An instrument for measuring equilibrium-equivalent [sup 222]Rn concentrations with etched track detectors

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1999 · Health Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199911000-00013· OSTI ID:6053933

Zhuo, Weihai; Iida, Takao ^[1]

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1. Nagoya Univ. (Japan). Dept. of Nuclear Engineering

To simultaneously measure both [sup 222]Rn and [sup 220]Rn progeny concentrations, a new type of portable integrating monitor with allyl diglycol carbonate (CR-39) plastic detectors was developed. The monitor gives the average equilibrium equivalent [sup 222]Rn and [sup 220]Rn concentrations EEC[sub Rn] and EEC[sub Tn] during sampling intervals. The detection efficiencies of the alpha particles were calculated by Monte Carlo method. The lower limits of detection for EEC[sub Rn] and EEC[sub Tn] are estimated to be 0.57 Bq m[sup 13] and 0.07 B1 m[sup [minus]3] for 24 h continuously sampling at a flow rate of 0.9 L min[sup [minus]1]. The measuring results with the new type monitors were confined through intercomparison experiments. In a small survey, a rather high [sup 220]Rn progeny concentration with an average of 1.73 Bq m[sup [minus]3] was observed in traditional Japanese dwellings with soil/mud plastered walls. On the other hand, a very high [sup 232]Th concentration in soil was reported in China. They suggested that there is a possibility of high [sup 220]Rn progeny concentration in both Japan and China.

• OSTI ID: 6053933
• Journal Information: Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Vol. 77:5; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440101* -- Radiation Instrumentation-- General Detectors or Monitors & Radiometric Instruments
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540130 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
ACTINIDE NUCLEI
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
DAYS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
DESIGN
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
EQUIPMENT
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
HEAVY NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MONITORING
NUCLEI
PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
RADIATION DETECTORS
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RADIOISOTOPES
RADON 220
RADON 222
RADON ISOTOPES
SECONDS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
SPONTANEOUS FISSION RADIOISOTOPES
THORIUM 232
THORIUM ISOTOPES
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES