EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH FLIGHT PROGRAM

Technical Report · Thu Oct 31 04:00:00 EST 1963

OSTI ID:4778072

Wood, R C

Dual-balloon step flights were performed in 1961 to obtain vertical profiles of radioactive debris in the stratusphere and also to test new equipment. Two balloons, each carrying two Direct Flow Samplers, were used. The first balloon system ascended to 70,000 ft where sampling commenced with one unit. Approximately 75 min after launch of the first flight, and before sampling began at 70,000 ft, a second balloon system was launched. This balloon ascended to an initial sampling altitude of 50,000 ft. Sampling at 50,000 and 70,000 ft occurred almost simultaneously. After sampling was completed at 50,000 and 70,000 ft, ballast was dropped from both systems, and altitudes of 60,000 and 80,000 ft were obtained. Sampling then took place at these altitudes. At the end of the sampling periods the ioads were returned by parachute. Flight data are tabulated. Data are included on observed vertical profiles of Cs/sup 137/, Sr/sup 90/, Ce/sup 144/, and total BETA activity of the samples. Results are compared with those obtained from filter profile and impactor profile flights. Results of these flight tests indicate that the improved Direct Flow Samplers can operate at high altitude for extended sampling periods. Some data are also included on the performance of electrostatic precipitators tested on some flights. (C.H.)

• Research Organization: General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis
• NSA Number: NSA-17-003162
• OSTI ID: 4778072
• Report Number(s): TID-16988(Paper 5)
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

AIR
BALLOONS
BETA PARTICLES
CERIUM 144
CESIUM 137
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTROSTATICS
FALLOUT
FILTERS
GEOLOGY, MINERALOGY, AND METEOROLOGY
INSTRUMENTS
LEVELS
PERFORMANCE
PRECIPITATION
RADIOACTIVITY
SAMPLING
STRATOSPHERE
STRONTIUM 90
TESTING