Marinelli beakers

The products shown on these pages are representative sources used for common applications.

If you cannot find the product with your specifications, please contact us using the corresponding email contact on this website. In most cases we will be able provide you with a solution meeting your requirements.

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General information

Construction

Mixed or single radionuclide solutions are incorporated homogeneously into a plastic resin which is then poured into the container and allowed to set. The active resin is normally covered by a layer of inactive resin. A lid is fixed to the container to make a sealed, solid source.

Gas equivalent sources are prepared by combining the active solution with plastic foam.

Applications

High resolution gamma-ray spectrometry is widely used for identifying and assaying gamma-ray emitting radionuclides in environmental samples. To meet the requirements of quality management systems, the spectrometers should be calibrated using reference sources that are traceable to national standards. The reference sources must also match as closely as possible the geometry, density and composition of the sample to be assayed. This range of ready-for-use geometry reference sources has been developed to meet these requirements. The advantages of this type of source are:

  • No source preparation needed – saves time and resources
  • No dilution of solutions needed – calibration is directly traceable to national standards
  • No dispensing of strong acids for dilution is needed – source is safer to handle
  • Sealed source – no risk of contaminating sensitive equipment
  • Stable source – will not deteriorate over time
  • Source checked for homogeneity – consistent, accurate, results year after year
  • Matches closely the samples to be measured – can be prepared in your own container (see page 87) with a wide range of densities from gas equivalent (0.02g/cm3) to cement (3g/cm3)
  • Layout of certificate of calibration matches the requirements of commercial gamma ray spectrometry software – calibration easy and quick to carry out
  • Wide range of commonly used beakers or bottles available – short delivery times
  • Custom geometry – to meet your special requirements (please allow longer delivery times)

 

Measurement

For mixed radionuclide reference sources, each radionuclide is assayed individually using a method which is traceable to national standards. The mixed solution is then prepared, and checked by high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. The solid reference source is then manufactured using the mixed radionuclide solution, and the final source is checked again for accuracy and homogeneity by high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry.

Quality assurance

The sources are calibrated at Eckert & Ziegler Nuclitec´s DKD accredited measurement laboratory in Germany. The manufacturing facility operates a quality management system which has been independently audited and approved to ISO9001:1994.

Uncertainties

The reported uncertainty is based on a standard uncertainty multiplied by a coverage factor k=2, providing a level of confidence of approximately 95%.

Traceability

The sources are traceable to standards held by national laboratories such as the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (Germany), the National Physical Laboratory (UK), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (USA), the Laboratoire Primaire des Rayonnements Ionisants (France), and many other national laboratories world-wide.

Certification

Each source listed in this section is supplied with a DAkkS certificate of calibration which states:

  • Reference time and date
  • Activity of main radionuclides and/or gamma-ray emission rates of main gamma-energies
  • Activity of any gamma-ray emitting impurities detected
  • Serial number
  • Results and date of leakage test

 

Radionuclidic purity

Gamma-ray emitting impurities are determined by high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry of each individual radionuclide in the mixture. The final mixture is checked for cross-contamination. In addition to the main gamma rays shown on the certificate, several low intensity gamma-ray peaks may be observed in the spectrum. The most significant are listed in the table below.

Spectrum notes

Energy [keV] Origin
1325 Escape peak from 1836 keV peak of Y-88
814 Double escape peak from 1836 keV peak of Y-88
511 Annihilation radiation from positron decay of Y-88
(may not be resolved from the 514 keV peak from Sr-85)
225 From decay of Sn-113
136 From decay of Co-57
80 – 90 X-rays from decay of Hg-203
2506 Sum peak from Co-60 decay (1173-1333 keV)
2734 From decay of Y-88

Recommendations on source storage and replacement

Regular improvements in source design and measurement mean that it would be good working practice to renew the sources within 10 years. For many sources, the useful working life is limited by the half life of the radionuclides. The sources should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from other sources of direct heat, to avoid the possibility of cracking the container due to thermal expansion of the resin.

Availability

Sources are normally delivered within 6 weeks from receipt of order.

 

1000ml Marinelli beakers

Application

Marinelli beakers are used when the radioactivity to be measured is low and the limits of detection require special geometries of the sample container in order to maximize the counting efficiency of the measurement system. The use of solid reference sources minimizes contamination risk and avoids calibration errors due to incorrect handling of solutions.

ISO classification

ISO/12/C22323
Drawing: VZ-1262-001 and VZ-1520-001

Construction

These Marinelli beakers are constructed from polypropylene and are resistant to acids and most organic solvents. The radioactive material is homogeneously incorporated in a special water-equivalent plastic matrix. The matrix density is normally 1g/cm3, but for Ra-226 and Th-232/Th-228 sources, the density is 1.15g/cm3. The empty beakers are available with a choice of a tight fitting lid (for aqueous solutions) or a more robust screw-top version (for low viscosity liquids).

Ordering information – VZ-1262-001 – bore diameter 77mm1) – Type 1N

Energy range

Radionuclid(s)

Total activity
[kBq]

Density
[g/cm3]

Product
code

80-1836 keV Mixture NG1 44 0,97 QCRB1240
88-1836 keV Mixture NG2 37 0,97 QCRB1242
60-1836 keV Mixture NG3 40 0,97 QCRB1155
46-136 keV Mixture NG4 46 0,97 QCRB2186
662 keV Cs-137 5 0,97 CDRB1154
Multiline Th-232 in equilibrium
with Th-228
1 1,15 TYRB1239
Multiline Ra-226 3 1,15 RARB1136
Empty Container not applicable NQ7013

 

Ordering information – VZ-1520-001 – bore diameter 85mm – Type 1W

Energy range

Radionuclid(s)

Total activity
[kBq]

Density
[g/cm3]

Product
code

80-1836 keV Mixture NG1 44 0,97 QCRB1241
88-1836 keV Mixture NG2 37 0,97 QCRB1243
60-1836 keV Mixture NG3 40 0,97 QCRB1244
46-136 keV Mixture NG4 46 0,97 QCRB2197
662 keV Cs-137 5 0,97 CDRB1249
Multiline Th-232 in equilibrium
with Th-228
1 1,15 TYRB1250
Multiline Ra-226 3 1,15 RARB1414
Empty Container
(tight fitting lid)
not applicable NQB1245

 

Mixed Nuclide Marinelli Beaker Standards – Type EG-LVM-ML

These configurations provide a convenient method to calibrate HPGe and NaI(Tl) detectors. The radioactivity is uniformly dispersed in the matrix. Specify the matrix, container type and size. For the Marinelli beakers, specify the detector type. The following are examples of customer-supplied materials that may also be used: • Soil • Vegetation/Food Products • Pulverized Concrete Series LVM-ML Marinelli beakers, for both HPGe and NaI(Tl) detectors, are available in 500 mL, 1000 mL, 2000 mL and 4000 mL sizes. This configuration is useful where maximum efficiency is needed such as environmental samples. See below for a complete listing of available sizes.

GA-MA Catalog Numbers for Marinelli Beakers:

Catalog Number

Detector Types

Detector “Endcap”
[Inches]

Diameter
[cm]

200 ml Models
443016 Germanium or Ge-Li 3.00 7.6
463316 Germanium, 3 x 3 Nal 3.25 8.3
500 ml Models
523N-E 2 x 2 Nal 2.25 5.7
527G-E Germanium 2.75 7.0
530G-E Germanium or Ge-Li 3.00 7.6
533N Germanium, 3 x 3 Nal 3.25 8.3
538G Germanium 3.75 9.5
541G Germanium 4.00 10.2
580G Germanium 3.15 8.0
590G Germanium 3.54 9.0
1 Liter Models
125G Germanium, 2 x 2 Nal 2.50 6.4
127G Germanium 2.75 7.0
130G Germanium or Ge-Li 3.00 7.6
LA130G Germanium or Ge-Li 3.00 7.6
132G Germanium 3.25 8.3
133N 3 x 3 Nal 3.25 8.3
138G Germanium 3.75 9.5
141G Germanium 4.00 10.2
190G Germanium 3.54 9.0
2 Liter Models
227G Germanium 2.75 7.0
230G Germanium or Ge-Li 3.00 7.6
233N 3 x 3 Nal 3.25 8.3
4 Liter Models
430G Germanium or Ge-Li 3.00 7.6
433N 3 x 3 Nal 3.25 8.3
438G Germanium 3.75 9.5
441G Germanium 4.00 10.2
445N Germanium, 4 x 4 Nal 4.25 10.8
448G Germanium 4.75 12.1

 

Standard Matrices:

Matrix

Density

Description

Density Tolerance

Epoxy 1.0 g/cm3 Standard IPL Epoxy Mixture +/-10%
Sand 1.7 g/cc                50-70 Mesh Sand
Epoxy 1.1 to 2.0 g/cm3 Standard IPL Proprietary Filler +/-10%
Epoxy 2.1 to 3.5 g/cm3 1) Upon Request +/-10%
Epoxy 0.4 to 0.9 g/cm3 Standard Epoxy Using Proprietary LD Filler +/-10%
Foam 0.04-0.4 g/cm3 2) Low Density Styrofoam 0.04 -0.4 g/cm3

1) Not available with Am-241 or Pb-210 due to attenuation of the gamma emissions from the epoxy and interference of coincidental x-ray 24 emissions from the epoxy matrix with the gamma rays from Am-241.

2) Volumes of 100 mL and above only. Below 100 mL, density cannot be guaranteed.

Type GA-MA

Construction

The beakers are constructed from polyethylene and are resistant to acids and most organic solvents. The radioactive material is homogeneously incorporated in a special water-equivalent plastic matrix. The bore diameter is 77mm.

Ordering Information

Beaker
Type

Energy
range

Radionuclide(s)

Nominal
total activity
[kBq]

Density
[g/cm3]

Product
code

530G 88-1836 keV Mixture NG2 37 0,97 QCR13
130G 88-1836 keV Mixture NG2 37 0,97 QCR14
430G 88-1836 keV Mixture NG2 37 0,97 QCR15

 

Simulated Gas Standards (SGS-ML)

This configuration is available in the 7500 series only. EZIP’s Simulated Gas Standard is used for the calibration of gamma-ray detectors for the counting of radioactive noble gases. EZIP supplies a uniform, low density foam standard in many configurations. These standards are available on a continual basis. The nuclide combination employed in the Simulated Gas Standard is a nine-nuclide multinuclide gamma standard. Americium-241 and/or Lead-210 can be added to allow efficiency determinations down to 60 keV or 46 keV respectively. See page 20 for more information on our 7500 series nine-nuclide gamma standard. Standard activity is 1-5 μCi (37 kBq-185 kBq) with higher activities on request. Single nuclide standards are also available on request. The foam matrix density range is 0.04-0.4 g/cc. The Simulated Gas Standards are NIST traceable ±5% at the 99% confidence level.
Please see the table listing of available beaker sizes.

 

Sample Containers for Gamma Spectrometry

Marinelli Beaker sample containers are used in gamma spectrometry to maximize the efficiency of measurement systems when the radioactivity of the sample material is low and the limits of detection require special geometries. Eckert & Ziegler Marinelli Beakers provide great counting efficiency for liquid and solid materials by arranging the sample material close to the detector. The beakers are constructed from polypropylene and are resistant to acids and most organic solvents. Eckert & Ziegler’s Marinelli Beakers are available with innovative screw-on lids or traditional snap-on lids. The patented, tight sealing lids have an integrated handle for easy transfer of the beaker in and out of the detector shielding. The screw-on lid version is recommended for liquids, preventing contamination by spillage of solutions. The lid has an integrated sealing ring, assuring a leak proof operation. A special tool kit is available for pressure tight seal of the beaker, maintaining a seal up to 70 kPa (10 psi). Every Marinelli Beaker is labeled with a barcode containing a unique serial number for easy sample identification.