Corrections to Kusnetz Method for Measurements of Radon Progeny Concentrations in Air

TL;DR

This paper revises the Kusnetz method for measuring radon progeny in air by providing precise corrections for sampling and counting times, improving accuracy in estimating radon levels in mine atmospheres.

Contribution

It introduces exact correction formulas for sampling and counting times, updating Kusnetz factors for more accurate radon progeny concentration measurements.

Findings

Provides corrected formulas for sampling and counting times.

Updates Kusnetz factors for different equilibrium conditions.

Improves accuracy of radon level estimations in air samples.

Abstract

In 1956, H.L. Kusnetz proposed a quick method for radon progeny concentration measurement in mine atmosphere using a single gross-alpha count of a membrane-filtered air. The method is still widely used today and is based on a number of impractical assumptions. An instantaneous sampling time (less than ten seconds), is one of these assumptions that ignores the build-up and decay of the progeny on the filter paper during the sampling period. Of special concern is the 214Bi decay during the sampling period, since 214Po alphas are lost during the sampling time and cannot be accounted for during the counting time. In addition, the method assumes that 214Bi activity during the counting period is constant. This inaccurate assumption can result in a smaller count rate, especially when counting times are long. Hence underestimated working levels are expected when using Kusnetz factors without correcting for the sampling and counting times. In this technical report, exact sampling and counting time corrections to the method are provided along with the updated Kusnetz factors that correspond to common equilibrium conditions to correctly estimate the Working Level in air. Additionally, time corrections to the commonly used self-absorption correction formula and the lower level of detectability (LLD) equation used for any sample measurement are given.