | 3.1E+00 |
| Nb-95 | 1.5E+01 | 3.6E-02 | 2.4E+01 | 4.8E-02 | 1.1E+02 | 3.2E+02 | 3.6E+00 |
| Zr-95 | 8.2E+00 | 1.6E-02 | 1.3E+01 | 2.3E-02 | 6.3E+01 | 2.4E+02 | 2.3E+00 |
| Ru-106 | 4.5E+01 | 7.6E-02 | 7.3E+01 | 1.1E-01 | 3.4E+02 | 1.3E+03 | 1.2E+01 |
| Ag-110m | 4.4E+00 | 8.2E-03 | 7.0E+00 | 1.2E-02 | 3.3E+01 | 1.3E+02 | 1.2E+00 |
| Sb-125 | 1.2E+01 | 2.1E-02 | 2.0E+01 | 2.9E-02 | 8.8E+01 | 3.3E+02 | 3.1E+00 |
| I-131 | 4.2E+00 | 7.6E-03 | 6.7E+00 | 1.0E-02 | 3.0E+01 | 1.0E+02 | 1.0E+00 |
| Ba-133 | 5.0E+00 | 1.3E-02 | 8.1E+00 | 1.8E-02 | 3.7E+01 | 1.4E+02 | 1.3E+00 |
| Cs-134 | 4.4E+00 | 8.3E-03 | 7.1E+00 | 1.2E-02 | 3.3E+01 | 1.3E+02 | 1.2E+00 |
| Cs-137 | 4.9E+00 | 9.4E-03 | 7.8E+00 | 1.3E-02 | 3.7E+01 | 1.4E+02 | 1.3E+00 |
| Ce-144 | 1.8E+01 | 4.5E-02 | 2.9E+01 | 5.8E-02 | 1.2E+02 | 4.3E+02 | 4.0E+00 |
| Pm-144 | 4.4E+00 | 7.6E-03 | 7.1E+00 | 1.0E-02 | 3.3E+01 | 1.3E+02 | 1.2E+00 |
| Eu-152 | 7.5E+00 | 1.8E-02 | 1.2E+01 | 2.2E-02 | 5.0E+01 | 1.8E+02 | 1.6E+00 |
| Eu-154 | 5.2E+00 | 1.2E-02 | 8.5E+00 | 1.6E-02 | 3.5E+01 | 1.2E+02 | 1.1E+00 |
| Eu-155 | 8.1E+00 | 1.7E-02 | 1.3E+01 | 2.2E-02 | 4.8E+01 | 1.7E+02 | 1.6E+00 |
| Tl-208 | 3.9E+00 | 9.1E-03 | 6.2E+00 | 1.0E-02 | 2.9E+01 | 1.1E+02 | 1.0E+00 |
| Pb-212 | 5.9E+00 | 8.9E-03 | 9.6E+00 | 1.2E-02 | 4.3E+01 | 1.6E+02 | 1.5E+00 |
| Bi-214 | 9.7E+00 | 2.3E-02 | 1.6E+01 | 2.1E-02 | 7.2E+01 | 2.8E+02 | 2.6E+00 |
| Pb-214 | 8.9E+00 | 1.6E-02 | 1.4E+01 | 3.2E-02 | 6.5E+01 | 2.4E+02 | 2.2E+00 |
| Ra-226 | 8.1E+01 | 1.3E-01 | 1.3E+02 | 1.6E-01 | 5.9E+02 | 2.1E+03 | 1.9E+01 |
| Ac-228 | 1.8E+01 | 4.1E-02 | 2.9E+01 | 4.7E-02 | 1.5E+02 | 5.7E+02 | 5.6E+00 |
| Pa-234 | 8.5E+00 | 2.3E-02 | 1.4E+01 | 3.0E-02 | 5.4E+01 | 1.9E+02 | 1.7E+00 |
| Pa-234m | 9.3E+02 | 1.7E+00 | 1.5E+03 | 2.3E+00 | 7.5E+03 | 3.0E+04 | 2.9E+02 |
| Th-234 | 8.5E+01 | 2.8E-01 | 1.4E+02 | 4.2E-01 | 4.6E+02 | 1.5E+03 | 1.5E+01 |
| U-235 | 4.9E+00 | 7.7E-03 | 8.0E+00 | 9.5E-03 | 3.6E+01 | 1.3E+02 | 1.2E+00 |
| Am-241 | 1.1E+01 | 3.3E-02 | 1.8E+01 | 4.7E-02 | 5.7E+01 | 2.0E+02 | 2.0E+00 |
Table 4 Model GAM-AN1 Detection Limits 50,000 second count time
| Geometry | Marinelli | Marinelli | Marinelli | Marinelli | 125ml bottle | 20ml vial | 47mm filter |
| Model | 138G | 138G | 590G | 590G | Nalgene | Packard | Gelman |
| Matrix | Water | Soil | Water | Soil | Water | Water | Filter |
| Density | 1.0 g/cc | 1.6 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | 1.6 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | N/A |
| Volume | 1.6 liter | 2560 gram | 0.5 liter | 800 gram | 0.125 liter | 0.020 liter | 1 filter |
| Isotope | pCi/L | pCi/g | pCi/L | pCi/g | pCi/L | pCi/L | pCi/filter |
| Na-22 | 1.8E+01 | 4.4E-02 | 1.2E+02 | 6.6E-02 | 2.1E+02 | 8.8E+02 | 1.0E+01 |
| K-40 | 1.9E+02 | 2.7E-01 | 1.2E+03 | 1.4E+00 | 2.3E+03 | 9.5E+03 | 1.1E+02 |
| Cr-51 | 1.6E+02 | 3.8E-01 | 7.7E+02 | 1.4E+00 | 1.8E+03 | 7.4E+03 | 7.3E+01 |
| Mn-54 | 1.8E+01 | 3.2E-02 | 1.1E+02 | 1.5E-01 | 2.4E+02 | 9.8E+02 | 1.1E+01 |
| Co-57 | 1.6E+01 | 3.8E-02 | 6.0E+01 | 1.0E-01 | 1.8E+02 | 6.6E+02 | 6.6E+00 |
| Co-58 | 1.7E+01 | 3.2E-02 | 1.0E+02 | 1.5E-01 | 2.2E+02 | 9.2E+02 | 9.8E+00 |
| Fe-59 | 2.9E+01 | 6.0E-02 | 1.9E+02 | 3.0E-01 | 3.8E+02 | 1.6E+03 | 1.8E+01 |
| Co-60 | 1.6E+01 | 3.8E-02 | 1.1E+02 | 2.0E-01 | 2.3E+02 | 9.8E+02 | 1.1E+01 |
| Zn-65 | 3.8E+01 | 7.0E-02 | 2.4E+02 | 3.5E-01 | 4.1E+02 | 1.7E+03 | 2.0E+01 |
| Nb-95 | 6.6E+01 | 1.4E-01 | 2.9E+02 | 4.5E-01 | 9.6E+02 | 3.8E+03 | 3.8E+01 |
| Zr-95 | 3.2E+01 | 6.3E-02 | 2.0E+02 | 3.0E-01 | 4.1E+02 | 1.7E+03 | 1.8E+01 |
| Ru-106 | 2.0E+02 | 5.1E-01 | 1.2E+03 | 2.2E+00 | 1.9E+03 | 8.0E+03 | 8.2E+01 |
| Ag-110m | 2.1E+01 | 6.0E-02 | 1.3E+02 | 2.7E-01 | 2.1E+02 | 8.7E+02 | 9.2E+00 |
| Sb-125 | 5.7E+01 | 9.8E-02 | 3.1E+02 | 3.9E-01 | 5.7E+02 | 2.4E+03 | 2.3E+01 |
| I-131 | 2.1E+01 | 4.4E-02 | 1.1E+02 | 1.3E-01 | 2.1E+02 | 8.5E+02 | 8.2E+00 |
| Ba-133 | 2.5E+01 | 4.7E-02 | 1.3E+02 | 1.8E-01 | 2.7E+02 | 1.1E+03 | 1.1E+01 |
| Cs-134 | 1.8E+01 | 3.1E-02 | 1.1E+02 | 1.3E-01 | 2.0E+02 | 8.2E+02 | 8.5E+00 |
| Cs-137 | 2.1E+01 | 3.8E-02 | 1.3E+02 | 1.7E-01 | 2.4E+02 | 9.8E+02 | 1.0E+01 |
| Ce-144 | 1.2E+02 | 2.8E-01 | 4.7E+02 | 7.2E-01 | 1.5E+03 | 5.4E+03 | 5.4E+01 |
| Pm-144 | 1.6E+01 | 3.1E-02 | 9.8E+01 | 1.4E-01 | 1.9E+02 | 7.9E+02 | 7.9E+00 |
| Eu-152 | 4.7E+01 | 1.1E-01 | 1.8E+02 | 3.0E-01 | 5.7E+02 | 2.1E+03 | 2.0E+01 |
| Eu-154 | 3.5E+01 | 7.9E-02 | 1.3E+02 | 2.2E-01 | 3.9E+02 | 1.4E+03 | 1.4E+01 |
| Eu-155 | 5.1E+01 | 1.5E-01 | 2.0E+02 | 4.4E-01 | 7.0E+02 | 2.5E+03 | 2.6E+01 |
| Tl-208 | 2.0E+01 | 3.5E-02 | 1.1E+02 | 1.5E-01 | 2.8E+02 | 1.2E+03 | 1.2E+01 |
| Pb-212 | 3.2E+01 | 6.6E-02 | 1.4E+02 | 2.2E-01 | 4.0E+02 | 1.6E+03 | 1.5E+01 |
| Bi-214 | 4.1E+01 | 6.6E-02 | 2.4E+02 | 2.9E-01 | 4.1E+02 | 1.7E+03 | 1.7E+01 |
| Pb-214 | 4.1E+01 | 8.5E-02 | 2.1E+02 | 3.1E-01 | 4.7E+02 | 1.9E+03 | 1.9E+01 |
| Ra-226 | 3.5E+02 | 8.2E-01 | 1.5E+03 | 2.4E+00 | 4.7E+03 | 1.8E+04 | 1.8E+02 |
| Ac-228 | 6.6E+01 | 1.2E-01 | 4.2E+02 | 5.9E-01 | 7.5E+02 | 3.1E+03 | 3.5E+01 |
| Pa-234 | 7.9E+01 | 1.8E-01 | 3.0E+02 | 4.9E-01 | 6.3E+02 | 2.3E+03 | 2.3E+01 |
| Pa-234m | 3.2E+03 | 5.7E+00 | 2.1E+04 | 2.8E+01 | 3.5E+04 | 1.4E+05 | 1.6E+03 |
| Th-234 | 5.1E+02 | 1.4E+00 | 2.0E+03 | 4.3E+00 | 5.7E+03 | 2.1E+04 | 2.3E+02 |
| U-235 | 2.2E+01 | 5.1E-02 | 9.2E+01 | 1.5E-01 | 2.9E+02 | 1.1E+03 | 1.1E+01 |
| Am-241 | 7.0E+01 | 2.0E-01 | 2.7E+02 | 6.1E-01 | 7.9E+02 | 3.0E+03 | 3.2E+01 |
Table 5 Model GAM-AN2 Detection Limits 1,000 second count time
| Geometry | Marinelli | Marinelli | Marinelli | Marinelli | 125ml bottle | 20ml vial | 47mm filter |
| Model | 138G | 138G | 590G | 590G | Nalgene | Packard | Gelman |
| Matrix | Water | Soil | Water | Soil | Water | Water | Filter |
| Density | 1.0 g/cc | 1.6 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | 1.6 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | N/A |
| Volume | 1.6 liter | 2560 gram | 0.5 liter | 800 gram | 0.125 liter | 0.020 liter | 1 filter |
| Isotope | pCi/L | pCi/g | pCi/L | pCi/g | pCi/L | pCi/L | pCi/filter |
| Na-22 | 5.7E+00 | 1.4E-02 | 3.8E+01 | 7.1E-02 | 6.7E+01 | 2.8E+02 | 3.2E+00 |
| K-40 | 5.9E+01 | 8.5E-02 | 3.9E+02 | 4.3E-01 | 7.2E+02 | 3.0E+03 | 3.5E+01 |
| Cr-51 | 5.0E+01 | 1.2E-01 | 2.4E+02 | 4.4E-01 | 5.8E+02 | 2.3E+03 | 2.3E+01 |
| Mn-54 | 5.6E+00 | 1.0E-02 | 3.5E+01 | 4.9E-02 | 7.5E+01 | 3.1E+02 | 3.4E+00 |
| Co-57 | 5.1E+00 | 1.2E-02 | 1.9E+01 | 3.3E-02 | 5.8E+01 | 2.1E+02 | 2.1E+00 |
| Co-58 | 5.4E+00 | 1.0E-02 | 3.3E+01 | 4.7E-02 | 6.9E+01 | 2.9E+02 | 3.1E+00 |
| Fe-59 | 9.1E+00 | 1.9E-02 | 5.9E+01 | 9.5E-02 | 1.2E+02 | 5.1E+02 | 5.7E+00 |
| Co-60 | 5.2E+00 | 1.2E-02 | 3.4E+01 | 6.2E-02 | 7.3E+01 | 3.1E+02 | 3.5E+00 |
| Zn-65 | 1.2E+01 | 2.2E-02 | 7.6E+01 | 1.1E-01 | 1.3E+02 | 5.5E+02 | 6.2E+00 |
| Nb-95 | 2.1E+01 | 4.3E-02 | 9.3E+01 | 1.4E-01 | 3.0E+02 | 1.2E+03 | 1.2E+01 |
| Zr-95 | 1.0E+01 | 2.0E-02 | 6.2E+01 | 9.4E-02 | 1.3E+02 | 5.4E+02 | 5.7E+00 |
| Ru-106 | 6.2E+01 | 1.6E-01 | 3.7E+02 | 7.1E-01 | 6.1E+02 | 2.5E+03 | 2.6E+01 |
| Ag-110m | 6.7E+00 | 1.9E-02 | 4.0E+01 | 8.4E-02 | 6.7E+01 | 2.8E+02 | 2.9E+00 |
| Sb-125 | 1.8E+01 | 3.1E-02 | 9.8E+01 | 1.2E-01 | 1.8E+02 | 7.5E+02 | 7.4E+00 |
| I-131 | 6.8E+00 | 1.4E-02 | 3.5E+01 | 4.2E-02 | 6.7E+01 | 2.7E+02 | 2.6E+00 |
| Ba-133 | 8.0E+00 | 1.5E-02 | 4.1E+01 | 5.6E-02 | 8.7E+01 | 3.5E+02 | 3.4E+00 |
| Cs-134 | 5.7E+00 | 9.8E-03 | 3.4E+01 | 4.2E-02 | 6.2E+01 | 2.6E+02 | 2.7E+00 |
| Cs-137 | 6.6E+00 | 1.2E-02 | 4.0E+01 | 5.4E-02 | 7.5E+01 | 3.1E+02 | 3.2E+00 |
| Ce-144 | 3.8E+01 | 8.9E-02 | 1.5E+02 | 2.3E-01 | 4.7E+02 | 1.7E+03 | 1.7E+01 |
| Pm-144 | 5.1E+00 | 9.7E-03 | 3.1E+01 | 4.5E-02 | 6.0E+01 | 2.5E+02 | 2.5E+00 |
| Eu-152 | 1.5E+01 | 3.6E-02 | 5.8E+01 | 9.4E-02 | 1.8E+02 | 6.5E+02 | 6.4E+00 |
| Eu-154 | 1.1E+01 | 2.5E-02 | 4.1E+01 | 6.9E-02 | 1.2E+02 | 4.5E+02 | 4.5E+00 |
| Eu-155 | 1.6E+01 | 4.9E-02 | 6.2E+01 | 1.4E-01 | 2.2E+02 | 7.9E+02 | 8.1E+00 |
| Tl-208 | 6.2E+00 | 1.1E-02 | 3.6E+01 | 4.8E-02 | 8.8E+01 | 3.6E+02 | 3.7E+00 |
| Pb-212 | 1.0E+01 | 2.1E-02 | 4.5E+01 | 6.9E-02 | 1.3E+02 | 5.0E+02 | 4.8E+00 |
| Bi-214 | 1.3E+01 | 2.1E-02 | 7.6E+01 | 9.3E-02 | 1.3E+02 | 5.3E+02 | 5.5E+00 |
| Pb-214 | 1.3E+01 | 2.7E-02 | 6.8E+01 | 9.7E-02 | 1.5E+02 | 6.0E+02 | 5.9E+00 |
| Ra-226 | 1.1E+02 | 2.6E-01 | 4.7E+02 | 7.6E-01 | 1.5E+03 | 5.8E+03 | 5.6E+01 |
| Ac-228 | 2.1E+01 | 3.8E-02 | 1.3E+02 | 1.9E-01 | 2.4E+02 | 9.9E+02 | 1.1E+01 |
| Pa-234 | 2.5E+01 | 5.6E-02 | 9.4E+01 | 1.5E-01 | 2.0E+02 | 7.2E+02 | 7.4E+00 |
| Pa-234m | 1.0E+03 | 1.8E+00 | 6.6E+03 | 8.9E+00 | 1.1E+04 | 4.6E+04 | 5.1E+02 |
| Th-234 | 1.6E+02 | 4.5E-01 | 6.2E+02 | 1.4E+00 | 1.8E+03 | 6.8E+03 | 7.3E+01 |
| U-235 | 6.9E+00 | 1.6E-02 | 2.9E+01 | 4.6E-02 | 9.3E+01 | 3.6E+02 | 3.4E+00 |
| Am-241 | 2.2E+01 | 6.2E-02 | 8.6E+01 | 1.9E-01 | 2.5E+02 | 9.5E+02 | 1.0E+01 |
Table 6 Model GAM-AN2 Detection Limits 10,000 second count time
| Geometry | Marinelli | Marinelli | Marinelli | Marinelli | 125ml bottle | 20ml vial | 47mm filter |
| Model | 138G | 138G | 590G | 590G | Nalgene | Packard | Gelman |
| Matrix | Water | Soil | Water | Soil | Water | Water | Filter |
| Density | 1.0 g/cc | 1.6 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | 1.6 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | 1.0 g/cc | N/A |
| Volume | 1.6 liter | 2560 gram | 0.5 liter | 800 gram | 0.125 liter | 0.020 liter | 1 filter |
| Isotope | pCi/L | pCi/g | pCi/L | pCi/g | pCi/L | pCi/L | pCi/filter |
| Na-22 | 2.9E+00 | 6.1E-03 | 1.9E+01 | 3.1E-02 | 3.7E+01 | 1.6E+02 | 1.8E-00 |
| K-40 | 2.6E+01 | 4.7E-02 | 1.7E+02 | 2.4E-01 | 3.8E+02 | 1.6E+03 | 1.9E+01 |
| Cr-51 | 2.5E+01 | 4.4E-02 | 1.2E+02 | 1.6E-01 | 3.1E+02 | 1.2E+03 | 1.2E+01 |
| Mn-54 | 2.9E+00 | 4.7E-03 | 1.8E+01 | 2.3E-02 | 4.2E+01 | 1.7E+02 | 1.9E+00 |
| Co-57 | 2.5E+00 | 5.8E-03 | 9.6E+00 | 1.6E-02 | 2.9E+01 | 1.1E+02 | 1.0E+00 |
| Co-58 | 3.0E+00 | 5.8E-03 | 1.9E+01 | 2.7E-02 | 4.9E+01 | 2.1E+02 | 2.2E+00 |
| Fe-59 | 5.3E+00 | 8.8E-03 | 3.5E+01 | 4.4E-02 | 7.0E+01 | 2.9E+02 | 3.3E+00 |
| Co-60 | 3.1E+00 | 6.5E-03 | 2.0E+01 | 3.3E-02 | 4.0E+01 | 1.7E+02 | 1.9E+00 |
| Zn-65 | 6.7E+00 | 1.0E-02 | 4.3E+01 | 5.1E-02 | 7.4E+01 | 3.1E+02 | 3.5E+00 |
| Nb-95 | 1.1E+01 | 2.3E-02 | 4.9E+01 | 7.7E-02 | 1.6E+02 | 6.3E+02 | 6.1E+00 |
| Zr-95 | 7.9E+00 | 8.3E-03 | 4.9E+01 | 3.9E-02 | 6.3E+01 | 2.6E+02 | 2.8E+00 |
| Ru-106 | 3.6E+01 | 4.5E-02 | 2.1E+02 | 2.0E-01 | 3.8E+02 | 1.6E+03 | 1.6E+01 |
| Ag-110m | 4.7E+00 | 4.5E-03 | 2.8E+01 | 2.0E-02 | 3.6E+01 | 1.5E+02 | 1.6E+00 |
| Sb-125 | 9.0E+00 | 1.5E-02 | 4.9E+01 | 5.9E-02 | 1.0E+02 | 4.2E+02 | 4.1E+00 |
| I-131 | 3.4E+00 | 5.3E-03 | 1.7E+01 | 1.6E-02 | 4.0E+01 | 1.6E+02 | 1.6E+00 |
| Ba-133 | 4.2E+00 | 6.7E-03 | 2.1E+01 | 2.5E-02 | 4.9E+01 | 2.0E+02 | 1.9E+00 |
| Cs-134 | 3.2E+00 | 4.4E-03 | 1.9E+01 | 1.9E-02 | 4.3E+01 | 1.8E+02 | 1.8E+00 |
| Cs-137 | 4.8E+00 | 5.1E-03 | 2.9E+01 | 2.3E-02 | 4.1E+01 | 1.7E+02 | 1.8E+00 |
| Ce-144 | 1.8E+01 | 4.3E-02 | 7.1E+01 | 1.1E-01 | 2.4E+02 | 8.9E+02 | 8.8E+00 |
| Pm-144 | 3.2E+00 | 4.3E-03 | 1.9E+01 | 2.0E-02 | 3.9E+01 | 1.6E+02 | 1.7E+00 |
| Eu-152 | 7.6E+00 | 1.8E-02 | 2.9E+01 | 4.7E-02 | 8.6E+01 | 3.2E+02 | 3.1E+00 |
| Eu-154 | 5.2E+00 | 1.2E-02 | 2.0E+01 | 3.3E-02 | 6.0E+01 | 2.2E+02 | 2.2E+00 |
| Eu-155 | 8.6E+00 | 1.4E-02 | 3.3E+01 | 4.0E-02 | 1.1E+02 | 3.8E+02 | 4.0E+00 |
| Tl-208 | 3.2E+00 | 5.0E-03 | 1.9E+01 | 2.2E-02 | 7.1E+01 | 2.9E+02 | 3.0E+01 |
| Pb-212 | 5.1E+00 | 1.0E-02 | 2.3E+01 | 3.3E-02 | 6.4E+01 | 2.5E+02 | 2.4E+00 |
| Bi-214 | 7.7E+00 | 9.3E-03 | 4.5E+01 | 4.1E-02 | 8.7E+01 | 3.6E+02 | 3.7E+00 |
| Pb-214 | 7.2E+00 | 1.2E-02 | 3.6E+01 | 4.3E-02 | 8.5E+01 | 3.4E+02 | 3.4E+00 |
| Ra-226 | 6.1E+01 | 1.3E-01 | 2.5E+02 | 3.8E-01 | 7.7E+02 | 3.0E+03 | 2.9E+01 |
| Ac-228 | 1.5E+01 | 1.6E-02 | 9.5E+01 | 7.8E-02 | 1.3E+02 | 5.4E+02 | 5.9E+00 |
| Pa-234 | 1.2E+01 | 2.7E-02 | 4.5E+01 | 7.4E-02 | 1.0E+02 | 3.6E+02 | 3.7E+00 |
| Pa-234m | 5.1E+02 | 8.1E-01 | 3.3E+03 | 4.0E+00 | 6.4E+03 | 2.7E+04 | 3.0E+02 |
| Th-234 | 9.1E+01 | 2.1E-01 | 3.6E+02 | 6.3E-01 | 1.1E+03 | 3.9E+03 | 4.2E+01 |
| U-235 | 3.7E+00 | 8.0E-03 | 1.5E+01 | 2.3E-02 | 4.7E+01 | 1.8E+02 | 1.7E+00 |
| Am-241 | 1.3E+01 | 2.8E-02 | 5.2E+01 | 8.7E-02 | 1.4E+02 | 5.2E+02 | 5.6E+00 |
Table 7 Model GAM-AN2 Detection Limits 50,000 second count time
| Nuclide Name | Half-Life (Seconds) | Energy (keV) | Yield (%) | |
| Na-22 | 8.21E+07 | 1274.5 | 179.8 | |
| K-40 | 4.03E+16 | 1460.8 | 10.7 | |
| Cr-51 | 2.39E+06 | 320.1 | 10.1 | |
| Mn-54 | 2.70E+07 | 834.8 | 100.0 | |
| Co-57 | 2.35E+07 | 122.1 | 85.9 | |
| Co-58 | 6.13E+06 | 810.8 | 99.4 | |
| Fe-59 | 3.84E+06 | 1099.3 | 56.5 | |
| Co-60 | 1.66E+08 | 1332.5 | 100.0 | |
| Zn-65 | 2.11E+07 | 1115.6 | 50.7 | |
| Nb-95 | 3.12E+05 | 235.7 | 24.1 | |
| Zr-95 | 5.53E+06 | 756.7 | 54.5 | |
| Ru-106 | 3.18E+07 | 621.8 | 9.8 | |
| Ag-110m | 2.16E+07 | 657.8 | 94.6 | |
| Sb-125 | 8.62E+07 | 427.9 | 29.4 | |
| I-131 | 6.95E+05 | 364.5 | 81.2 | |
| Ba-133 | 3.32E+08 | 356.0 | 62.1 | |
| Cs-134 | 6.51E+07 | 604.7 | 97.6 | |
| Cs-137 | 9.47E+08 | 661.7 | 85.2 | |
| Ce-144 | 2.46E+07 | 133.5 | 11.1 | |
| Pm-144 | 3.14E+07 | 696.5 | 99.5 | |
| Eu-152 | 4.27E+08 | 121.8 | 28.4 | |
| Eu-154 | 2.71E+08 | 123.1 | 40.4 | |
| Eu-155 | 1.48E+08 | 86.5 | 32.8 | |
| Tl-208 | 4.42E+17(1) | 583.2 | 84.5 | *U-232 |
| Pb-212 | 4.43E+17(1) | 238.6 | 44.6 | *U-232 |
| Bi-214 | 5.05E+10(2) | 609.3 | 46.3 | *Ra-226 |
| Pb-214 | 5.05E+10(2) | 351.9 | 35.8 | *Ra-226 |
| Ra-226 | 5.05E+10 | 186.1 | 3.5 | |
| Ac-228 | 4.43E+17(1) | 911.6 | 27.7 | *U-232 |
| Pa-234 | 1.41E+17(3) | 946.0 | 20.0 | *U-238 |
| Pa-234M | 1.41E+17(3) | 1001.0 | 0.6 | *U-238 |
| Th-234 | 2.08E+06(3) | 63.3 | 4.5 | *U-238 |
| U-235 | 2.22E+16 | 185.7 | 57.5 | |
| Am-241 | 1.37E+10 | 59.5 | 35.9 | |
| (1)Half-life secular equilibrium with U-232 | ||||
| (2)Half-life secular equilibrium with Ra-226 | ||||
| (3)Half-life secular equilibrium with U-238 | ||||
| (4)All nuclide information (except as noted above) was attained | ||||
| from the National Nuclear Data Center, 1992. | ||||
Appendix A Gamma Analyst Nuclide Library(4)
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