Ventilation rates by measurement of induced radon time-dependent behavior--Theory, application, and evaluation

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1993 · Nuclear Technology; (United States)

OSTI ID:5853878

Leonard, B E ^[1]

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1. International Academy of Hi-Tech Services, Inc., Arnold, MD (United States) Victoreen, Inc., Cleveland, OH (United States)

The use of induced time-dependent [sup 222]Rn behavior to determine source rate magnitudes, ventilation rates (air change rates), and other parameters that affect [sup 222]Rn and progeny levels and exposure to building occupants is investigated. When the subject space is purged and the buildup (seepage) back into the space is measured, theoretical, normalized equations show a unique, one-to-one correspondence of the [sup 222]Rn and particulate progeny temporal levels to the air change rate in the space. The Bateman equations have been solved in closed form for [sup 222]Rn and progeny in air and trapped on a filter under these conditions. A total of 28 measurements of the time-dependent behavior of radon progeny for two test facilities (one with a constant air change rate and one with a constant National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-calibrated source) and four residential dwellings were made. The results were compared with theory and with air change rate measurements made by anemometer flow rates and by the conventional method (SF[sub 6] decay). For a factor of 2 range in air change rates in the NIST constant source case, the agreement with the SF[sub 6] method air change rate was within [+-]10.6% standard deviation and agreement with the NIST source magnitude of 37.0[+-]1 kBq was within [+-]4.9% standard deviation. Agreement to within [+-]17.7% standard deviation was obtained on determination of air change rates for the residential dwellings. Based on the airborne concentrations and air change rates, source emanation rate magnitudes were obtained. Analyses of the results are presented in detail, and factors affecting the accuracy and feasibility of the method are identified.

• OSTI ID: 5853878
• Journal Information: Nuclear Technology; (United States), Vol. 104:1; ISSN 0029-5450
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY
HOUSES
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
HUMAN POPULATIONS
RADIATION DOSES
RADON 222
RADIATION MONITORING
AIR FLOW
DAUGHTER PRODUCTS
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE PATHWAY
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
TEST FACILITIES
TIME DEPENDENCE
VENTILATION SYSTEMS
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BUILDINGS
DAYS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
DOSES
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
FLUID FLOW
GAS FLOW
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HEAVY NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
MASS TRANSFER
MONITORING
NUCLEI
POPULATIONS
RADIOISOTOPES
RADON ISOTOPES
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
540230* - Environment
Terrestrial- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
540130 - Environment
Atmospheric- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
560101 - Biomedical Sciences
Applied Studies- Radiation Effects- Dosimetry & Monitoring- (1992-)