EVALUATION OF A COLORIMETRIC PERSONAL DOSIMETER FOR HYDRAZINE FUELS.
Abstract
An evaluation of the performance of the colorimetric personal dosimeter for hydrazine fuels was conducted. The dosimeter reagent is an acid-base indicator. Volatile bases give false positive results, and acids decrease the sensitivity of the strips to hydrazines. The useful shelf life of unopened dosimeter packets is greater than 1 year. Variations in sensitivity were observed for different lots of dosimeter strips. This problem may be corrected by proper quality control. The majority of the strips were more sensitive than indicated by the manufacturer's calibration. Variation in the concentration and time of exposure at a constant CT product had little effect on the darkness of the strip but considerable effect on the hue. Strips placed in a closed cabinet for 8 hours developed a slightly red color. The badge is useful primarily as a check on the continued safety of areas which have been surveyed by a qualified bioenvironmental engineer. The badge cannot be relied on to give a useful estimate of the dose received in the case of a gross overexposure. The badge is a sensitive detector for hydrazine fuels. No great dependence should be placed on the quantitative interpretation of the colors developed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0679527
Entities
People
- Eugene L. Arnold
- Robert F. Rakowski
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory