Evaluation of the radon interference on the performance of the portable monitoring air pump for radioactive aerosols (MARE)

• Published in: Applied radiation and isotopes Vol. 134; pp. 439 - 445
• Main Authors: Glavič-Cindro, Denis, Brodnik, Drago, Cardellini, Francesco, De Felice, Pierino, Ponikvar, Dušan, Vencelj, Matjaž, Petrovič, Toni
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-04-2018
• Subjects: Aerosol sampling device; CeBr3 scintillation detector; Early warning network; High volume air sampler; MetroERM; Preparedness; Radiological emergency; Radon and thoron background; Radon progeny; Real time measurements; Walk-in radon chamber; Aerosol sampling device; High volume air sampler; Early warning network; Radon and thoron background; Radiological emergency; Preparedness; Real time measurements; MetroERM; Radon progeny; Walk-in radon chamber; CeBr3 scintillation detector; CeBr scintillation detector
• ISSN: 0969-8043; 1872-9800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.07.039

A compact portable aerosol sampling and measurement device was developed at Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI). A CeBr3 scintillation detector is positioned centrally within a concertinaed filter assembly. It provides continuous and via network communications on-line monitoring of low levels of airborne radioactive particulates. The evaluation of the response of the device to the natural background at controlled conditions with elevated radon concentrations, performed at the National Institute of Ionizing Radiation Metrology of ENEA, is presented.
•Portable monitoring air pump for radioactive aerosols (MARE) was developed at JSI.•MARE incorporates CeBr3 detector, concertinaed filter and high flow rate air pump.•Calibration of MARE device with filters, spiked with CRM, was performed at NPL.•Tests performed in the environment with elevated radon concentrations at ENEA.