Automated krypton-85 gamma ray stack monitor

A Ge(Li) ..gamma..-ray detector, housed in a lead cave, was used in conjunction with a six-liter pressurized (60 psia) well spectroscopy cell to selectively detect /sup 85/Kr stack emissions. This system was calibrated so as to relate the 514 keV ..gamma..-ray counting rate to /sup 85/Kr concentration. Counting rate, or concentration, was continuously recorded using a count rate meter/strip chart recorder combination and was also time averaged over 15 minute intervals using a programmable multi-channel analyzer system with cassette readout. Being completely automated, this ..gamma..-analysis system required little more than liquid nitrogen service and data record retrieval throughout a four-month long sampling period. The sensitivity of this ..gamma..-ray analytical system was such as to achieve a minimum detectable /sup 85/Kr stack concentration of 2 ..mu..Ci/m/sup 3/ for 15 minute counting intervals.