Here's how to setup a "lung particle simulation":

If you want "overtime readings" to simulate the breathing of you and your family read this...



The Simple way:
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Place a new small self powered air filter unit close (not closer than 12 inches) to the counter. These units are available most anywhere at a very low cost. Test it after a predetermined time has passed (monthly is the best norm) Use any radiation detector to do this test (offline if possible) stating the time passed since the last filter change AND the time spent under the detector AND the detector type/model in your posts.


Never allow the exhaust or intake draft from any air filter unit to blow or draw on the detector while it's operating (gathering dust).

Run this unit continually on the lowest setting for the specified time.
This is the most accurate way to test as the unit breathes full time, like we do.



Other Testing Methods:
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Use any filter you have timed! You can use a furnace filter, window unit AC filter or even your cars air filter. Remember you absolutely have to know how long the filter has been in use. Carefully change them now and document the date and EXACT time you started the test. When using car filters you MUST include the EXACT mileage, date and time (Date-hour-minuet) you changed the filter. Without this information you have nothing to test. PLEASE be careful when handling ANY filter as all filters (by design) trap contamination.



Testing filters:
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Test the filter by removing it from the unit and placing a detector on it overnight. Don't forget to state the average background before the test, time spent reading it and the age of the filter when you post the data. This is critical as your test will not be understood no matter how much you say about it in your posts without this simple information. So "Time it like you mean it"!


DO NOT use any plastic or plastic bags as plastic blocks beta. Carefully put the filter media in a paper bag to contain any dust as you DON'T want to breathe or eat this dust. Again, be careful when handling ANY filter as all filters (by design) trap contamination.

Place the filter as close to the counter as possible without touching it. I use a couple small pieces of clean construction type (untreated and unpainted) wood to space the detector 1/16 from the filter.

It takes at the least 8 hours to make this kind of measurement with the most common types of GM (gamma/beta) counters.

Start the test in the evening and stop it after work the next day (Kinda like cooking a Crock Pot Meal). Note the EXACT time you started and ended the count (test) minutes AND seconds.


Send you results to:

rads@lamarsworldmall.com

or post them here in the forum.




Tips:
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If you use your counter connected full time "live" to do this test, Note it in the comments for your location.


NEVER use your counter connected to a air filter full-time!


You will NOT get "realtime" data as the filter may stop some particles in an emergency and WILL accumulate particles over time thus lowering the immediate read and raising or "spiking" the readings over time later.

When you attach your detector to a air filter you negate the actual reading and no one can tell what the "realtime" readings are.

Use the detector as a detector ONLY and the filter for the "over time accumulation" of particles (lung particle simulation).


In other words...

If you leave the counter "live" all the time on a air filter you will not get a true "Live" reading but instead the accumulated particles over time. In the event of an emergency you may not get the actual "real world measurements" as the filter media and wind draft may temporarily obscure a portion of the contaminates you wish to detect and your past averages will not reflect the actual environment you live in.



Important Stuff
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Please! If you have a station here, Describe the location and gear you are using. Without this information we cannot interpret the readings with any real accuracy.

IE:"GMC-200 Inside 2nd floor, West Facing wall"

IE:"GMC-300 Outside 10 feet from ground"




Hope this helps...

Thanks,

LP / http://lamarsworldmall.com/weather

I have ran a station with geiger counter live on a running air purifier outside for almost two years 24/7.

My system works great and I am guaranteed to detect an increase in radiation over those non-purifier units. This is my goal in order to give my family the earliest warning. If anyone cares to learn more about my system/unit. Please feel free to read any of my many posts about it.

Completely understandable...

My point is however that as hot particles accumulate the counter registers this along with any new particles collected. This "spikes" the reading and after you change the filter the reading will drop back to the actual background level. It is a excellent way to measure accumulated doses and we desperately need these kinds of readings as they more closely show the accumulation over time. But, my point is it will not show the actual "real time" (background) reading if you have a particle trapped in the filter.

To do a test of the filter itself for accumulation, you first need a background reading for reference (recorded for the entire time period) and if the purifier were to lodge a particle in the detector you will not get one.

So the reason I stated to place the detector out of the draft of the filter is to give you the actual background data while the filter is gathering dust. This way you have the actual background data from the time period to match with the accumulation test results.

My initial post is not that detailed but i felt that it would at least get people started thinking about this method.

I'll post any other details asked for to help in understanding this procedure.

Thanks for all your help...

And by the way you can (obviously) use 2 detectors, one on the filter, the other close to it but out of it's draft to gather the data...

When I see any spikes, I change the filter to verify current levels. Trapped hot particles are not a problem if the unit is maintained correctly.

True but look how many people live in the US and how many have a unit setup. Two units at one location would be very unrealistic, although a good idea.