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A Day In The Life of A Rad Sample
https://www.netc.com:443/bb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=505
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Author:  KingCobra [ Sat Nov 30, 2013 11:24 am ]
Post subject:  A Day In The Life of A Rad Sample

Day in the Life of a Rad Sample

This is an interesting link (with slide show) from the EPA site that gives some background of what they say they do with the filtered samples they receive from the EPA station across the US. These are the same EPA radiation monitoring stations that NETC has listed on its map page starting with station ID 4: for the beta detection stations and 5: for the gamma detection stations.

http://www.epa.gov/radnet/about-radnet/science-note.html

Please note that while the EPA collects several channels (energy ranges) of information with their gamma stations, NETC currently only uses channel 5 because this energy range of 600-800keV is most likely the one to see spikes due to detection of Cs137 cesium-137. Cesium-137 is what we would see from Fukushima's meltdowns.

For more information about the channels and their energy range use for detections, please read this article:

http://nukeprofessional.blogspot.com/2013/11/cpm-of-gamma-in-energy-range-600-800kev.html

Author:  KingCobra [ Fri Dec 27, 2013 11:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: A Day In The Life of A Rad Sample

Here is more useful information about the EPA and their testing:

www.epa.gov wrote:
There are two ways of collecting samples to test for airborne radionuclides:

•Filter Sampling: RadNet stationary and deployable monitors pass air through a filter which traps particulates. The filter is sent to National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) for a sensitive laboratory analysis that identifies the radionuclides on the particles.

•Air Cartridge Sampling: RadNet deployable monitors also pass air through a cartridge that contains charcoal. The cartridges collect radioactive particles and gases in much the same way that a home charcoal air filter traps cooking odors. The cartridges are sent to NAREL for a sensitive laboratory analysis that can detect gaseous radioactive material in the sample.

Twice weekly, monitor operators collect filters and send them to NAREL for analysis. A gross (total) beta analysis is performed on each air filter, followed by a gamma scan if the beta activity is greater than 1 pCi/m3. Each year, a composite sample of the air filters for each monitors is analyzed for plutonium (Pu-238, Pu-239, Pu-240) and uranium (U-234, U-235, and U-238).


http://www.epa.gov/radnet/about-radnet/radnet-analyses.html

Author:  Morellio [ Fri Dec 27, 2013 7:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Day In The Life of A Rad Sample

Any plans to support showing more energy ranges in the future? More data isn't necessarily bad.

Author:  KingCobra [ Fri Dec 27, 2013 7:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Day In The Life of A Rad Sample

Morellio wrote:
Any plans to support showing more energy ranges in the future? More data isn't necessarily bad.


As NETC continues to grow thanks to the support of its chart members and even people sharing their knowledge/thoughts on radiation on this forum, nothing is out of the question.

Keep watching for updates & keep sharing your knowledge to help educate others, thank you! 8-)

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