Gamma irradiation system’s performance tests

Abstract

This study reviews the performance analysis of a 137Cs irradiation system that has recently been installed in the laboratory of Uzbek National Institute of Metrology. The laboratory is responsible for calibrating calibration facilities and for calibrating most protection level radiation monitoring instruments used in medical, nuclear, industrial and academic settings in Uzbekistan. This system employs the most advanced radiation safety standards, along with 21st century source automation methods. In this work, we review the system’s performance according to ISO 4037 and present measurement uncertainty budget. Our analysis shows excellent results in terms of scattered radiation, beam uniformity and field size, change in source position, test for source impurities, chamber stability and source calibration, and all these parameters fully comply with the requirements of ISO 4037.