False CAM alarms from radon fluctuations.
The root cause of many false continuous air monitor (CAM) alarms is revealed for CAMs that use constant spectral shape assumptions in transuranic (TRU) alpha activity determination algorithms. This paper shows that when atmospheric radon levels continually decrease and bottom out at a minimum level, reduced false TRU count rates are not only expected but measured. Similarly, when the radon levels continually increase to a maximum level, elevated false TRU count rates were measured as predicted. The basis for expecting this dependence on changes in radon levels is discussed.
Hayes
Robert
R
Radiological Technology, MS 452-09, WIPP Site, PO Box 2078, Carlsbad, NM 88221, USA. robert.hayes@wipp.ws
D000398:Air Pollution, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D000465:Algorithms; D000512:Alpha Particles; D016477:Artifacts; D001417:Background Radiation; D001610:Beta Particles; D004868:Equipment Failure; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis / Q000379:methods; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011850:Radioactive Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D011874:Radiometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D011886:Radon / Q000032:analysis*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D011850:Radioactive Waste; D011886:Radon