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Problems found using a radon stripping algorithm for retrospective assessment of air filter samples.

Robert B Hayes¹

¹National Security Technologies, LLC, P.O. Box 98521, MS RSL-47, Las Vegas, NV 89193, USA. hayesrb@nv.doe.gov

|March 12, 2008

Summary

A commercial radon stripping algorithm used with passive implanted planar silicon (PIPS) detectors for air filter analysis shows significant false negative indications. The algorithm is not recommended for general use, suggesting PIPS detectors for gross counting only.

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Analytical Chemistry
Nuclear Physics

Background:

Air sample filters are crucial for monitoring environmental radioactivity.
Passive Implanted Planar Silicon (PIPS) detectors are used for alpha and beta spectroscopy.
Radon progeny can interfere with the accurate measurement of anthropogenic alpha activity.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate a commercial radon stripping algorithm for analyzing air sample filters using PIPS detectors.
To assess the reliability of the algorithm in discriminating between anthropogenic alpha activity and radon progeny.
To determine the suitability of the system for general assay applications.

Main Methods:

Air sample filters were analyzed using a commercial alpha and beta spectroscopy system with PIPS detectors.
Samples were measured after airflow ceased.
A commercial radon stripping algorithm was applied to differentiate alpha activities.
Environmental filters were measured alongside calibrated electroplated alpha sources.

Main Results:

Uncontaminated filters showed time-dependent bias, but relative bias was small, suggesting low risk of false positives.
Simultaneous measurements with calibrated sources revealed substantial deviations, indicating significant false negative indications.
The radon stripping algorithm demonstrated unexpected deviations from calibrated values.

Conclusions:

The commercial radon stripping algorithm is not recommended for general air filter assay applications due to false negative indications.
Passive Implanted Planar Silicon (PIPS) detectors are best suited for gross counting without algorithm modifications.
The algorithm may serve as a screening method for detecting elevated pure plutonium alpha activities above 200 dpm.