A Transuranic-Aerosol-Measurement System for the Workplace or Stack Monitoring

This compact transuranic-aerosol-measurement system, using alpha spectroscopy at vacuum, has a sensitivity of less than 0.5 MPC-hr for 239Pu. In addition, a detector is mounted in the inlet pipe that responds immediately if there is a release of radioactivity; then, after an appropriate time, the filter is moved to the vacuum chamber for more sensitive off-line analysis. The system is very efficient for particles as large as 10 μm in diameter. A micro-computer controls the filter transport, operates as a 256-channel PHA, performs calculations, checks calibration, and drives a matrix display and a central computer. This instrument, called WOTAMS, has been developed for use in facilities that process transuranics with the expectation it will further evolve into a commercial product to replace those less sensitive instruments now widely used.