Testing of Aerosol Sampler to Remove Radon and Thoron Progeny Interference from Aerosol Samples for Nuclear Explosion Monitoring
Abstract
Studies show that aerosols with natural activity have an aerodynamics diameter in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 micrometer. In contrast, atmospheric nuclear explosions produce radioactive aerosols with aerodynamic diameters of less than 0.1 micrometer. Surface nuclear explosions produce a bimodal distribution of radioactive aerosol particles with aerodynamic particles greater than 1.0 micrometer and less than 0.1 micrometer. A high-volume (70 m(3)h(-1)), low-pressure aerosol impactor has been developed that separates the particles into the three size distributions: aerosols with aerodynamic diameters greater than 1.0 micrometer, between 0.1 and 1.0 micrometer, and smaller than 0.1 micrometer. This sampler has been tested and compared to the performance of a micro-orifice uniform deposit impactor (MOUDI). Testing was completed by measuring natural aerosol samples as well as testing with a submicrometer monodisperse aerosol generation system. Additional pressure taps have been included in the system to improve system characterization. As a result of the testing and measurements, design modifications are being made for system optimization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA519366
Entities
People
- Christopher J. Weaver
- Ofodike A Ezekoye
- Phillip K. Hopke
- Scot Waye
- Steven Biegalski
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin