A study on 85Kr measurement with an internal gas proportional counter

A measurement method of 85Kr using an internal gas proportional counter (IGPC) is presented in this study. The operation conditions of the IGPC were determined and optimized, including the operating voltage, pressure, sample volume, interference from other gas components such as nitrogen or air, and mitigation of the memory effect. The IGPC was calibrated using certified standards, and the detection efficiency was approximately 58% for typical samples. A lower limit of detection of approximately 0.11 MBq/m3(Kr) was achieved after counting for 5 h with 1 mL pure Kr, corresponding to the atmospheric activity concentration of 0.18 Bq/m3 (air). It was shown that the IGPC could be used effectively for measuring 85Kr.