Development of a continuous monitor for 226Ra in water

Continuous 226Ra in water monitoring has wide application in uranium mining and milling areas, particularly since present practice is to use grab sampling. A continuous monitor based on 222Rn de-emanation and α scintillation counting is developed and tested. The critical parameters associated with the method are identified, and optimum operating conditions determined. For the laboratory scale proto-type constructed, the lower limit of detection is 0.5 pCi Ral-1 at an overall sensitivity of 2 counts per hr per pCi Ra per 1. and a response time of about 2 hr. (author)