Some observations on the electrical characteristics of radioactive ( sup 222 Rn progeny) and nonradioactive aerosols

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Health Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199001000-00003· OSTI ID:7106873

Bigu, J ^[1]

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1. CANMET, Energy, Mines and Resources Canada, Ontario (Canada)

The electrical characteristics of {sup 222}Rn, {sup 222}Rn progeny atmospheres have been investigated. Experiments were conducted in a {sup 222}Rn/{sup 220}Rn Test Facility (RTTF) of the walk-in type using an electrical elutriator of the split-flow variety, originally designed by Johnston. Experiments were carried out with the undisturbed atmosphere, and when this atmosphere was exposed to a source of electrically charged particles produced by a negative ion-generator. Under normal conditions, the average electrical charge of the {sup 222}Rn, {sup 222}Rn progeny atmosphere was substantially less than one elementary unit. Under the influence of the ion-generator, however, the electrical charge exceeded two elementary units, and the electrical charge distribution was non-symmetrical. It was found that the particle concentration in the RTTF substantially decreased with the operation of the ion-generator.

• OSTI ID: 7106873
• Journal Information: Health Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Health Physics; (USA) Vol. 58:1; ISSN 0017-9078; ISSN HLTPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540130* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AEROSOLS
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BISMUTH
COLLOIDS
DAUGHTER PRODUCTS
DAYS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
DISPERSIONS
ELECTRIC CHARGES
ELEMENTS
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
HEAVY NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
LEAD
METALS
NUCLEI
POLONIUM
RADIOACTIVE AEROSOLS
RADIOISOTOPES
RADON 220
RADON 222
RADON ISOTOPES
SECONDS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
SOLS