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RE: Unidentified device



Todd,



I am rather surprised that you find isotopes like Co-60 and Cs-137 in a temperature data logger. As obvious as this may sound, be sure to rule-out the most likely possibility that your gammaspec was contaminated before you made your measurement. Run a long background spectrum first and then go about doing another sample assessment (preferably using a HPGe detector and beta filter the sample with low-Z plastic).



Best regards,



Grant





-----Original Message-----

From: Todd Brautigam [mailto:brautt@myapc.com]

Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2003 4:33 PM

To: GNIXON@MDS.Nordion.com

Subject: RE: Unidentified device





Our first thought was the camera lens, but there is loose activity inside the canister. The gammaspec results show a multitude of peaks... something like 107 of them, with 89 unidentified. Our library is geared toward plant-derived nuclides, consequently it did identify Co-60, Cs-137, etc. but it looks to me as if there is quite a bit of NORM-type activity there as well.



Todd



>>> "NIXON, Grant (Kanata)" <GNIXON@MDS.Nordion.com> 09/25/03 04:11PM >>>



Have you identified the source of ionizing radiation?

I have heard of old camera lenses being marginally radioactive (Th-232+decay products).



Grant Nixon



-----Original Message-----

From: Todd Brautigam [mailto:brautt@myapc.com] 

Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2003 1:24 PM

To: radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu 

Subject: Unidentified device





Hi all,



At Maine Yankee, we have come across a device in a watertight canister that was apparently used to make a photographic record of water temperatures in the diffuser. Dose rates are ~ 0.2 mR/hr.



The neon green canister is 13 inches high by 6 inches diameter. The inside houses a small thermometer in the canister top, a camera lens, circuit board, a small DC motor to advance the film cartridge, and 2 battery holders.



Information on a tag inside indicate it came from Environmental Devices Corporation in Marion, MA. Attempts at contact to this point have not been productive.



Have you seen anything like this before?



I have pictures available if anyone is interested.



Thanks,





Todd Brautigam

(207) 882-4506



"I was told to expect the

unexpected, but the

unexpected has exceeded

my expectations."



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