Leakage and contamination tests
Stringent tests for leakage are an essential feature of radioactive sources production. They are based on ISO9978-1992. Some standard methods used for testing radiation sources are listed below.
All leakage tests for Eckert & Ziegler Nuclitec (EZN) sources are performed according to ISO9978-1992.
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Wipe test I (A) |
Immersion test II (L) |
Bubble test III (D) |
Emanation test IV |
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The source is wiped with a swab or tissue, moistened with ethanol or water; the activity removed is measured. |
The source is immersed in a suitable liquid at 50°C for 4 hours and the activity removed is measured. |
The source is immersed in water or a suitable liquid and the pressure in the vessel reduced to 25-15 kPa. No bubbles must be observed. (This test conforms to ISO9978 exept that for sources, the 100mm3 free volume requirement is not met). |
The source is placed in a gas tight enclosure with a suitable absorber and is left there for at least 3h. The source is considered leak tight when not more than 200 Bq Radon related to a collection time of 12h can be measured afterwards. |
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Limit 200Bq |
Limit 200Bq |