Gamma Spectroscopy and Field Use of The Inspector 1000

1 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: This one day seminar will focus on becoming fully operational with the CANBERRA Inspector 1000 source locater, dose rate monitor, and fully functional multi-channel analyzer, isotope identifier.  The seminar will demonstrate the ease of out of the box success before moving on to more advanced topics.  Complete instrument setup, calibration, operation, data analysis, and trouble shooting of the Inspector 1000 will be covered in detail.  A variety of Inspector 1000 compatible gamma spec probes will be compared and contrasted such as the efficient, energy stabilized NaI probe and the superior resolution of the LaBr probe.  Practical applications of the inspector 1000 will be reviewed such as emergency response, field screening, and field, laboratory, and process control sample analysis.  Finally, Genie 2000 topics as applied to the inspector 1000 will be reviewed such as nuclide library editing, efficiency calibrations, analysis sequence files, ROI definitions and other topics.  Although there are no pre-requisites for the course, Genie 2000 and/or gamma spectroscopy experience is very useful.

Instructor: Richard Machado
Price: $500.00
Date: June 15th, 2009

Interpretation of Gamma Spectra

1 Day Seminar - NEW!

Seminar Description: The analysis of a spectrum requires a knowledge of the physical processes that produce peaks in a spectrum, a knowledge of how the application software works, some common sense about what is physically realistic, and the ability to integrate this information. Towards this end, the following topics will be presented in this seminar:

• A review of the features found in spectra and the physical processes responsible for them
• A review of some of the Genie 2000 algorithms and their corresponding analysis parameters
• A discussion of the effect these parameters can have on the analysis
• An analysis of a spectrum that requires integrating the above facts to arrive at a meaningful solution

Students may bring spectra for consideration on 3.5 inch diskette in Genie 2000 compatible format. If time allows, review of student supplied spectra will be reviewed.

Instructor: Warren Western
Price: $500.00
Date: June 15th 2009

Gross Alpha/Beta Fundamentals

1 Day Seminar

Purpose: This course is provides alpha/beta training that is applicable to a wide range of Canberra instruments.

Seminar Description: This one-day course covers the basics of how alpha/beta counters operate. In addition to theory and design, implementation of different methodologies will be discussed.

Topics covered include:

• History of Canberra, Tennelec, and Eurisys Systems
• Physics of Alpha/Beta
• Types of Detectors
• Calibrations
• Sample Counting
• Quality Control
• Software Examples
• Implementing ANSI N42.25

Instructor: Lee Reagan
Price: $500.00
Date: June 15th 2009

Introduction to ISOCS & LabSOCS

1 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: This seminar is intended to provide a general introduction to the ISOCS and LabSOCS mathematical efficiency calibration software (versions 4.0 and higher). Attendees are strongly advised to satisfy both of the following prerequisites: familiarity with basic concepts of gamma spectroscopy, and some previous training/experience with the Genie-2000 software. [Note: completion of this seminar will provide adequate preparation for the “ISOCS and LabSOCS – Advanced Topics” seminar to be presented on the following day.]

Lecture and discussion topics will include: use of the Geometry Composer window, features of the 20 standard ISOCS and 8 standard LabSOCS geometry templates, tips for proper template parameter entry, the Materials Library editor, changing the default efficiency calculation parameters, detector field-of-view, and detector positioning conventions. Several common container shapes (e.g., B-25 box, 55-gallon drum, Marinelli beaker, 20-cc vial) will be selected as practical examples to demonstrate the complete ISOCS/LabSOCS efficiency calibration process, including: selecting an ISOCS or LabSOCS geometry template, entering all required geometry parameters, viewing the Geometry Composer report, generating the efficiency data points, creating an efficiency calibration file, and proper use of the calibration file during spectral analyses in Genie-2000.

Instructor: Dave Groff
Price: $500.00
Date: June 15th 2009

First Responder Field Exercise

1 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: This training course will cover extensive training on CANBERRA products and solutions including: Personal Dosimetry, Coordinated Team Response, Survey Instrumentation, and Isotopic Identification. The course will teach the proper technique for using CANBERRA instrumentation in Field Emergency Response. This course will provide extensive hand-on training and practice with actual radiological material to show how to detect, survey, and identify materials in question. This is a “live agent” course using radiological/nuclear materials.

Instructor: Mike Beal / Kevin Carmichael
Price: - Free to Attend !
Date: June 15th 2009

Crystal Reports for Apex-Gamma

1 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: This one day seminar provides instructions and demonstrations on how to customize Apex-gamma reports using Crystal Reports. Included in these demonstrations are the creation of customized database views to support the creation of new Apex reports and the editing of existing Apex reports and the creation of completely new reports for Apex-gamma. Basic aspects of the Apex-gamma database will be touched upon and integration of new reports and sub-reports into Apex-gamma will be covered as well.

Instructor: Bill Pyle
Price: $500.00
Date: June 16th 2009

Gamma Spectroscopy Using the Portable, Electrically Cooled, Falcon 5000 Broad Energy Germanium Detector

1 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: This seminar will focus on the setup, customization and operation of the extremely powerful and versatile Canberra Falcon 5000. The course will begin with achieving results utilizing the simplified user interface before progressing to full Genie 2000 applications. Attributes such as the wireless communication with the fully functional tablet computer will be demonstrated. Practical applications of the Falcon 5000 portable, battery operated, electrically pulse tube cooled, high resolution gamma spectroscopy unit will be reviewed. Applications include emergency response, field and laboratory analysis, conventional efficiency determinations or ISOCS efficiency calculations as well as safeguards type measurements such as enrichment determinations. Genie 2000 and basic gamma spectroscopy experience is helpful but not required.

Instructor: Richard Machado
Price: $500.00
Date: June 16th 2009

Genie Algorithms

1 Day Seminar

Prerequisite: Familiarity with the basic concepts of radiation and measurements along with a working knowledge of Canberra’s Genie Spectroscopy platform is prerequisite.

Seminar Description: This seminar is designed to introduce the mathematical and analytical concepts and methods used in Canberra’s gamma-ray spectroscopy software. It is intended for those users who already have some prior experience using Canberra’s PC-based Genie systems (VMS topics will be addressed, but the primary emphasis is on the PC-based systems). While some operational aspects of the Genie platform are discussed, it is assumed that the students have already mastered its basic operation. The primary focus of this course is the most critical steps of the data reduction algorithms used by Canberra in the Genie software environment. Also included is a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of each analysis method, as well as their relationship to alternative techniques.

The following functions of gamma-ray spectrum analysis are described.

• Calibrating detectors
• Finding peaks and calculating their areas
• Calculating an efficiency
• Subtracting an environmental background
• Identifying nuclides
• Correcting for decay
• Correcting for interferences
• Weighted mean activity
• Detection limits
• ISOCS calculations
• Coincidence summing corrections

Instructor: TBD
Price: $500.00
Date: June 16th, 2009

ISOCS and LabSOCS - Advanced Topics

1 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: This seminar will address a variety of topics of potential interest to advanced users of the ISOCS and LabSOCS software. Attendees are strongly advised to satisfy all of the following prerequisites: familiarity with basic concepts of gamma spectroscopy, previous training/experience with the Genie-2000 software, and some familiarity with basic ISOCS and/or LabSOCS software operations.

Lecture and discussion topics will include: proper use of the more complex ISOCS geometry templates, "infinite" source distributions, "massimetric" efficiency calculations, tips for proper spectral analysis data review, cascade summing effects, and propagation of ISOCS/LabSOCS uncertainty factors. Use of ISOCS and LabSOCS for various advanced measurement applications will be discussed, including: surface soil, subsurface soil, surface contamination, composite source materials, and high-Z materials. A variety of practical geometry template examples will be presented and discussed, including some specific measurement applications suggested by attendees. (Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptop computers with Genie-2000 and ISOCS/LabSOCS software, if available.)

Instructor: Dave Groff
Price: $500.00
Date: June 16th 2009

QA/QC Implementation in Real World Gamma Spectroscopy Systems

1 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: During recent years, quality control and quality assurance have gained increased attention from the operators of analytical equipment. The gamma spectrometer systems of today are not significantly different from those that have been employed for a number of years. However, the increased emphasis on quality assurance record keeping by regulators and radio analysis laboratory customers and the improved database technology for storing large amounts of data that is available today have made it necessary and possible for effective QA software to be a key part of any count room. Electronic storage of the data is the easy part. Knowing what parameters to track, what types of QA tests to use and how interpret the QA results is more difficult and is critical to having a good QA/QC program. Since most operators of analytical instruments are audited on regular basis, a good QA record keeping package must make data readily-accessible and easily defensible.

What we present here is additional parameters that should be monitored in order to maintain a gamma spectroscopy system at peak performance over the equipment’s lifetime. Data from these parameters give early warnings as to possible problems with the system as well as information for troubleshooting the problems.

The information presented is based on years of intensive cooperation between many users of electronic QA packages and consultancy work performed by CANBERRA to help customers successfully pass their audits and achieve accreditations for their counting laboratories. The goal is to provide advice as to how to create an accurate and balanced QA program which can alert the user to any situation that may cause the system to report erroneous results.

Topics covered are:

• Overview of Quality Assurance Requirements
• Use of QA Files for Monitoring System Performance
• Frequency of Quality Control measurements
• Recommended QA Parameter Definitions
• Using the Genie-2000 Quality Assurance Editor
• Performing Routine QA Counts
• Transferring QA Parameter Results to a QA File
• Reviewing QA File Results
• Additional Methods for Evaluating Data Quality
• Recommended Responses to QA Test Failures
• Implementing QA counts in basic Genie-2000
• Automation of QA counts in basic Genie-2000

Instructor: Warren Western
Price: $500.00
Date: June 16th 2009

APEX-Alpha/Beta Overview

1 Day Seminar - NEW, Free to Attend !

Seminar Description: This one-day seminar covers the basics of using APEX-Alpha/Beta software. It will provide attendees with information on setup, calibration, and sample counting. Course Content

Topics covered are:

• Architecture Overview
• Calibrations
• Sample Counting
• Calculations
• Quality Control
• System Utilities
• Custom Report Generation

Instructor: Lee Reagan
Price: Free to Attend !
Date: June 16th 2009

Contamination Monitor Operation (ARGOS/GEM/SIRIUS/CRONOS)

1 Day Seminar

Prerequisite: Basic understanding of radiation and radiation detection principles, and basic knowledge of the Windows environment.

Seminar Description: The contamination monitor operation course was designed as an introductory level course for current and future users of the complete range of CANBERRA contamination monitors. These are: ARGOS-5 surface contamination monitor, GEM-5 Gamma Exit Monitor, SIRIUS-5 Hand and Foot Monitor, and CRONOS small article monitor.

Because the complete range of product offerings is built on the same software architecture, attendees will obtain a good basic understanding of how to operate and maintain any one of the contamination monitors.

In addition, the fundamental operating characteristics of the recently introduced networking and remote access software (CRemote) will be introduced.

Instructor: Chris Sones and Terry Schwager

Price: $500.00
Date: June 16th 2009

NDA 2000 Operations

2 Day Seminar - NEW!

Prerequisite: Familiarity with CANBERRA's Genie2K spectroscopy application software is required.

Seminar Description: This seminar focuses on NDA 2000, Canberra’s waste assay software for the Genie 2000 family of systems. Subjects discussed will include Counter Setups, Counter Calibration, Counter Quality Assurance, Sample Assay, and Total Measurement Uncertainty. These discussions will focus on gamma systems, with some reference made to neutron systems.

Product discussions will cover the architecture of the NDA 2000 environment, Counter setup and calibration, Sample count type setup, QA, Reporting, Data Review, and Batch Processing. Interactions with Genie2K utilities, user security, and the NDA 2000 databases will also be discussed.

Instructor : Greg Landry
Price: $1,000.00
Date : June 15th - 16th, 2009

Apex-InVivo System Setup and Operation Seminar

2 Day Seminar - NEW!

Seminar Description: This one-day seminar provides a cursory overview of the setup, and a thorough overview of the operation of CANBERRA's Apex-InVivo WBC system software for operators and for support and supervisory personnel.

Topics covered include:

• Apex-InVivo architecture overview
• Potential IT setup pitfalls
• User access options and required privileges
• Production folders and files
• Apex-Invivo setup options
• Routine count methodology
• Energy and efficiency calibrations
• Analysis report options
• Recommended analyses and analysis parameter settings
• Analysis sequence files
• QA parameters to monitor
• Data archival and restore operations

Instructor : Mike Diaz
Price: $1,000.00
Date : June 15th - 16th, 2009

Alpha Spectrometry

2 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: This two-day seminar discusses the basics of alpha spectrometry, sample preparation and data analysis. Typical workplace examples will be emphasized. Topics include, but are not limited to the following:

• The occurrence of alpha-emitting radio nuclides in the environment
• Basics of alpha radiation, radiation detection, and radiation spectroscopy
• Energy and efficiency calibrations
• Prevention of recoil contamination
• Basics of sample preparation for alpha spectrometry
• Types of ion exchange and extraction chromatographic resins
• Rapid Methods for emergency response
• Sample mounting by electro-deposition and micro-precipitation
• Background and reagent blank correction
• QA/QC considerations
• Nuclide activity calculations
• Counting statistics
• Propagation of counting and analysis errors

This course is designed for students new to alpha spectrometry as well as experienced analyst. Newcomers will learn the fundamental applications of alpha spectrometry, while veteran users will review concepts and discover new techniques. Specific radiochemical and alpha spectrometry procedures for thorium, uranium, and plutonium in environmental and bioassay metrics will be reviewed. The course will include problem solving. It is recommended that students bring their own calculators.

Instructor Cathey Sharp
Price: $1,000.00
Date : June 15th - 16th, 2009

Genie 2000 Operations Refresher Seminar

2 Day Seminar

Seminar Description: The Genie2K software operation course will be for those who have previously used the software and will review and discuss in-depth the concepts of calibrations, including energy, efficiency, and peak to total calibrations for coincidence correction, as well as sample collection, analysis, interactive peak fit, and spectral analysis utilizing the Genie 2000 Spectroscopy system. The course will also cover the more advanced topics associated with analysis sequence files, geometry composer, nuclide libraries and result reporting. It is not intended for those new or potential users of Genie 2000.

The course starts with a short review of the system’s application and sample collection features. It then covers advanced topics in the use of nuclide libraries, analysis sequence files, interactive peak fit, spectral analysis and quality assurance editors. The course stresses the use of interactive Genie 2000 environment for performing data acquisition and analysis as well as efficiency calibrations and calibrations to correct for coincidence summing effects. Concepts are taught using lecture, power point presentation, simulated detectors, and example spectra for analysis, calibration, and viewing.

Course Content

• Course Introduction
• Gamma spectroscopy applications and sample collection review
• Nuclide Library Editor advanced topics
• System energy, shape, efficiency, and peak to total calibrations
• Geometry Composer
• Coincidence summing corrections with and without LABSOCS
• Analysis sequence editing and use
• Choosing the correct analysis engines and setup options
• Interactive peak fit and spectral analysis
• Genie 2000 reporting and report options
• Solving sample collection, analysis, and reporting challenges

Instructor Frank Liptak
Price: $1,000.00
Date : June 15th - 16th, 2009