Study of radon transport through concrete modified with silica fume

The concentration of radon in soil usually varies between a few kBq/m³ and tens or hundreds of kBq/m³ depending upon the geographical region. This causes the transport of radon from the soil to indoor environments by diffusion and advection through the pore space of concrete. To reduce indoor radon levels, the use of concrete with low porosity and a low radon diffusion coefficient is recommended. A method of reducing the radon diffusion coefficient through concrete and hence the indoor radon concentration by using silica fume to replace an optimum level of cement was studied. The diffusion coefficient of the concrete was reduced from (1.63 ± 0.3) × 10⁻⁷ to (0.65 ± 0.01) × 10⁻⁸ m²/s using 30% substitution of cement with silica fume. The compressive strength of the concrete increased as the silica-fume content increased, while radon exhalation rate and porosity of the concrete decreased. This study suggests a cost-effective method of reducing indoor radon levels.     

Calculation of radon diffusion coefficient and diffusion length for different building construction materials

The diffusion of radon in dwellings is a process determined by the radon concentration gradient across the building material structure between the radon source and the surrounding air, and can be a significant contributor to indoor radon inflow. Radon can originate from the deeply buried deposit beneath homes and can migrate to the surface of earth. Radon emanates to the surfaces mainly by diffusion processes from the point of origin following α-decay of ²²⁶Ra in underground soil and building materials used, in the construction of floors, walls, and ceilings. In the present study radon diffusion through some building materials viz. coarse sand and stone dust of different grain size has been carried out using LR-115 type II solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). The radon diffusion coefficients and diffusion lengths through these building construction materials have been calculated. The effect of grain size on radon diffusion through these building materials shows the decrease in radon diffusion with decrease in grain size.     

A new method for studying the transport of radon and thoron in various building materials using CR-39 and LR-115 solid state nuclear track detectors

Radon (²²²Rn) and thoron (²²⁰Rn) α-activities per unit volume were measured inside and outside different building materials by using two types of solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) (CR-39 and LR-115 type II). In addition, the radon and thoron emanation coefficients of the studied materials were evaluated. Based on these data, the transport of radon and thoron across parallelepipedic blocks of the building materials could be investigated and radon and thoron global α-activities per unit volume outside different building material blocks were determined. Moreover, the diffusion length and the effective diffusion coefficient of radon in the building materials were evaluated and the total alpha activity due to radon in the atmospheres of different rooms consisting of different building materials was studied.     

Thermal properties of amorphous materials at low temperatures

Recent investigations of X-ray diffraction and electron micrograph studies reveal high density clusters separated by density deficient regions (voids) in amorphous materials. The low temperature specific heat and the thermal conductivity anomalies are explained on the basis of such a structure for amorphous materials. It is a generalisation of Debye's theory applied to most of the amorphous solids in the temperature range from 0 to 10 K. The anharmonic effects lead to the observed temperature dependence of the sound velocity. The thermal conductivity between 0 and 2 K is due to thermal diffusion, the plateau observed between 2 and 20 K is a consequence of the decrease in thermal conductivity due to three phonon processes compensated by intercluster diffusion, while beyond this range it is due to excitations within a cluster limited by the size of a cluster. Further the model predicts the coefficient of expansion about 100 times that found in the corresponding crystalline solids. An experimental verification of this result can be a good test for the model.     

Inverse method for determining radon diffusion coefficient and free radon production rate of fragmented uranium ore

The radon diffusion coefficient and the free radon production rate are important parameters for describing radon migration in the fragmented uranium ore. In order to determine the two parameters, the pure diffusion migration equation for radon was firstly established and its analytic solution with the two parameters to be determined was derived. Then, a self manufactured experimental column was used to simulate the pure diffusion of the radon, the improved scintillation cell method was used to measure the pore radon concentrations at different depths of the column loaded with the fragmented uranium ore, and the nonlinear least square algorithm was used to inversely determine the radon diffusion coefficient and the free radon production rate. Finally, the solution with the two inversely determined parameters was used to predict the pore radon concentrations at some depths of the column, and the predicted results were compared with the measured results. The results show that the predicted results are in good agreement with the measured results and the numerical inverse method is applicable to the determination of the radon diffusion coefficient and the free radon production rate for the fragmented uranium ore.     

Radon exhalation studies in an Indian uranium tailings pile

A study was taken up to quantify the source term arising due to radon exhalation from Uranium(U) tailings pile at Singbhum shear zone in Jharkhand state of India. In-situ experiments were conducted at 40 locations of the U tailings pile in three seasons namely summer, rainy and winter to measure the radon fluxes. The fluxes were also predicted by a diffusion model using the measured parameters such as Ra-226 content, bulk density, diffusion coefficient, radon emanation factor, moisture content and temperature in the U tailings. It was observed that the predicted fluxes using the in-situ diffusion length and emanation factor were closer to measured values by accumulator technique than that predicted using empirically estimated diffusion coefficient and emanation factor. A conversion factor has been established between radon fluxes and Ra-226 content in U tailings for Jaduguda. The source term arising due to the radon exhalation from U tailings pile at Jaduguda has determined using the measured data of radon fluxes.     

Properties of the Interfacial Transition Zone in Model Concrete

The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between aggregates and cement paste in cementitious materials is a crucial element in mechanical and transport systems. Computer simulation by the SPACE system is used to approach this problem in the present paper. For the particle-packing phenomenon in the fresh state of concrete, the SPACE system relies on a dynamic generation algorithm, reflecting the production conditions of concrete. Hence, structure of the model cement has been proven more realistic than can be achieved by random generator-based system.A natural phenomenon in the ITZ around aggregate particles is size segregation leading to different gradients in porosity, particle size and surface area. Size segregation implies the difference size fractions in the binder mixture to have peak values in their densities on different distances from the aggregate surface. Structural evolution of the ITZ is stereologically quantified with the help of composition and configuration parameters in the fresh and hardened states of concrete.The addition of mineral admixtures is a successful approach to improving the ITZ microstructure. Experiments demonstrated the blending efficiency to be higher for coarser grained Portland cement (PC), due to the positive effect exerted by gap grading, i.e. by having distinctly different size ranges of particles. This is confirmed by computer simulation of the ITZ microstructure in model concretes made with blended cements. In addition, it is very important in concrete production to achieve good workability conditions to ensure sufficient dispersion of the fine rice husk ash (RHA) particles and proper migration of them into the ITZ through the structure network of large cement particles.     

对理想条件下Rn及其子体垂直运移实验数据的再分析

当1个Rn与8个以上的He原子结合成团簇后,该团簇可以克服重力向上运移;当与1个Rn结合的He原子少于8个时,该团簇将向下运移.因此向上运移的RnHe团簇的平均原子数要明显大于向下运移的RnHe团簇的平均原子数.对Rn及其子体的长距离运移实验数据进行分析表明：在不考虑扩散的情况下,平均每个Rn需要与7.5个He原子结合,则铀矿石源所能提供的He原子数量可能不够;如果考虑扩散的情况,平均每个Rn只需与4.26—5.57个He原子结合,则铀矿石源可以提供足够数量的He.这一推导结果说明,在采用团簇运移机制解释Rn及其子体垂直运移实验结果时,不能忽略扩散运移的存在. 关键词： Rn 垂直运移 RnHe团簇     

The effect of sand/cement ratio on radon exhalation from cement specimens containing 226Ra

Different ratios of Portland cement and sand were mixed with radium chloride to produce radioactive cylinder specimens. Two types of sand were used (calcite and silica). The release of radon from these samples was studied.Results showed that radon release from the calcite–cement samples was affected by the sand ratios. It was also noticed that the release changed with the size of the sand particles. Same trends were observed from silica–cement samples. In addition, it was found that radon exhalation from calcite–cement samples were less than that of silica–cement samples. The results were explained by the creation of closed free spaces in the samples, which gave radon atoms the possibility to decay in these free spaces rather than exhalation.     

工业CT在工件检测中X射线硬化校正

X射线工业CT中,由于X射线能谱具有多色性,X射线在透射物质时,能量较低的射线优先被吸收,X射线能量越高,衰减系数越低。也即较高能量的X射线的衰减系数比较低能量的X射线的衰减系数小。射线随透射厚度增大,变得更易穿透,也就是发生了能谱硬化现象。由于射线硬化现象使图像重建时出现伪影,因此必须修正。文中对X射线硬化现象进行了分析,探讨了在均匀物质中,X射线射束和与透射厚度的关系。并根据Beer定律和X射线与物质作用的特点,通过获取X射线射束和数据,拟合出射束和与透射厚度的关系式。然后得出在同一透射厚度时,X射线射束和校正为单色等效射束和的关系及其等效方法。最终得出X射线等效单色射线的衰减系数的拟合值。再对此衰减系数拟合值进行卷积反投影重构,即可有效消除X射线射束硬化的影响。     

An experimental method for measuring the radon-222 emanation factor in rocks

An experimental method, based on a 21-day accumulation technique, is proposed for measuring the radon-222 emanation factor in undisturbed consolidated materials. The leakage rate is determined from the form of the radon growth curve in the measurement chamber. It was comparable to the radon decay. In order to obtain the “true” radon emanation factor, the thickness of the sample must be less than the radon diffusion length in the porous material. The method was used to measure the radon emanation factor in water-saturated claystones (argillites). The radon emanation factor, determined from experiments on a rock sample with a thickness of 5 mm, was 15%, a value typical for this kind of material.     

Ni在非晶Si中扩散机制的原位X射线衍射研究

通过对非晶Ni和Si多层组分调制膜(ML)中Ni和Si互扩散规律的原位X射线衍射法研究,考察了金属Ni在非晶Si(a-Si)中的扩散现象。得到了较低温度下Ni在非晶Si中扩散系数及规律,并且提出了Ni在a-Si中受非平衡缺陷延迟的间隙扩散机制。这个扩散模型较好地解释了Ni在a-Si中的扩散。 关键词：     

Comparative measurements between NTD and GEL detectors for radon gas

Because of the interest in an inexpensive radon monitoring technique and the use of new materials and new methods, this work presents comparative measurements between traditional passive radon detector using nuclear track detector (NTD), and a new method based on the diffusion of radon gas in gels, measuring the quantity of the remainder radioactive solids by the analysis of the gamma radiation from the decay of radon daughters. The methodology of the new detectors is introduced. The preliminary results show a measurable response of the gel material detectors to radon gas. The measurements are compared with those using NTDs CR-39 type for calibration purposes. Both the detection systems, the passive close-end cup system with NTDs and the passive close-end cup gel material detector, were exposed at the same time in the radon calibration chamber to different radon exposition levels from 150 to 3000 Bq/m⁻³.     

Radon levels in the volcanic region of La Garrotxa, Spain

A preliminary survey in the city of Olot, the main town of the volcanic region of La Garrotxa, showed that dwellings built on volcanic formations present higher indoor radon levels than dwellings on non-volcanic materials. The soil of the area is not especially rich in radium. However, some of the volcanic materials present very high permeability and therefore radon entering the houses might have travelled over long distances. In this paper we present indoor radon values measured in a larger survey carried out during April–July 2004. The influence of the volcanic materials found in the preliminary survey has been confirmed. The results obtained suggest the possibility that radon comes from the degassification of mantle through active faults. The values obtained in working places do not constitute a relevant radiological risk for workers.     

Measuring radon exhalation rate by tracing the radon concentration of ventilation-type accumulation chamber

Radon exhalation rate is crucial in the estimation of radiation risk from various materials. RAD7 only focus on the count of the ²¹⁸Po in sniff mode, and is well suited to measure radon exhalation rates. This paper presents a fast method for measuring radon exhalation from medium surface with a ventilation-type accumulation chamber by the RAD7 while making the effects of leakage and back diffusion negligible. The radon exhalation rate can be obtained from the measured values before radioactive equilibrium between Radon and progeny occurs. This method is based on the principle for tracing radon concentration changes by deriving ²²²Rn concentrations through ²¹⁸Po measurements. Several radon exhalation rate measurements of medium surface have been performed in the Radon Laboratory of the University of South China. The radon exhalation rates obtained by verification experiments are within the accepted values for the reference value.     

Exhalation rate study of radon/thoron in some building materials

Indoor radon/thoron have been recognised as one of the health hazards for mankind. Common building materials used for construction of houses, which are considered as major sources of these gases in indoor environment, have been studied for exhalation rate of radon/thoron. ‘Can’ technique using plastic track detector LR-115 type-II has been used for measurement. Exhalation rates for radon and thoron have been found to be varying from a minimum value of 0.024 and 29.4 Bqm⁻² h⁻¹ for cement plastered brick to a maximum value of 0.16 and 692.2 Bqm⁻² h⁻¹ for unfired brick, respectively. Exhalation rate for thoron has been found to be several times higher than that for radon. Measured exhalation rates for thoron indicate significant presence of thoron in indoor environment which is also supported by indoor measurements of thoron and its progeny.     

The influence of fractal size distribution of covers on radon exhalation from uranium mill tailings

Tailings produced during mining and milling of uranium ores represent potentially large volumes of low level radioactive materials. A typical environmental problem associated with mill tailings is radon emanation. Covering tailings is widely applied to reduce radon exhalation rate. In this paper, the fractal theories and field covering tests are used to study the fractal characters of size distribution of six types of covering materials, including waste rock, sand, laterite, kaolin, mixture of sand and laterite, and mixture of waste rock and laterite, and their influences on radon exhalation. The size distributions of uranium tailings and the six aforementioned covering materials all exhibit a good fractal structure. The contents of fine grain increase with the increasing value of fractal dimension. The results of field radon measurement show that the radon emanation rate of tailings without covers is 14.7–18.6 Bq/m² s. Covering tests were carried out of the six abovementioned covering materials with thickness of 0.4 m, 0.8 m, 1.2 m, 1.6 m and 2.0 m. The results indicate that the application of these materials for cover layers can decrease the radon exhalation rate markedly. The effectiveness of a cover layer in reducing radon exhalation is related to its fractal texture of size distribution. Under the same thickness conditions, the attenuation coefficient of radon exhalation rate increases with the increasing fractal dimension of size distribution of covers. The empirical expressions of the attenuation coefficients in relation to fractal dimension D of size distribution and thickness x of covers is obtained for evaluating the effectiveness of final covers for uranium tailings impoundments.     

Nuclear-physical analysis of the contamination on the surface of a COMPLAST panel after 12-year exposure at the ISS

Using methods of X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRFA), the Rutherford backscattering of ions (RBS) and spectral X-ray microanalysis (SXRM) in combination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we study the elemental composition and structure of contaminants on the surface of a metallic panel with samples of different materials exposed to outer space for 12 years. It turns out that the main elements of the contaminants are C, O, Si, S, Ca, Fe, and Zn. Since these elements are the constituents of materials located on the panel, they are present as a result of destruction of the materials under the action of outer-space factors. X-ray phase analysis (XRPA) of the contaminants shows that carbon is present in the form of an amorphous graphite phase with a small addition of crystalline graphite, while the other components are in an amorphous state. Crystalline silicium dioxide and other silicium compounds are not found.     

Theoretical study of the diffusion of lithium in crystalline and amorphous silicon

The effect of the lattice deformation on potential barriers for the motion of a lithium atom in crystalline silicon has been studied through ab initio density functional calculations. A new universal method of calculating the diffusion coefficient of an admixture in amorphous solid media through the activation mechanism has been proposed on the basis of these data. The method is based on the calculation of the statistical distribution of potential barriers for the motion of an admixture atom between minima depending on the position of neighboring atoms. First, the amorphous structure, which is generated by annealing from the crystalline structure with vacancies, has been simulated. Then, the statistical distribution of the potential barriers in the amorphous structure for various local environments of the admixture atoms has been calculated by means of linear regression with the parameters determined for barriers in crystalline silicon subjected to different deformations. The diffusion coefficient of the admixture has been calculated from this distribution by using the Arrhenius formula. This method has been tested by the example of crystalline and amorphous silicon with admixture of lithium atoms. The method demonstrates that the diffusion of lithium in amorphous silicon is much faster than that in crystalline silicon; this relation is confirmed experimentally.     

Utilization of barite/cement composites for gamma rays attenuation

The present work is directed to investigate the contribution of adding barite aggregates to cement as a shielding material for radioactive wastes disposal facilities. The percentages of barite from 5% up to 20% mixed with cement with different grain sizes were examined. Mechanical and physical properties such as compressive strength, wet and dry densities, water absorption, and porosity have been investigated. The thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction were used to examine the thermal stability and the characterizations of studied samples, respectively. The linear attenuation coefficient, mean free path, half value layer, and transmission fraction were evaluated. All the nuclear shielding parameters revealed the uppermost values for cement mixed with 5% barite of size range 250–600?µm. The attenuation coefficient of the investigated samples displayed an increase by more than 125% than that of neat cement.