Compact radioactive aerosol monitoring device for early warning networks

• Published in: Applied radiation and isotopes Vol. 126; pp. 219 - 224
• Main Authors: Glavič-Cindro, Denis, Brodnik, Drago, Petrovič, Toni, Vencelj, Matjaž, Ponikvar, Dušan, Bell, Steven James, Keightley, Lynsey, Woods, Selina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2017
• Subjects: Aerosol sampling device; Aerosols; Air Pollutants, Radioactive - analysis; Calibration; CeBr3 scintillation detector; Cesium Radioisotopes - analysis; Computer Communication Networks; Computer Systems; Early warning network; Equipment Design; Gamma Rays; High volume air sampler; Humans; MetroERM; Particulate Matter - analysis; Preparedness; Radiation Monitoring - instrumentation; Radiation Monitoring - statistics & numerical data; Radiological emergency; Radon - analysis; Real time measurements; Spectrometry, Gamma; Aerosol sampling device; High volume air sampler; Early warning network; Radiological emergency; Preparedness; Real time measurements; MetroERM; CeBr3 scintillation detector; CeBr scintillation detector
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2016.12.036
• EISSN: 1872-9800
• ISSN: 0969-8043

In the frame of the European metrological research project MetroERM, a compact portable aerosol sampling and measurement device was developed at Jožef Stefan Institute. The system incorporates a CeBr3 scintillation detector positioned centrally within a concertinaed filter assembly and an improved high flow rate air pump. It provides continuous on-line low level airborne radioactive particulate monitoring for field station use via 3G network communications. The calibration of the device was performed at National Physical Laboratory (NPL) with filters, spiked with a certified mixed nuclide solution. Additionally first tests were performed in an environment with an elevated radon concentration.
•A compact portable aerosol sampling device was developed at Jožef Stefan Institute.•The system incorporates a CeBr3 scintillation detector positioned centrally within a filter assembly and high flow rate air pump.•The calibration of the device with filters, contaminated with CRM was performed at National Physical Laboratory.•First tests were performed in the environment with elevated radon concentrations.