Field tests using radioactive matter 2

Abstract

Results of field tests with explosive dispersal of a radioactive substance (RaS) are presented. The paper deals with tests exploiting artificial obstacles as a continuation and expansion of the tests used in this study performed in free area described previously. The essential goal of the tests was to estimate the distribution of the released RaS in the case of intentional abuse of radioactive sources and to get a set of data applicable to testing physical or mathematical models of propagation. Effects of different geometrical and meteorological conditions on the distribution of dispersed RaS were studied via the assessment of dose rate, surface and volume activities, aerosol mass and activity aerodynamic diameters. The principal results can be summarised as follows: the prevalent proportion of the activity of the radionuclide dispersed by an explosion (born by the blast wave and by air convection) is transferred to the detection system/collecting pads essentially within the first minute. Enhanced aerosol mass concentrations were also detected within the same period. The RaS carried by the blast wave passed through the polygon (50 m) within <1 s. An expected crucial impact of meteorological conditions at the moment of the explosion and shortly after was proved by the tests.

Guidelines for first responders based on results from deploying a mockup radiological dispersal device

“…It was not possible to reproduce the results reported by Erhardt et al (2016) who collected deposition samples at 3 m from GZ. From there onwards, the deposition level decrease is very fast, this was also reported by (Prouza et al 2010, Rulik et al 2013. Significant amounts of material was detected on plates located up to 5 m above ground on both walls.…”

“…Erhardt et al (2016) carried out deposition measurements during device field trials. Some field experiments have used actual radiological material (Prouza et al 2010, Rulik et al 2013, Sharon et al 2014, Green et al 2016. In most cases the release took place in a desert, prairie or in a simple building simulation (as in Kamenna, Czech Rep. Prouza et al 2010, Rulik et al 2013.…”

“…Some field experiments have used actual radiological material (Prouza et al 2010, Rulik et al 2013, Sharon et al 2014, Green et al 2016. In most cases the release took place in a desert, prairie or in a simple building simulation (as in Kamenna, Czech Rep. Prouza et al 2010, Rulik et al 2013. These environments provide favorable dispersion conditions with little or no turbulent mixing, which would occur in urban areas.…”

The behaviour of parent and daughter nuclides in aerosols released in radiological dispersion events: a study of a SrTiO3 source

“…Explosion experiments have been conducted to research aerosol types and sizes . The results are used to determine the extend of the exclusion zone that should be evacuated in case of a RDD detonation and to determine the perimeters that have to be decontaminated before daily life can be resumed . Various authors report that two different aerosol morphologies are created in these events, which are the result of different formation processes.…”