Test and Evaluation of the RADOS RAM31 Continuous Air Monitor

Authors

R. J. Sanchez, R. B. Hayes, A. E. Strait

Abstract

Since the 1980s, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) has worked to improve radiation monitoring systems (RMS) for detecting Pu-239 in a salt environment. Salt can mask the detection of Pu-239 alpha radiation. Ensuring even distribution of the sample minimizes the masking effect. Salt loading also requires increased maintenance to ensure detection capability. Various continuous air monitors (CAMs) from various manufacturers were evaluated; only one had a filter changer mechanism that generates minimal cross-filter contamination. These capabilities are considered to be a great advantage for use in the WIPP underground due to the excessive filter loading that has been experienced. It also has a Pentium-based microprocessor for processing large amounts of data such as multiple algorithms and remote controls. A RADOS RAM31 CAM was selected and tested in the WIPP underground. Improvements in the sample holder and software have resulted in a CAM that offers many advantages over the existing installed CAMs.

Meeting

This abstract was presented at the 37th Annual Midyear Meeting, "Air Monitoring and Internal Dosimetry", Air Monitoring Users Group Special Session, Part 1, 2/8/2004 - 2/11/2004, held in Augusta, GA.

 
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