Recent work with electronic radon detectors for continious Radon-222 monitoring

Krasimir Mitev (1) , Strahil Georgiev (1) , Ivelina Dimitrova (1) , Vladislav Todorov (1) , A. Popova (1) , Ch. Dutsov (2) , Benoit Sabot (3)

1 Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"
2 PSI - Paul Scherrer Institute
3 LNHB (CEA, LIST) - Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel (CEA, LIST)

Background: Sensitive electronic radon detectors can be an advantageous solution for continuous monitoring of radon dynamics in dwellings and workplaces. In order to investigate their applicability, such detectors must be subjected to adequate metrological assurance and their performance in field conditions must be tested and evaluated. Objectives: To perform laboratory and field tests in order to evaluate the applicability of RadonEye+$^2$ instruments for continuous radon monitoring Results: In this work we have performed laboratory tests of 36 RadonEye+$^2$ detectors, which appear to have linear response for $^{222}$Rn concentrations below 3.5 kBq/m$^3$ and a non-linear response (<15%) in the interval from 3.5 to 7 kBq/m$^3$ . Their response to $^{222}$Rn at 4.7 kBq/m$^3$ is within 15% to the reference. In experiments with sharp variation of the $^{222}$Rn concentration, the detectors show fast response within two hours. For the application of the detectors in dwellings and workplaces we have developed a database, which collects, stores and visualises the RadonEye data. The database proved to be very useful tool, not only for data analysis, but also for identification of interruptions in the detectors operation and/or their connection to the internet. In a pilot 10-month-long study with three detectors located in different dwellings, we have observed more than 91 % uptime of the online data collection from the detectors and more than 96% uptime of the data recording in the internal memory of the instruments. Conclusions: Overall, the results show that the RadonEye+operation and/or their connection to the internet. In a pilot 10-month-long study with three detectors located in different dwellings, we have observed more than 91 % uptime of the online data collection from the detectors and more than 96% uptime of the data recording in the internal memory of the instruments. Conclusions: Overall, the results show that the RadonEye+2 instruments are very suitable for continuous radon monitoring and may be useful for follow-up of radon dynamics in long-term measurement campaigns in homes and workplaces instruments are very suitable for continuous radon monitoring and may be useful for follow-up of radon dynamics in long-term measurement campaigns in homes and workplaces

Mots clés: ionizing radiation; radioactivity; instrumentation; nuclear instrumentation; radon; detector; metrology; radon monitoring; signal processing

Domaines: Instrumentations et Détecteurs [physics.ins-det]

Krasimir Mitev, Strahil Georgiev, Ivelina Dimitrova, Vladislav Todorov, A. Popova, et al.. Recent work with electronic radon detectors for continious Radon-222 monitoring. RAP2022 - International Conference on radiation applications, the Sievert Association; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Jun 2022, thessalonique, Greece. pp.144. ⟨cea-03872651⟩