Skip to main content
European Commission logo print header
Zawartość zarchiwizowana w dniu 2022-11-21

Development of improved techniques for monitoring of radon decay products

Cel

The purpose of the project is to:

- identify and optimise alternative thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD) materials of sufficient sensitivity to comply with legislation;
- integrate suitable TLD materials into a standard airborne dust sampling instrument, using an inexpensive mounting system;
- develop a system of measurement which:-

(a) measures radon decay products over an 8 hour period, as required by legislation;
(b) is not time critical with respect to the processing of results;
(c) does not require skilled manpower underground at the colliery.
The measurement system is ideally suited for use in coal mines, since it does not require the use of skilled staff or expensive apparatus underground. It is not time critical with repect to the processing of the TLD's. The TLD measurement system itself is electrically passive.

The carbon loaded TLD technique has sufficient sensitivity to comply with current and future European and national legislation. The method is suitable for measuring shift averages.
A strategy for monitoring the levels of radon decay products is required to satisfy the requirements of Euratom 80/836 and National Legislation.

ECSC research contract number 7260-03/052/01 has enabled the investigation of levels of radon gas and radon decay products in underground working places. It has also obtained information indicating the significant variability of these levels during a working shift.

Various practical methods of measuring the radon decay products have been investigated. None are suitable for measuring the 8 hour average exposure, as required by legislation. They are all time critical and require the application of skilled sampling techniques underground.

A technique for measuring the 8 hour averages has been developed using a standard airborne dust measuring instrument. However, the thermoluminescent detector element (TLD) used has proved insensitive relative to statutory requirements. Alternative TLD materials are available. Some of these can be made sensitive to surface radiation dose only, and hence should be suitable for monitoring radon decay products. A preliminary trial has indicated their potential for this application.

Maximum dose limits are likely to be reduced in line with International Commission on Radiological Protection recommendations. The problem of a lack of an effective measurement technique will become far more severe, owing to the lack of sensitivity and the number of determinations required.

TLD materials of varying types will be investigated in order to optimise the characteristics to suit the radiation from radon decay products. Ultimate sensitivity levels will be established.

A modular mounting system will be designed using standard airborne dust filter components wherever possible.

The system will be tested at suitable colliery sites to establish practical performance limits. The effect of dust levels and plate out effects on the sensitivity will be investigated. Optimum operation procedures and ease of use will be assessed. The results will be processed using a standard TLD readout device, and compared with traditonal grab sampling techniques operated on a quasi-continuous basis.

Zaproszenie do składania wniosków

Data not available

System finansowania

Data not available

Koordynator

British Coal plc
Wkład UE
Brak danych
Adres
Eastwood Hall
NG16 3EB Eastwood
Zjednoczone Królestwo

Zobacz na mapie

Koszt całkowity
Brak danych