• 한국안전학회지
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• 제8권4호
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• pp.165-174
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• 1993

For the safety assessment of the demonstration-scale incineration plant for treating the combustible radioactive wastes, radiation doses of a worker and a residential individual were estimated. The demonstration plant showed a good performance of trial-burn tests using non-radioactive tracers with resulting In high mass reduction of around 40 times and very low emmission of dusts through a stack, which promised a high decontamination factor in an order of 10$^{7}$ . Based on the result s obtained from the trial-burns in the process, the estimation of radiation dose for workers and general publics near the plant was made using dose pathway calculation theories. The parametric values for calculation were selected from design and operational results of the process and from more conservative conditions In reference data. The estimated annual doses for workers and residential indivisuals were 3.07 $\times$ 10$^{-4}$ and 4.35 X 10$^{-8}$ $\mu$Sv/y, respectively, which were high enough to operate the process when comparing with the allowable dose limit in the regulation. The dose calculation models were quite applicable with showing an excellent safety for the process.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.291-300
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• 2016

Background: It is necessary to assess radiation dose to workers due to inhalation of airborne particulates containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) to ensure radiological safety required by the Natural Radiation Safety Management Act. The objective of this study is to develop an internal dose assessment procedure for workers at industries using raw materials containing natural radionuclides. Materials and Methods: The dose assessment procedure was developed based on harmonization, accuracy, and proportionality. The procedure includes determination of dose assessment necessity, preliminary dose estimation, airborne particulate sampling and characterization, and detailed assessment of radiation dose. Results and Discussion: The developed dose assessment procedure is as follows. Radioactivity concentration criteria to determine dose assessment necessity are $10Bq{\cdot}g^{-1}$ for $^{40}K$ and $1Bq{\cdot}g^{-1}$ for the other natural radionuclides. The preliminary dose estimation is performed using annual limit on intake (ALI). The estimated doses are classified into 3 groups ( < 0.1 mSv, 0.1-0.3 mSv, and > 0.3 mSv). Air sampling methods are determined based on the dose estimates. Detailed dose assessment is performed using air sampling and particulate characterization. The final dose results are classified into 4 different levels ( < 0.1 mSv, 0.1-0.3 mSv, 0.3-1 mSv, and > 1 mSv). Proper radiation protection measures are suggested according to the dose level. The developed dose assessment procedure was applied for NORM industries in Korea, including coal combustion, phosphate processing, and monazite handing facilities. Conclusion: The developed procedure provides consistent dose assessment results and contributes to the establishment of optimization of radiological protection in NORM industries.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.231-240
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• 2001

When it is assumed that PWR, CANDU and DUPIC spent fuels are disposed of in deep geological repository, consequent annual individual doses are calculated, and it is shown that doses meet the regulatory limit. From these results, the hazardous radionuclides applicable to partitioning and transmutation are selected. These selected radionuclides such as Tc-99, Ⅰ-129, Cs-135 and Np-237 are then reviewed in terms of partitioning and transmutation. Separation of I-129, Np-237 and Tc-99 from spent fuels is considered desirable, and transmutation of these radionuclides results in remarkable hazard reduction. However, it is concluded that separation and transmutation of Cs-135 may be ineffective although it is classified into a hazardous radionuclide.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제52권8호
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• pp.1784-1791
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• 2020

The 14 MeV neutron generator facility is being developed by the Institute for Plasma Research India to conduct the lab scale experiments related to Indian breeding blanket system for ITER and DEMO. It will also be utilized for material testing, shielding experiments and development of fusion diagnostics. Occupational radiation exposure control is necessary for the all kind of nuclear facilities to get the operational licensing from governing authorities and nuclear regulatory bodies. In the same way, the radiation exposure for the 14 MeV neutron generator facility at the occupational worker area and accessible zones for general workers should be under the permissible limit of AERB India. The generator is designed for the yield of 10¹² n/s. The shielding assessment has been made to estimate the radiation dose during the operational time of the neutron generator. The facility has many utilities and constraints like ventilation ducts, accessible doors, accessibility of neutron generator components and to conduct the experiments which make the shielding assessment challenging to provide proper safety for occupational workers and the general public. The neutron and gamma dose rates have been estimated using the MCNP radiation transport code and ENDF -VII nuclear data libraries. The ICRP-74 fluence to dose conversion coefficients has been used for the assessment. The annual radiation exposure has been assessed by considering 500 h per year operational time. The provision of local shield near to neutron generator has been also evaluated to reduce the annual radiation doses. The comprehensive results of radiation shielding capability of neutron generator building and local shield design have been presented in the paper along with detailed maps of radiation field.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제49권8호
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• pp.1752-1757
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• 2017

The aim of this study is to evaluate the radioactivity levels and radiological impacts of representative black sand samples collected from different locations in the Rashid area, Egypt. These samples were prepared and then analyzed using the high-resolution gamma ray spectroscopy technique with a high-purity germanium detector. The activity concentration ($A_c$), minimum detectable activity, absorbed gamma dose rate, external hazard index ($H_{ex}$), annual effective dose rate equivalent, radium equivalent, as well as external and internal hazard index ($H_{ex}$ and $H_{in}$, respectively) were estimated based on the measured radionuclide concentration of the $^{238}U$($^{226}Ra$) and $^{232}Th$ decay chains and $^{40}K$. The activity concentrations of the $^{238}U$, $^{232}Th$ decay series and $^{40}K$ of these samples varied from $45.11{\pm}3.1Bq/kg$ to $252.38{\pm}34.3Bq/kg$, from $64.65{\pm}6.1Bq/kg$ to $579.84{\pm}53.1Bq/kg$, and from $403.36{\pm}20.8Bq/kg$ to $527.47{\pm}23.1Bq/kg$, respectively. The activity concentration of $^{232}Th$ in Sample 1 has the highest value compared to the other samples; this value is also higher than the worldwide mean range as reported by UNSCEAR 2000. The total absorbed gamma dose rate and the annual effective dose for these samples were found to vary from 81.19 nGy/h to 497.81 nGy/h and from $99.86{\mu}Sv/y$ to $612.31{\mu}Sv/y$, which are higher than the world average values of 59 nGy/h and $70{\mu}Sv/y$, respectively. The $H_{ex}$ values were also calculated to be 3.02, 0.47, 0.63, 0.87, 0.87, 0.51 and 0.91. It was found that the calculated value of $H_{ex}$ for Sample 1 is significantly higher than the international acceptable limit of <1. The results are tabulated, depicted, and discussed within national and international frameworks, levels, and approaches.

• 대한안전경영과학회지
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.207-212
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• 2015

When performing Chest x-ray examination to pregnant woman, normally we shield back side of abdomen. In this situation, scattered rays made by equipment and surrounding structure can enter front side of abdomen. Therefore, in this study, we evaluate suitability of abdomen shield especially to pregnant woman. In case of One shielding material placed back of abdomen, the measured value is $0.676{\pm}0.19uSv/hr$. Two shielding material is $0.764{\pm}0.04uSv/hr$. Three is $0.685{\pm}0.16uSv/hr$. The exposure dose inferred in this study does not excess annual effective dose limit. But It is not mean absolute safety. So we have to minimize occurrence of stochastic effect of radiosensitivity by shielding front side of abdomen of pregnant woman in clinic.

• 방사선산업학회지
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.161-172
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• 2023

Coal-fired power plants handle large quantities of coal, one of the most prominent NORM, and the coal ash produced after the coal is burned can be tens of times more radioactive than the coal. Workers in these industries may be exposed to internal exposure by inhalation of particles while handling NORM. This study evaluated the size, concentration, particle shape and density, and radioactivity concentrations of airborne suspended particles in the main processes of a coal-fired power plant. Finally, the internal radiation dose to workers from particle inhalation was evaluated. For this purpose, airborne particles were collected by size using a multi-stage particle collector to determine the size, shape, and concentration of particles. Samples of coal and coal ash were collected to measure the density and radioactivity of particles. The dose conversion factor and annual radionuclide inhalation amount were derived based on the characteristics of the particles. Finally, the internal radiation dose due to particle inhalation was evaluated. Overall, the internal radiation dose to workers in the main processes of coalfired power plants A and B ranged from 1.47×10^-5~1.12×10^-3 mSv y^-1. Due to the effect of dust generated during loading operations, the internal radiation dose of fly ash loading processes in both coal-fired power plants A and B was higher than that of other processes. In the case of workers in the coal storage yard at power plants A and B, the characteristic values such as particle size, airborne concentration, and working time were the same, but due to the difference in radioactivity concentration and density depending on the origin of the coal, the internal radiation dose by origin was different, and the highest was found when inhaling coal imported from Australia among the five origins. In addition, the main nuclide contributing the most to the internal radiation dose from the main processes in the coal-fired power plants was thorium due to differences in dose conversion factors. However, considering the external radiation dose of workers in coal-fired power plants presented in overseas research cases, the annual effective dose of workers in the main processes of power plants A and B does not exceed 1mSv y^-1, which is the dose limit for the general public notified by the Nuclear Safety Act. The results of this study can be utilized to identify the internal exposure levels of workers in domestic coal-fired power plants and will contribute to the establishment of a data base for a differential safety management system for NORM-handling industries in the future.

• 핵의학기술
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.9-16
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• 2010

본 연구는 방사성동위원소의 의학적 이용도가 증가함에 따라 의료기관 핵의학과 방사선 관계종사자의 직무 별 방사선 이용에 대한 개인 방사선 피폭선량의 실태를 파악하여, 방사선 위험에 대해 경각심을 고취시키고, 방사선 관계종사자들에게 안전관리와 합리적인 피폭선량 관리에 도움을 주고자 분석하였다. 2007년 1월 1일부터 2009년 12월 31일까지 의료기관에서 근무하는 핵의학 방사선 관계종사자로 분류되어 개인 방사선피폭선량 측정을 정기적, 연속적으로 3년 간 조사 관리된 40명의 종사자를 대상으로 직종 별, 영상실 별, 연령 별, 선량구간 별, 직무 별 관련업무를 파악하여 심부선량에 대하여 연간평균피폭선량을 각각 분석하였다. 분석법으로는 빈도분석과 ANOVA를 시행하였다. 3년 간 영상실 별 연간피폭선량은 PET 및 PET/CT 영상실이 11.06~12.62 mSv로 가장 높은 피폭선량을 보였고, 감마카메라 주사실이 11.72 mSv로 높았으며, 직종 별 연간평균피폭선량은 임상병리사가 8.92 mSv로 가장 높았고, 방사선사 7.50 mSv, 간호사 2.61 mSv, 연구원 0.69 mSv, 접수 0.48 mSv, 의사 0.35 mSv 순으로 나타났으며, 세부업무에 따른 직무별 연간평균피폭선량은 PET 및 PET/CT 업무가 12.09 mSv로 가장 높은 피폭선량을 보였으며, 감마카메라 주사실이 11.72 mSv, 싸이크로트론 관련 합성 업무 8.92 mSv, 감마카메라 영상업무 4.92 mSv, 치료 및 안전관리 2.98 mSv, 간호사 업무 2.96 mSv, 관리 업무 1.72 mSv, 영상분석 업무 0.92 mSv, 판독업무 0.54 mSv, 접수업무 0.51 mSv, 연구업무 0.29 mSv 순으로 나타났다. 선량구간 별 연간평균피폭선량은 연구대상자의 15명(37.5%)이 1 mSv이하의 선량분포와 5명(12.5%)이 1.01~5.0 mSv이하의 선량분포를 가지고 있었고, 5.01~10.0mSv에서 14명(35.0%), 10.01~20.0 mSv에서 6명(15.0%)의 분포로 분석되었다. 연령에 따른 연간평균피폭선량은 방사선사 직종에서는 25~34세 종사자가 8.69 mSv로 가장 높은 평균선량을 보였고, 근무기간에 따른 연간평균피폭선량은 방사선사 직종에서 5~9년 종사자가 9.5 mSv로 가장 높은 평균선량을 나타냈다. 고용형태에 따른 연간평균피폭선량은 정규직 임상병리사 8.92 mSv, 방사선사 7.82 mSv, 계약직 방사선사 7.55 mSv, 인턴직 방사선사 5.62 mSv, 계약직 간호사 2.61 mSv, 정규직 연구원 0.69 mSv, 접수 0.55 mSv, 의사 0.35mSv 순으로 피폭을 받는 것으로 나타났다. 이와 같은 결과로 볼 때 의료기관에서 근무하는 핵의학 방사선 관계종사자의 대부분이 현재의 방사선 안전관리가 실효성 있게 이루어지고 있었으며, 직무특성에 따라 많은 차이가 있는 것을 알게 되었다. 그러나 방사선 피폭을 최소화시키는 노력이 필요하며, 이를 위해서 체계적 교육과 합리적 피폭량 관리를 위한 체계가 필요하다고 사료된다.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제56권1호
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• pp.207-215
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• 2024

This study focuses on measuring the levels of naturally occurring radioactivity in the soil of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, as well as the associated health hazard. Thirty (30) soil samples were collected from various locations and analyzed for ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K radioactivity levels using a High Purity Germanium detector (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometer with a photo-peak efficiency of approximately 52.3%. The average values obtained for these radionuclides are 35.6 ± 5.7 Bqkg^-1, 47 ± 12.5 Bqkg^-1, and 877 ± 153 Bqkg^-1, respectively. The level of ²³²Th is slightly higher and ⁴⁰K is 2.2 times higher than the internationally recommended limit of 30 Bqkg^-1 and 400 Bqkg^-1, respectively. Various parameters were calculated based on the results obtained, including Radium Equivalent (Ra_eq), External Hazard (H_ex), Absorbed Dose Rate (D), Annual Gonadal Equivalent Dose (AGDE), Annual Effective Dose Rate, and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR), which are 170.3 ± 24 Bqkg^-1, 0.46 ± 0.06 Bqkg^-1, 81.4 ± 2.04 nGy h^-1, 582 ± 78.08 µSvy^-1, 99.8 ± 13.5 µSv Gy^-1, and 0.349 ± 0.04, respectively. These values are below the limits recommended by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) in 2002. This study highlights the potential radiation threats associated with natural radioactivity levels in the soil of Swabi and provides valuable information for public health and safety.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제55권5호
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• pp.1757-1762
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• 2023

Radiological hazards from external exposure of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) scales residues, generated during the extraction process of oil and gas production in southern Algeria, are evaluated. The activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were measured using high-purity gamma-ray spectrometry (GeHP). Mean activity concentration of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K, found in scale samples are 4082 ± 41, 1060 ± 38 and 568 ± 36 Bq kg^-1, respectively. Radiological hazard parameters, such as radium equivalent (Ra_eq), external and internal hazard indices (H_ex, H_in), and gamma index (I_γ) are also evaluated. All hazard parameter values were greater than the permissible and recommended limits and the average annual effective dose value exceeded the dose constraint (0.3 mSv y^-1). However, for occasionally exposed workers, the dose rate of 0.65 ± 0.02 mSv y^-1 is lower than recommended limit of 1 mSv y^-1 for public.