Abstract: A granular litter cleaning apparatus comprises a separation system having a separation tank adapted to receive a mixture of granules and plastic litter, and water therein, the separation tank having a top opening, and a closeable bottom outlet, and at least one water inlet for feeding water to the separation tank. A collect subsystem is for conveying a mixture of granules and plastic litter to the separation tank. A pump system is in fluid communication with the water inlet. The pump system is operated to raise a level of water in the separation tank to skim water with plastic litter out through the top opening of the separation tank. The closeable bottom outlet is openable to empty the separation tank from granules decanted in a bottom of the separation tank. A process for separating plastic litter from granules is also provided.

Abstract: A method is for analyzing, using a detector of alpha particles, a sample comprising at least one radionuclide emitter of a plurality of alpha particles. The detector comprises a detection medium and a plurality of measurement cells suitable for measuring at least one incident signal generated by an interaction of the alpha particle with said detection medium. The detector is designed to provide an autoradiographic image of said sample. The method comprises a step for determining (E1) an initial energy of each alpha particle. The step comprises repeating three sub-steps: determining (D1) a position of a first interaction of an alpha particle with the detection medium, determining (D2) an energy deposited by the particle in the interior of the detector and determining (D3) the initial energy of the alpha particle. The method then comprises constructing an energy spectrum for one zone of the autoradiographic image.

Abstract: A granular litter cleaning apparatus comprises a separation system having a separation tank adapted to receive a mixture of granules and plastic litter, and water therein, the separation tank having a top opening, and a closeable bottom outlet, and at least one water inlet for feeding water to the separation tank. A collect subsystem is for conveying a mixture of granules and plastic litter to the separation tank. A pump system is in fluid communication with the water inlet. The pump system is operated to raise a level of water in the separation tank to skim water with plastic litter out through the top opening of the separation tank. The closeable bottom outlet is openable to empty the separation tank from granules decanted in a bottom of the separation tank. A process for separating plastic litter from granules is also provided.

Abstract: A method is for analyzing, using a detector of alpha particles, a sample comprising at least one radionuclide emitter of a plurality of alpha particles. The detector comprises a detection medium and a plurality of measurement cells suitable for measuring at least one incident signal generated by an interaction of the alpha particle with said detection medium. The detector is designed to provide an autoradiographic image of said sample. The method comprises a step for determining (E1) an initial energy of each alpha particle. The step comprises repeating three sub-steps: determining (D1) a position of a first interaction of an alpha particle with the detection medium, determining (D2) an energy deposited by the particle in the interior of the detector and determining (D3) the initial energy of the alpha particle. The method then comprises constructing an energy spectrum for one zone of the autoradiographic image.