Verification of radioactive equilibrium to discriminate radon and progeny with LR 115 under a thin film geometry

Abstract

A system of image analysis is applied to the track analysis of a plastic detector (LR 115). Based on track characteristics the system permits the separation of tracks produced by 222Rn and 218Po from those produced by 214Po. LR 115 was used inside a thin film geometry monitor and irradiated under very low ventilation conditions, where secular radioactive equilibrium between radon and progeny is expected. The monitor is used intending to exclude the entrance of external radon progeny in the sensitive volume of the plastic detector. The radioactive (secular) equilibrium is rapidly attained inside the monitor and equal numbers of α particles from 218Po, 214Po and 222Rn are expected to reach the plastic. In order to guarantee good detection efficiency in the restricted volume, and to discriminate alpha energies, the LR 115 piece inside the monitor is covered with an aluminum foil of suitable thickness. The separation of tracks produced by alpha particles of different energies is made through the use of two track parameters related to area and opacity of the tracks. The ratio of tracks produced by ( 218Po and 222Rn) and 214Po—expected as two—is used to test the separation method in a series of controlled irradiations. Results point to the experimental attainment of radioactive equilibrium inside the monitor supporting the determination of 214Po concentration alone, and points to an exclusive entrance of 222Rn inside the monitor, at low ventilation rates. This way, in situations where radioactive equilibrium inside the monitor may be considered, the exclusive measurement of radon concentration in the environment is possible.