Method for performing rapid radiation surveys of the water areas at shore bases of the naval fleet using submersible gamma spectrometers

Abstract

A method of performing radiation surveys of the water areas at shore bases of the naval fleet using underwater scintillation gamma spectrometers is presented as an example of work performed in the waters near the temporary storage site for radwastes and spent fuel in Gremikha. This method makes it possible to record in situ from a surface ship as well as underwater manned or unmanned vehicle the content of radionuclides in sea water. In contrast to conventional methods of monitoring the radiation conditions by means of dosimetric surveys and sampling, submersible spectrometric systems make it possible to detect and identify rapidly the source of radioactive contamination in water and bottom deposits and to determine it size, intensity, and isotopic composition. Appropriate software is used to construct from the survey results cartograms of the contamination in the regions examined, identify pathways for radionuclides to enter the waters, and evaluate the total activity of the bottom deposits.