The RaDeCC System
The RaDeCC system records decay events in three different channels, depending on the time elapsed between two subsequent signals, which reflect the half-lives of decay products in the relative decay chains. One channel counts decay events from the 223Ra decay chain; a second channel counts events from the decay chain following 224Ra; and the third channel (“total”) records basically all events, independent of previous or subsequent events. Each signal in the 223Ra or 224Ra channels is accompanied by events in the “total” channel, but not all events in the “total” channel are due to 223Ra or 224Ra decay products.
The RaDeCC System consists essentially of (1) a large volume scintillation cell, connected to a photomultiplier to detect radioactive decay events, (2) an electronic gateway system, which registers counts and splits the registered events into different channels, depending on the time elapsed until the next event happens, and (3) a pump, which continuously pumps helium through the sample (on an acrylic fiber coated with manganese dioxide, Mn fiber), and subsequently through the scintillation chamber.
Who's Using RaDeCC
Articles Featuring RaDeCC
226Ra determination via the rate of 222Rn ingrowth with the Radium Delayed Coincidence Counter (RaDeCC)
We present a new method to determine 226Ra in aqueous environmental samples, based on the rate of ingrowth of 222Rn from 226Ra, using the radium delayed coincidence counter (RaDeCC). We use the same instrument setup that is used for the determination of 223Ra and 224Ra. In contrast to methods published earlier, the approach does not require a modification of the counting equipment, counting separately for 226Ra, or waiting for radioactive equilibrium.
Read MoreComparison of measurement methods for radium-226 on manganese-fiber
Acrylic fibers impregnated with MnO2 (Mn-fiber) have become a valuable tool for concentrating dissolved radium for oceanographic applications. With four naturally-occurring radium isotopes (223Ra, 224Ra, 226Ra, and 228Ra) of vastly different half-lives (3.6 days to 1600 years), radium can be a powerful tool for tracing terrestrial water discharges into the ocean and studying coastal mixing processes.
Read MoreMarine Chemistry special issue: The renaissance of radium isotopic tracers in marine processes studies
Four radium isotopes, decay products of the 238U–232Th–235U series radionuclides, occur in nature: 224Ra (t1/2=3.66 days), 223Ra (t1/2=11.4 days), 228Ra (t1/2=5.75 years), and 226Ra (t1/2=1600 years). Beginning with the GEOSECS program of the late 1960s – early 1970s, these radium isotopes have been widely applied to the study of a variety of oceanographic processes (Moore, 1972; Trier et al., 1972).
Read MoreContact Us
Scientific Computer Instruments
618 Westside Drive
West Columbia, South Carolina 29169
Phone: +1 803 414 5081
E-mail: ralph@radecc.com