Development of an online radioactive xenon gas monitoring system for nuclear facilities / 中国辐射卫生

Objective Nowadays, radioactive xenon isotopes, including 131mXe, 133mXe, 133Xe, and 135Xe, are primarily released into the atmosphere through various reactor operation and major accidents of reactors. To improve the online monitoring capability of xenon in nuclear facilities and their gaseous effluents, a highly sensitive online xenon monitoring system was developed to monitor, warn, and alarm the activity concentration of radioactive xenon. Methods The online monitoring system for radioactive xenon gas in nuclear facilities was established using xenon membrane separation and concentration, xenon high-efficiency selective adsorption, and low-background gamma-ray spectrometry analysis methods. Results Under the operation mode of one-hour sampling and one-hour measuring, the minimum detectable activity concentration of the radioactive xenon online monitoring system for 133Xe was approximately (1.43 ± 0.03) Bq/m3. Conclusion This system can be effectively used for online monitoring of xenon activity concentration in nuclear facilities such as nuclear power plants and isotope production reactors, as well as in gaseous effluents. It helps improve the safety level of personnel, the environment, and nuclear facilities.

Development of a simplified phantom for calibration of whole-body counter / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To develop a simplified phantom for the calibration of whole-body counters. Methods A simplified phantom design method for the calibration of whole-body counters was established based on the process and method of calibrating whole-body counters. By using the established method and Monte Carlo method, a simplified phantom including the total body, thyroid, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract was designed to calibrate the ORTEC-Stand FAST II whole-body counter. The simplified phantom was compared with the BOMAB phantom through experimental measurements. Results Within the range of 50 keV to 2 MeV, for rays of the same energy in the same organ of the simplified phantom and BOMAB phantom, the simulated data of detection efficiency by whole-body counting showed an error within 5%, and the experimental measurements showed an error within 10%. Conclusion We developed a simplified phantom for the calibration of the whole-body counter, demonstrating the feasibility of using the simplified phantom instead of a physical body phantom for whole-body counter calibration, which can greatly facilitate whole-body counter calibration for internal radiation monitoring.

Measurement of 239Pu in fecal samples based on inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To establish a method for measurement of 239Pu in fecal samples based on inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and to provide a novel method for assessing the internal exposure of workers. Methods Fecal samples were collected from workers and labeled. The samples were pretreated with carbonization ashing and microwave digestion devices, purified on TEVA resin, and measured using ICP-MS. Results The detection limit of 239Pu in fecal samples based on ICP-MS was 1.91 × 10−4 Bq. Conclusion In the routine monitoring of class S substances characterized by a 5 μm aerodynamic diameter during 12 months, the committed effective dose corresponding to the detection limit is 0.17 mSv. This value meets the requirements of relevant national standards and ICP-MS can be used as a novel means for accurate evaluation of internal exposure for workers.

Monte Carlo simulation of α recoil migration of plutonium aerosol / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To evaluate the migration of plutonium aerosol caused by α recoil. Methods In this paper, the recoil deposition and Brownian motion of plutonium-containing nanoaerosols were simulated by Monte Carlo method. The recoil angle and the vertical first landing time of Brownian motion in the process of settling were sampled, and then the lateral displacements of Brownian motion were sampled to determine the final settling position of aerosol. Results For aerosols with particle sizes of 10-50 nm, the maximum migration distance of a single recoil settling was 1.39 μm. Brownian motion increased the migration capacity. Although there was a high likelihood that aerosols settled within 100 μm, there remained a slight probability of long-term suspension in the air. Conclusion The α recoil is one of the mechanisms of plutonium aerosol migration. An important mechanism for long-distance migration of nanoaerosols is that Brownian motion after recoil may cause them to suspend for a long time.

Exploration of ²⁴¹Am measurement in fecal samples / 中国辐射卫生

@#<b>Objective</b> To preliminarily study and establish a method for measurement of the transuranic nuclide ²⁴¹Am in fecal samples, and to provide technical support for internal radiation monitoring of staff. <b>Methods</b> Fecal samples were collected with a self-made stool sampler and treated with a self-made carbonization and ashing furnace. DGA resin was used to separate and purify ²⁴¹Am from fecal samples. With ²⁴³Am as the tracer, the orthogonal method was used for condition optimization. <b>Results</b> The optimum conditions for separation and purification were: the acidity of HNO₃ added into the column, 6 mol/L; column flow rate, 0.6 mL/min; and the volume of analytical solution,12 mL. The method based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed a detection limit of 9.79×10⁻⁴ Bq for ²⁴¹Am in fecal samples, which was satisfactory and feasible. <b>Conclusion</b> This method fills the vacancy of ²⁴¹Am measurement in fecal samples to some extent, which is of practical significance for internal radiation monitoring and protection for analysts.