Radon detection

Patent · Tue Jan 25 00:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:5253609

MacArthur, D W; Allander, K S; Bounds, J A

A detector for atmospheric radon using a long range alpha detector as its sensing element is described. An electrostatic filter removes ions from ambient air, while allowing radon atoms to pass into a decay cavity. Here, radon atoms are allowed to decay, creating air ions. These air ions are drawn by a fan through a second electrostatic filter which can be activated or deactivated, and into the long range alpha detector. With the second electrostatic filter activated, no air ions are allowed to pass, and the signal output from the long range alpha detector consists of only the electronic background. With the second electrostatic filter deactivated, air ions and cosmic rays will be detected. The cosmic ray contribution can be minimized by shielding. 3 figures.

• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC ()
• Patent Number(s): US 5281824; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-864746
• OSTI ID: 5253609
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 7 Apr 1992
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
RADIATION DETECTORS
DESIGN
RADON
RADIATION MONITORING
ALPHA DETECTION
COSMIC RADIATION
ELECTRIC FILTERS
CHARGED PARTICLE DETECTION
DETECTION
ELEMENTS
FILTERS
FLUIDS
GASES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MONITORING
NONMETALS
RADIATION DETECTION
RADIATIONS
RARE GASES
440101* - Radiation Instrumentation- General Detectors or Monitors & Radiometric Instruments
540130 - Environment
Atmospheric- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)