Abstract: An apparatus, methods, and systems for assaying materials are disclosed using a combination of detectors that scan for areas of material non-uniformity, and assay the type and amount of radioactivity present in the material. Scanning detectors are provided to scan for non-uniform levels of radiation emanating from the material. If any non-uniformity is detected by the scanning detectors, the material non-uniformity is removed and handled with radioactive material protocols. The remaining material may then be subject to assay. If the material shows no signs of non-uniform radiation emission, the assay detectors are used to assay the material. If the concentration of any one or more radionuclides exceeds a predetermined limit, the assayed material is handled with radioactive material protocols.

Abstract: A method for measuring the fixed contamination level in a confined area such as small diameter pipe. The method measures the accumulated detection response over a given area and prescribed time period. To obtain the measurement a plurality of sensors are connected in tandem to form a flexible detector string and remotely positioned within the area to be monitored. The measurement is correlated to a standard obtained by using a known source in a simulated mockup environment. In one embodiment a passive monitor such as a Thermo-Luminescence Dosimeter is employed as the sensor.