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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #3128 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Instrumentation and Measurements — Surveys and Measurements (SM)

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

How should stack monitoring be done? Is there any instrument developed which can detect alpha, beta, and gamma continuously? If yes, then I would like to have full details of the instrument.

This very much depends on what radionuclide you want to monitor. For example, is it particulate ¹³⁷Cs, ⁹⁰Sr, U-nat, or gaseous ¹³¹I, ³H, etc.? A good source of information on this subject would be various reports of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements.

If the stack sampling is not for a gas, then the sampling should be done under isokinetic sampling conditions, such that there is no bias in particle size distribution collected.

Lastly, once you identify what type of material you need to sample for, a review of the suppliers noted on the HPS Affiliate Members website and Buyer's Guide will likely identify an off-the-shelf instrument that will provide the measurements you need. These "continuous air monitors" (or CAMs) are standard instruments used for stack monitoring and work environs where airborne radioactive materials are likely.

David J. Allard, CHP

Answer posted on 11 November 2003. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.