Performance testing of workplace air monitors using procedures based on draft ANSI N42. 17B

Conference · Sun Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:7073970

Kenoyer, J L; Higby, D P; Swinth, K L; Mishima, J; Selby, J M

The performance of commercially available continuous air monitors used in the workplace to monitor levels of airborne particulates (alpha, beta/photon emitters) was evaluated by personnel at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory. Testing procedures are based on criteria and methods in draft ANSI N42.17B, ''Performance Specifications for Health Physics Instrumentation - Occupational Airborne Radioactivity Monitoring Instrumentation.'' Testing requirements and results are discussed for the following tests: stability; effects of temperature, humidity, and ambient pressure; alarm threshold drift; coefficient of variation; response time; energy dependence; and air flow rate accuracy. Tests results show that certain systems may show large temperature, humidity, or ambient pressure effects; interference effects from radio frequency fields; very slow response times; a large beta-energy dependence; or a saturation problem in high-exposure conditions. Systems performed well when compared to stability, alarm threshold drift, and air flow rate accuracy criteria. 2 refs., 5 figs., 5 tabs.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 7073970
• Report Number(s): PNL-SA-13389; CONF-8610170-1; ON: DE87001802
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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