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Characterization of a carbon radon filter and Radon detection

Carbon filled columns were built and tested as prototype radon filters. The length of time taken for
a pulse of radon to travel from one end of the filter to the other was measured using nitrogen, and
then air as the carrier gas. Its dependency on two variables were investigated: temperature of the
tube and the flow-rate of carrier gas through the column. Using Height Equivalent to a Theoretical
Stage (HETS) the carbon was found to have a adsorption constant (ka) of 9.7 ± 1.7 L/g at STP,
and a binding energy value (Eb) of (30±1) kJ/mol. The radon concentration in the carrier gas was
measured using a silicon detector housed in a metal chamber with a charged collector plate. Most filter
tests measured Rn concentrations by measuring levels of the daughter atom 218Po. A
computer simulation was created for aspects of both the working detector chamber and a prototype
detector chamber. The charged fractions of 218Po and 214Po were calculated by comparing the
Monte Carlo simulation to data obtained from the detectors. The positively charged fraction of
218Po was found to be (80 ± 9)% and 214Po was (110 ± 180)%. / Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2008-08-29 16:38:33.442

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OKQ.1974/1397
Date04 September 2008
CreatorsGolightly, John
ContributorsQueen's University (Kingston, Ont.). Theses (Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.))
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
LanguageEnglish, English
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Format3089215 bytes, application/pdf
RightsThis publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
RelationCanadian theses

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