Radioactivity Analysis Lab

Radioactivity Analysis Laboratory of Alypz is accredited and competent to operate in accordance with MS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) and is licensed by Atom Malaysia.

Our laboratory is fully equipped to perform both qualitative and quantitative analyses of gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides using a High Purity Germanium (HpGe) Gamma Spectrometry system, as well as rapid screening through an automated Alpha/beta counting systems which provide sensitive and accurate measurements of alpha and beta particles, enabling assessment of radioactivity levels, contamination, and environmental monitoring.

It supports a wide range of sample matrices, including:

Geochemical & environmental samples (liquid, solid & airborne particulates) (i.e fauna, flora, soil, water, sediments & air.
Industrial samples (i.e. raw materials, finished products & waste/effluent & materials resulting from technological processes)
Food & Drinking Water

Type of Analysis

Gamma Spectrometry

Most radioactive sources produce gamma rays with various energies and intensities. Gamma-ray spectrometry is the quantitative study applicable to determine the energy spectra of gamma ray emission from a radioactive source. When these emissions are detected with a spectrometry system, a gamma-ray energy spectrum is produced. A detailed analysis is performed on this spectrum to determine the identity and quantity of gamma emitters present and interpreted to the activity concentration in Becquerel (Bq) unit.

The Laboratory uses a vertically mounted, coaxial High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector for gamma-ray spectrometry with operation capability from 40 up to 2000 keV.

Gross Alpha/Beta

Gross Alpha/Beta as a rapid method to estimate the activities of alpha and beta radionuclides in water, air filters, soils, sludge, and wastewater. The purpose of gross alpha and beta measurements is to:

Provide adequate information concerning the activity within samples, and, thus, to determine if further detailed analyses are required,
Support accountability of radioactive materials and ensure that the activity is not exceeding the limit
Ensure that the transportation of radioactive materials has not been violated.

list of radioactivity testing by ral, alypz sdn bhd

No.

1

2

3

4

5 Radionuclides

Gross alpha & Gross Beta

Direct Measurement using Automatic Low Background Gas Proportional Counter

Caesium-137 (Cs-137) + Caesium-134 (Cs-134)

Radium-226 (Ra-226) + Radium-228 (Ra-228)

Potassium-40 (K-40) only

Gamma Emitter (Others)

Direct Measurement using HpGe Gamma Spectrometry system

Notes:

Time duration for analysis is between 14 to 28 working days (depends on quantity and sample type, maximum 5 samples and single analysis requested) upon receipt of products or samples with a complete necessary documentation.
Turnaround time for customer sending more than 5 samples will be subjected to discussion with customer. Additional samples will require longer turnaround time.
Quantity needed for sample analysis depend on sample types:
- Soil, sediment, sand, sludge - 1 kg (dry weight)
- Flora, fauna - 2-5 g (ash)
- Food - 500g (dry weight)
- Water* - 4 litres (gamma), 1 litre (gross alpha/beta)
- Water sample should be kept in a well labelled polyethylene container.
- Water sample should be pre-conditioned with one (1) ml of concentrated nitric acid for every litre of water.
- For other types of water, please do not hesitate to contact the laboratory.
- NO SERVICE will be provided if the sample quantity is less than stated quantity.
All other samples may be packed in a proper plastic bag/container and must be clearly labelled.
The customers must state clearly the type of analysis requested and please provide additional information (if any).