Development of a continuous monitor for 226Ra in water

Continuous 226Ra in water monitoring has wide application in uranium mining and milling areas, particularly since present practice is to use grab sampling. In this work, a continuous monitor based on 222Rn de-emanation and alpha scintillation counting is developed and tested. The critical parameters associated with the method are identified, and optimum operating conditions determined. For the laboratory scale proto-type constructed, the lower limit of detection is 0.5 pCi Ral-1 at an overall sensitivity of 2 counts per hr per pCi Ra per l. and a response time fo about 2 hr.