Testing and implementation of a transportable and robust radio-element mapping system
Date
2015-09-25
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academy of Science of South Africa
Abstract
Gamma ray spectroscopy has been successfully applied as a survey tool in the fields of morphology, geology
and mineral exploration. Gamma ray surveys are regularly done at ground level, which frequently requires
transecting remote and unforgiving environments. Thus a need for the development of a transportable,
robust and portable gamma ray detection system was identified. In addition to collecting radiation data, such
a system was required to also provide the geographic position of the data and allow for various analyses
tools to be utilised in the field. These functions were achieved by integrating a USB-driven scintillation
detector with a field tablet and creating software to control acquisition and analyses of radiation data, as
well as logging position. The system was tested in different geographical locations under different modes
of transport. The instrument was tested by employing several different methods of data analysis in order to
extract natural nuclide condensations. The consistency in the obtained data demonstrated the reliability of
the instrument in the different environments. The system also successfully replicated previous radio-element
survey findings and provided information on several geographical phenomena, including information on the
geology, paved road structure and beach sediment characteristics.
Description
CITATION: Bezuidenhout, J. 2015. Testing and implementation of a transportable and robust radio-element mapping system. South African Journal of Science, 111(9-10): 1-7, doi: 10.17159/sajs.2015/20140350.
The original publication is available at http://www.sajs.co.za
The original publication is available at http://www.sajs.co.za
Keywords
Gamma ray spectroscopy, Scintillation detector, In-situ measurements, Naturally occurring radionuclides, Geographical information systems, Gamma ray spectrometers -- Transportable, Nuclear spectrometry
Citation
Bezuidenhout, J. 2015. Testing and implementation of a transportable and robust radio-element mapping system. South African Journal of Science, 111(9-10): 1-7, doi: 10.17159/sajs.2015/20140350