Measurements of {sup 220}Rn emanation from rocks
- Trinity College, Hartford, CT (United States)
Alpha-particle and gamma-ray measurements are employed to determine the individual emanation and production rates associated with the thorium radioactive series for thirty-seven rock specimens of {approximately}200 cm{sup 3} individual volume representing igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic types. These results are combined to establish {sup 220}Rn emanating powers for each of these specimens, and a wide range of values is observed. The generally large {sup 220}Rn emanation observed for these specimens strongly indicates that non-tortuous diffusion paths are commonly present in the associated structures, which gives more evidence for the existence of well-connected pore networks at the manometer level in many of the specimens studied. While the results are qualitatively explainable, they are not predictable in terms of the current macroscopic observables. Since {sup 220}Rn and {sup 222}Rn emanation rates from rock specimens have previously been found to be comparable in magnitude, the relatively fast determination of {sup 220}Rn emanation rates described herein (measurements involving 1-h duration) is in reasonable probability indicative of a comparable {sup 222}Rn emanation rate: The employment of {sup 220}Rn as a convenient screening tool for potentially high {sup 222}Rn emanation sources is indicated.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-91ER40609
- OSTI ID:
- 209847
- Journal Information:
- Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 69; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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