Features and methods of protection from anthropogenic acoustic background, influencing the character of γ-spectra during measurements by xenon γ-spectrometer

The paper considers the influence of an anthropogenic acoustic background on the formation of the γ-spectrum recorded by a xenon γ-spectrometer. The presence of an anthropogenic acoustic background is shown to deform the spectrum significantly producing a broadening of the total absorption peak and a decrease in its amplitude compared to the spectrum obtained in the absence of acoustic load. Such deformation of the total absorption peak will lead to deliberately underestimated assessments of the parameters of radioactive contamination of the environment in conditions of radiation accidents, which will ultimately lead to wrong decisions in ensuring radiation safety of personnel and population located near nuclear facilities where the radiation accident occurred. The observed deformation of the γ-spectrum required a protective covering of the γ-spectrometer with porous rubber used to absorb the acoustic load. The results were generally satisfactory, but the weight of the γ-spectrometer and its dimensions increased significantly. As an alternative protection the authors propose to use a metal capsule with thin walls, placing the detector in it and pumping out the air from it, i.e. providing the xenon γ-spectrometer protection instead of porous rubber, «vacuum shell» which is formed in the absence of an elastic medium – air in the capsule. This method of protection is characterised by simplicity, accessibility and does not require large financial outlays.