RadAnalysis

RadAnalysis is a software developed by the Department of Energy to assist in the packaging and transportation of radioactive materials. It facilitates compliance with regulations, providing consistency, accuracy, and relevant documentation.

RadAnalysis

RadAnalysis 

RadAnalysis facilitates compliance with regulations and provides consistency, accuracy, and appropriate documentation for Department of Energy (DOE) sites handling radioactive shipments for research, environmental restoration, and national defense activities.

It offers comprehensive transportation classification services based on U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) definitions and methodologies outlined in 49 CFR, Subchapter C. The calculations adhere to the standards set by the DOE, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the International Commission on Radiological Protection.

RadAnalysis includes four basic functions to support comprehensive radiological analysis and transportation safety:

  • Perform Radioactive Decay Analysis: Allows users to analyze the decay of a user-defined radioactive content over time. This function helps in understanding the changing nature of radioactive materials and their properties in various scenarios.
  • Perform DOT Calculations to Determine Shipping Requirements: Adheres to DOT guidelines and performs necessary calculations to determine the appropriate shipping requirements for radioactive materials. This confirms compliance with safety regulations and secures transportation of hazardous materials.
  • Perform Various Calculations for DOE-Related Quantities: Executes numerous calculations related to DOE standards and protocols. This function supports in assessing and monitoring DOE-related quantities so that operations adhere to prescribed safety and regulatory frameworks.
  • Estimate Hydrogen Generation and Package Pressure from Radiolysis: Utilizes data to estimate the generation of hydrogen gas and the subsequent pressure buildup within a package due to radiolysis. This is important for designing safe storage and transportation methods for radiological materials that may produce gases under certain conditions.

Evolution of RadAnalysis

RadAnalysis v. 1.0 is the direct successor to RadCALC v. 4.1, incorporating improvements and new features based on user feedback and evolving regulatory requirements.

Software Name

Version

Release Date

Changes

RADCALC4.009/2004Incorporated regulatory changes, incorporated dose-equivalent curie and helium gas calculations, enhanced the interface.
RADCALC4.103/2009Addressed issues including incorporating new regulatory interpretations, updating the database, and incorporating enhancements.
RadAnalysis 1.006/2025Changed name from RADCALC to RadAnalysis and reset version number to 1.0. Corrected errors, incorporated new regulatory interpretations, updated the database, incorporated enhancements (including HM-250).

Key Features of RadAnalysis

  • Safety Categorization: Classification of radioactive content into three safety levels (Category I, II, or as per NRC's Regulatory Guide).
  • Dose-Equivalent Calculations: Accurate computation of dose-equivalent curie values for various substances.
  • Advanced Calculations: Perform unit conversions, including radioactive decay analysis (leveraging an extensive radionuclide library) and calculations of decay heat, hydrogen gas production from radiolysis, and helium production from alpha decay.

System Requirements

RadAnalysis was developed for installation on PCs running Windows 10.

Contacts

User Support, radanalysis@pnnl.gov

DOE Office of Packaging and Transportation

Development Team