Alpha CAM alarm set points in a salt dust environment.

Abstract

While considering the regulatory and site specific requirements for Continuous Air Monitor responses in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant underground (which is a salt mine), a number of issues relating to the buildup of salt (NaCl) on the filters must be considered when determining the alarm set points. As the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is a Department of Energy facility, alarm set point determination must be made in light of the regulatory drivers and physical limitations found when monitoring for airborne contamination in an underground salt mine. The use of dual alarm set points is also exploited to implement a graded approach to alarm responses.