Standardization and regulatory control on radiation processing dosimetry in China

In 1983, in order to suit the rapid development of radiation processing, a programme of high dose standardization was initiated in China. As a result, a high dose measurement system for gamma - rays including primary standards, transfer standards and working dosimeters, has been established. In this paper, the scheme of dosimetry traceability to national standards for gamma - rays is illustrated. The aspects of standardization and the progress of dosimetry of radiation processing are also outlined.

In order to implement “the Law on Metrology of the Peoples Republic of China” and to guarantee the product quality of radiation processing. SBTS and SCTS have jointly issued “the Provisional Regulation of Metrological Supervision and Management for Radiation Processing”. A series of national standards, verification regulations and technical norms have been enacted and issued on the radiation processing dosimetry and on the approval of irradiation facilities. These documents are expected to play significant roles in the dose measurement standardization and the regularity control.     

Use of CT scans and treatment planning software for validation of the dose component of food irradiation protocols

The challenging problem of estimating the dose delivered to heterogeneous products by radiation modalities of limited penetration can be readily handled by using technologies developed for, and widely used in, radiation therapy applications. In particular, combining CT scanning with radiation treatment planning programs can simulate radiation processing with either photons or electrons, and can provide detailed, high resolution and accurate dose maps for any arbitrary product and package configuration. Such dose maps are an essential part of process validation. Comparison of the simulated dose distributions with measured dose maps verifies the soundness of this approach. The present communication presents results obtained with the simulation technique for a variety of common food items which are likely candidates for radiation processing.     

Gamma radiolysis of morin

Gamma irradiation studies of morin (10^–5M) in ethanol and dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) in the dose range of 149–895 Gy and of 4.5–45 Gy were carried out, respectively, in aerated and anoxic conditions purged with nitrogen and nitrous oxide. The decoloration yield of morin was studied as a function of dose. The relative radiation sensitivity was estimated under similar conditions. The effect of the concentration (10^–5–10^–4M) of iodine, succinic acid and acryl amide on radiolysis of morin was investigated at constant dose in both solvents and results were interpreted in terms of scavenging reactions.     

Chemical-radiation degradation of natural oligoamino-polysaccharides for agricultural application

The main objective of the research was to elaborate the method of degradation of natural aminopolysaccharides to obtain a product applicable as biospecimen in protection and stimulation of the plants growth. Depolymerization of chitosan can be carried out by radiation or chemical degradation combined with irradiation method. The efficiency of these methods was verified by viscometric analysis. The chemical-radiation method was much more appropriate from economical point of view. By application of this method it was possible to obtain product with lower crystalline phase content than initial one, what was proved by X-ray diffraction studies. Finally preliminary agricultural tests on spring rape seeds were performed. The results show that the biggest growth was observed for chitosan (molecular weight 47,000 Da) in concentration of 0.1 g/kg of seeds. The higher concentration did not affect plant's growth. The average growth over-ground plant parts was about 16–22%, diameter of roots was about 11–13%, and mass of roots was about 51–65% higher in comparison to the control.     

Theoretical evaluation of dose distribution in product in radiation processing plants

An analytical method has been developed for the computation of dose rates at any number of points in the product material in a radiation processing plant in which radioactive source pencils are arranged in a rectangular vertical frame. Exposures from each individual source pencil and the movement of the product box was taken into consideration for the evaluation of absorbed dose. The validity of the computational method was tested for one of the existing irradiator already in operation. Excellent agreement was achieved between the computation and measured values of doses received by the product material. The method was then applied in the design of a new irradiator and was found very useful to arrive at optimum source size and target size. Hence, this method is being adopted for the design of all forthcoming ⁶⁰Co irradiation plants in India.     

Cerenkov light as a source of photochemical reactions in irradiated solutions of nitrile of malachite green

Experimental data on photochemical activity of Cerenkov light are presented. Malachite green leucocyanide (MGCN) was used to detect the photochemical effects. The G value of Cerenkov light from the region 200–300 nm (number of quanta normed per 100 eV absorbed energy of ionizing radiation) in ethanol was estimated to be in the range 0.0027–0.049.     

Chemical, sensory and microbiological changes of gamma irradiated coconut cream powder

A study was carried out to determine optimum decontamination dose for a locally manufactured coconut cream powder. Samples were gamma irradiated (0–15 kGy) and ageing process was achieved using GEER oven at 60 °C for 7 days, which is equivalent to one-year storage at room temperature. Iodine value (IV), ranging from 4.8 to 6.4, was not affected by radiation doses and storage, however peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) generally increased with radiation doses. In most samples, peroxide value (meq/kg) reduced after storage, whilst the TBA (mg malonaldehyde/kg), indicator for product quality, slightly increased. The sensory evaluation conducted using 25 taste panellists indicated that scores on odour, creamy taste and overall acceptance for all irradiated samples at more than 5 kGy were significantly lower (P<0.05) than the control. However, the panellists could not detect any significant differences among the irradiation doses (P>0.05). All stored products were significantly different in colour, creamy taste, odour and overall acceptance (P<0.05) when compared to the non-stored non-irradiated control. Microbiological count of the samples prior to irradiation was in the range of 1×10²–1.7×10³ cfu/g with no detection of Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli. No microbial colonies were detected after irradiation. Based on the TBA and overall sensory acceptance, gamma irradiation of 5 kGy was found to be the optimum dose and lower doses can be considered to decontaminate coconut cream powder.     

Sensorial analysis evaluation in cereal bars preserved by ionizing radiation processing

Gamma-rays utilized as a food-processing treatment to eliminate insect contamination is well established in food industries. Recent troubles in Brazilian cereal bars commercialization require a special consumer's attention because some products were contaminated by insects. To solve the problem, food-irradiation treatment was utilized as a safe and effective solution. The final product was free of insect contamination. The aim of this study was to determine the best radiation dose processing utilized to disinfestations and detect some change on sensorial characteristic by sensorial analysis in cereal bars. In this study, three different kinds of cereal bars were purchased in São Paulo (Brazil) in supermarkets and irradiated with 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 kGy at “Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares” (IPEN-CNEN/SP). The samples were treated with ionizing radiation using a ⁶⁰Co gamma-ray facility (Gammacell 220, A.E.C.L.). That radiation doses were used successfully as an anti-insect treatment in the cereal bars, since in some food industries doses up to 3.0 kGy are used to guarantee at least a dose of 1.0 kGy in internal cereal bars package. Sensorial analysis was necessary since cereal bars contain ingredients very sensitive to ionizing radiation process.     

Instrumental neutron activation analysis of Al,V and Ti employing252Cf as a thermal neutron source

A rapid method for the determination of Al, V and Ti has been developed and is used for the analysis of these elements in different ores and alloys. An isotopic neutron source²⁵²Cf having a thermal neutron flux of the order of 8.5×10⁷ n·cm^–2 sec^–1 has been used for thermal neutron bombardment. Activity measurements were performed on a HPGe detector coupled to a PC based MCA unit. Depending on the half-life of the (n, ) product, different irradiation and cooling times were employed and thus the elements of interest were analyzed sequentially.     

Process control and dosimetry in a multipurpose irradiation facility

Availability of the multipurpose irradiation facility at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute has encouraged several local industries to use gamma radiation for sterilization or decontamination of various products. Prior to routine processing, dose distribution studies are undertaken for each product and product geometry. During routine irradiation, dosimeters are placed at the minimum and maximum dose positions of a process load.     

Ionizing-Radiation Ignition of a Hydrogen–Air Mixture

The behavior of a hydrogen–air mixture under the action of ionizing radiation was studied. A kinetic model for radiation-chemical processes in the H₂–O₂–N₂ system was constructed, and the effects of the main parameters of radiolysis on shifting its flammability limits were analyzed. It was found that, under normal conditions (p = 0.1 MPa, T ₀ = 300 K), the ignition of the stoichiometric mixture began at a radiation intensity of about 0.1 kGy/s. The induction period of the chain H₂ oxidation reaction shortened with increasing radiation dose rate and pressure.     

Formation of long-lived radicals in radiolysis of perfluoro(4-methyl-2-pentene)

Conclusions On the basis of the EPR spectrum of perfluoro(4-methyl-2-pentene) (PMP) that has been exposed to gamma radiation at 77–300 K, three types of long-lived radicals have been observed, with lifetimes greater than two years. With increases in the radiolysis temperature for radiation dose, the concentration of long-lived radicals increases. Their relative concentrations depend on the irradiation conditions and the thawing schedule.Under certain conditions, long-lived radicals of a single type can be obtained from the PMP.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 6, pp. 1263–1268, June, 1988.     

Natural indoor gamma background in Coonoor environment of South India

Indoor natural radiation dose existing in dwellings of Coonoor have been estimated using thermoluminescent dosimeters. TLDs are displayed in indoors and are replaced after three-month period. The seasonal averages of the dose rate and the annual effective dose equivalent are calculated from the measured results. Geographical and seasonal variations as well as the differences between indoor to outdoor dose rates have also been studied. Very good correlation exists between the indoor dose rates measured by TLD and environmental radiation dosimeter with correlation coefficient of 0.91. The annual effective dose equivalent to the Coonoor population due to indoor gamma radiation was estimated to be 970 mSv/y for the period of 1997–1998.     

Suitability of Thermoluminescence for the Detection of Irradiated Chicken and Fish

Chicken and fish have been investigated for the detection of radiation treatment using thermoluminescence (TL) technique. The samples were irradiated by ⁶⁰Co gamma-source at the absorbed doses of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 kGy. TL response of treated and untreated samples in the temperature range of 50–300 °C was measured using TL reader with a temperature profile of 10 °C/s. The results revealed that TL values increased with temperature and maximum signal were obtained at 195 °C, in each case. It was also observed that the TL intensities enhanced with the absorbed doses (1–5 kGy) and the increase was dependent on the absorbed dose. From this study it is concluded that the TL technique is a rapid, simple and promising method for identifying chicken and fish treated with gamma-irradiation.     

Radon,thoron and their progeny concentration variations in dwellings of Gogi region,Yadgir district of Karnataka,India

The radiation dose due to inhalation of radon, thoron and their progenies constitute a major part (50 %) of the total natural background dose received by a man. Thus measurement of indoor radon in dwellings is very important. In the present study, radon, thoron and their decay product measurements were carried out using passive detector systems, namely the pinholes dosimeters and Direct Radon (Thoron) progeny sensors. These measurements were carried out in indoor environments (different dwelling types) during January–April 2013 for 90 days, in the Gogi region. The time-averaged mean radon, thoron and decay product concentrations were found to be within the permissible UNSCEAR limits.     

Dosimetric applications of α-alanine

Irradiation of solid polycrystalline alanine creates a free radical, whose concentration can be measured from its ESR signal. The radical CH₃HCOO^– of practically unlimited stability at room temperature shows an electronic absorption spectrum in the UV. Modern methods of diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry allow to measure the radical concentration which is proportional to the absorbed dose of radiation. The alanine dosimeter is prepared in a thin layer, adequate both for the congested isodose curves in the case of accelerated electrons irradiation and the method of measurement. Thus the proposed dosimeter is applicable not only for gamma, but also for EB radiation processing in the range of 0.1 to 50 kGy. The application of the dosimeter does not demand to use the ESR spectrometer, even of the type dedicated to alanine dosimetry only, but may be performed by a UV-VIS spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere, permitting measurements of the Kubelka-Munk function.     

A new label dosimetry system

A new label dosimeter which changes its color by large radiation doses has been developed. The green color of the unirradiated dosimeter gradually turns to brown then to red at high doses. The label dosimeter was prepared with a peal-off paper backing, allowing it to stick by self-adhesion to a product box. Three types of dosimeters having different sensitivities to radiation doses were prepared. Correlations were established between absorbed doses and color scale or the green/red axis of the irradiated dosimeters, using a micro color unit equipped with a data station. The data were analyzed to determine the reproducibility of the reflectance measured from the label dosimeters exposed to different doses of γ radiation. These dosimeters showed great stability on extended storage before and after irradiation.Detailed measurements of absorbed dose extremes (D_min and D_max) in product boxes, processed in the Egypt Mega Gamma I radiation processing facility, were obtained using these dosimeters. These dosimeters are currently available in large quantities and are inexpensive, which makes them suitable for routine high-dose applications in radiation processing of materials.     

Role of additives in wood–polymer composites. Relationship to analogous radiation grafting and curing processes

Wood polymer composites (WPC) were prepared by impregnating an Australian softwood, Pinus radiata with methyl methacrylate which subsequently underwent in situ polymerisation utilising either γ radiation or the catalyst–accelerator method. Novel additives including thermal initiator, crosslinking agents, an inclusion compound and oxygen scavenger were incorporated to improve the polymer loading and properties of the resulting WPC. Polymer loadings of WPC obtained utilising the accelerator–catalyst method corresponded well with those obtained using γ radiation with 20 kGy radiation dose. The mechanistic significance of the current work in analogous radiation grafting and curing processes is discussed.     

A positron lifetime study of the electron-beam-induced polymerization of 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate

Positron lifetime measurements have been used to characterize the electron-beam-induced polymerization of 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDODA). Lifetimes were measured as a function of radiation dose over a range of 0.5–7.0 Mrad and analyzed into three components. All three components exhibited some variation with radiation dose. Variations in the longest lifetime component have been interpreted in terms of changes in free volume. These data have been compared with polymer fraction data for electron-irradiated HDODA obtained by gel extraction and by NMR measurements. The positron lifetime parameter that correlates most closely with polymerization as measured by those techniques is the intensity of the longest lived component.     

Radiation grafting of pH and thermosensitive N-isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid onto PTFE films by two-steps process

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was grafted (g) with acrylic acid (AAc) by γ-ray pre-irradiation method to get PTFE-g-AAc films, then N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) was grafted onto PTFE-g-AAc films with γ-ray to get (PTFE-g-AAc)-g-NIPAAm. PTFE films were irradiated in air at a dose rate of 3.0 kGy h^–1 and different radiation dose. The irradiated films were placed in glass ampoules, which contained aqueous solutions with different monomer concentration (AAc), and then they were heated at different temperatures and reaction time. NIPAAm onto PTFE-g-AAc was carried out with the same procedure with monomer concentration of 1 mol L⁻¹. The thermosensitivity of the samples was defined and calculated as the ratio of the grafted samples swelling at 28 and 35 °C, and pH sensitivity defined as the ratio of the grafted samples swelling at pH 2 and 8.