Improved estimates of effective dose equivalent using two optimal anisotropic responding dosimeters

Effects of computational phantoms on the effective dose and two-dosimeter algorithm for external photon beams

In this study, the effect of computational phantoms on the effective dose (E), dosimeter responses positioned on the front (chest) and back of phantom, and two-dosimeter algorithm was investigated for external photon beams. This study was performed using Korean Typical MAN-2 (KTMAN-2), Chinese Reference Adult Male (CRAM), ICRP male reference, and Male Adult meSH (MASH) reference phantoms. Calculations were performed for beam directions in different polar and azimuthal angles using the Monte Carlo code of MCNP at energies of 0.08, 0.3, and 1MeV. Results show that the body shape significantly affects E and two-dosimeter responses when the dosimeters are indirectly irradiated. The acquired two-dosimeter algorithms are almost the same for all the mentioned phantoms except for KTMAN-2. Comparisons between the obtained E and estimated E (Eest), acquired from two-dosimeter algorithm, illustrate that the Eest is overestimated in overhead (OH) and underfoot (UF) directions. The effect of using one algorithm for all phantoms was also investigated. Results show that application of one algorithm to all reference phantoms is possible.

Development of new two-dosimeter algorithm for effective dose in ICRP Publication 103

The two-dosimeter method, which employs one dosimeter on the chest and the other on the back, determines the effective dose with sufficient accuracy for complex or unknown irradiation geometries. The two-dosimeter method, with a suitable algorithm, neither significantly overestimates (in most cases) nor seriously underestimates the effective dose, not even for extreme exposure geometries. Recently, however, the definition of the effective dose itself was changed in ICRP Publication 103; that is, the organ and tissue configuration employed in calculations of effective dose, along with the related tissue weighting factors, was significantly modified. In the present study, therefore, a two-dosimeter algorithm was developed for the new ICRP 103 definition of effective dose. To that end, first, effective doses and personal dosimeter responses were calculated using the ICRP reference phantoms and the MCNPX code for many incident beam directions. Next, a systematic analysis of the calculated values was performed to determine an optimal algorithm. Finally, the developed algorithm was tested by applying it to beam irradiation geometries specifically selected as extreme exposure geometries, and the results were compared with those for the previous algorithm that had been developed for the effective dose given in ICRP Publication 60.

Selection of the most appropriate two-dosemeter algorithm for estimating effective dose equivalent during maintenance periods in Korean nuclear power plants

The application of a two-dosemeter system with its algorithm, as well as a test of its use in an inhomogeneous high-radiation field, is described in this study. The goal was to improve the method for estimating the effective dose equivalent during maintenance periods at Korean Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs). The use of this method in Korean and international NPPs, including those NPPs in the USA and Canada, was also investigated. The algorithms used by the the American National Standards Institute, Lakshmanan, the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), the Electric Power Research Institute and Kim were extensively analysed as two-dosemeter algorithms. Their possible application to NPPs was evaluated using data for each algorithm from two-dosemeter results that were obtained from an inhomogeneous high-radiation field during maintenance periods at Korean NPPs. The NCRP algorithm (55:50) was selected as an optimal two-dosemeter algorithm for Korean NPPs by taking into account the field test results and the convenience of wearing two dosemeters.