In Situ Determination of Radionuclides in the Oil and Gas Fields

摘要

We have shown that an in-field gamma-ray spectrometer to determine ~(226)Ra, ~(228)Ra and ~(210)Pb in the field is now possible. Field readings for a 20 gram sample within 15 minutes is now possible with a background automatically recorded at each location. Results are displayed with readings in pCi/g. It has been tested up to 140 F° which is very important in the oil exploration areas of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Additional features will include a GPS and a wireless transmitter for convenient use to a tablet or smart phone. This system has the potential to be applied in environmental contamination for _(137)CS and nuclear forensics studies of fission products or radiological dispersive devices.