Evaluation of an Upward Trend in Background Count Rates from a Stack Particulate Continuous Air Monitor

Health Physics
Jeremy P RishelEric M Hanson

Abstract

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory operates the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory, which is a multi-purpose, non-reactor nuclear research facility. Regulations require both continuous sampling and monitoring of radioactive particulates and tritium gas in the exhaust from the main stack. Releases of other radioactive gases, including planned releases of radon, are tracked separately in a database and reported. During the 2015 calibration of the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory stack continuous air monitor, measured alpha and beta background count rates were much higher than expected, especially when compared to count rates from previous calibrations. The source of the higher background count rates was examined by trending of historical continuous air monitor measurements and a comparison to the sampler data. The analysis revealed that the sample results showed no increase in emissions, whereas the continuous air monitor showed a steady increase in count rates. Ultimately, the continuous air monitor filter was analyzed and found to contain higher-than-normal background levels of Rn progeny. Assessments were performed to determine the cause of the increased background values, including reviews of building research acti...Continue Reading

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