Localization of CsI Radioaerosols from the gas phase using various filtration elements

The behavior of 137 Cs 131 I radioaerosols, yielded by CsI evaporation from a Pt healer into argon or air, during their localization with aqueous solutions and various filtration materials [filters based on Petryanov fabric (from here on, Petryanov filter), “while band” paper filter, and TRUMEM metallic membrane filter] was studied. The degree of localization of 137 Cs 131 I radioaerosols was examined in relation to the amount of sublimed 137 Cs 131 I, the number of bubblers in the system, the size of the nozzle in the bubbling system, and the gas stream flow rate. The efficiency of localization of 137 Cs 131 I radioaerosols with a 10-layer stack of Petryanov filters from the gas stream with and without bubbling system was estimated. It was found that, at the stream velocity of 2–3 cm s −1 , a 10-layer stack of Petryanov filters with the total thickness of 3 cm takes up ca. 97% of total 137 Cs 131 I sublimed from the Pt heater. It was shown that the bubbling system does not affect the efficiency of localization of 137 Cs 131 I radioaerosols by Petryanov filters but only favors decrease of the aerosol load on these filters. Electron-microscopic examination of the particle-size distribution of the CsI aerosols penetrating through aqueous solutions was carried out, and various filtration materials (Petryanov filter and “white band” paper filter) were tested.