A general methodology to determine natural radionuclides by well-type HPGe detectors

This work aims to determine natural radionuclides (210Pb, 228,226Ra, 234,228Th and 40K) in NORM samples by well-type HPGe detectors because they are of vital importance studies on environmental samples. For this, a novel methodology has been developed, based obtaining general function for the full-energy peak efficiency (FEPE) versus sample apparent density composition, keeping height constant. To obtain FEPE function, calibration accomplished using certified standards provided IAEA (RGU-1 RGTh-1), KCl. Besides, different self-absorption correction functions were compared cylindrical geometry, where chemical compositions need be known. Then, study an anti-Compton system was done, getting lower detection limit allowing propose gamma spectrometry as alternative technique alpha-particle spectrometry. Finally, followed calculate subjected internal external validations, checking its validity range.