摘要 |
An apparatus, methods, and systems for assaying materials are disclosed using a combination of detectors that scan for areas of material non-uniformity, and assay the type and amount of radioactivity present in the material. Scanning detectors are provided to scan for non-uniform levels of radiation emanating from the material. If any non-uniformity is detected by the scanning detectors, the material non-uniformity is removed and handled with radioactive material protocols. The remaining material may then be subject to assay. If the material shows no signs of non-uniform radiation emission, the assay detectors are used to assay the material. If the concentration of any one or more radionuclides exceeds a predetermined limit, the assayed material is handled with radioactive material protocols. If there are no indications of non-uniformity and all the radionuclides meet the limit, the material is safe for release or clearance from radiological controls (including disposal in a landfill, recycling or other unrestricted uses). A system is also disclosed using a plurality of assay stations.
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