Study of the applicability of /sup 3/He//sup 4/He ratio for uranium prospecting. Final report
The initial intention of this program involved: (1) exploration of an area of known uranium mineralization by measuring /sup 4/He concentrations in the field with a truck-mounted instrument, (2) simultaneously collecting atmosphere and soil-gas samples for return to the laboratory, and (3) subsequent measurement of the /sup 3/He//sup 4/He ratio. In addition, supporting measurements of radon-emanation and of soil analyses by gamma-ray and chemical techniques were planned for correlation with other parameters often used in uranium exploration. The method of /sup 4/He measurements in the field evolved from driving the instrumented truck, making continuous flow measurements to collecting samples with hypodermic syringes. At the same time, electronic radon counters (MERACs) and Terradex track etch cups were planted while soil samples were removed from the holes for laboratory gamma-ray analysis. In addition, sample cylinders were filled with soil-gas for /sup 3/He//sup 4/He ratio measurements in the laboratory. As work progressed, continuous flow measurements of /sup 4/He were replaced entirely by syringe measurements, yielding more reproducible results. MERAC measurements of radon concentration in soil were compared with /sup 214/Bi gamma-ray analyses of the soil samples. These two sets of data correlated well, indicating that the radon detected was probably due to local generation in the soil and not related to emanation from the subsurface ore deposit. Corresponding data from Terradex track etch cups planted alongside the MERACs correlated well with MERAC data for 60% of the traverses.
- Research Organization:
- Martin Marietta Corp., Denver, Colo. (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-13-1664
- OSTI ID:
- 5386622
- Report Number(s):
- GJBX-58-(77); MCR-76-567; TRN: 78-002507
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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