Cyclone Collection System for Radionuclide Detection

The detection of radionuclide aerosols is a critical indicator of a nuclear detonation. Existing sensors as part of the International Monitoring System operate in a batch process and typically have a 48 to 72 hour delay between aerosol sample collection and measurement activities due to limits of instrument sensitivity. The continuous, instantaneous measurements of atmospheric aerosol radiation levels require the ability to sample and concentrate aerosols from much higher air volume flows than existing systems. We propose to develop a highly efficient hybrid cyclone concentrator system optimized for collection of submicron particles that provides a continuous flow of extremely concentrated aerosol for radionuclide detection. In Phase I, we developed modeling tools and performed analyses to optimize the system configuration. In Phase II, we will build and test key components, design a prototype hybrid system, and build and test a prototype particle concentrator and collection system to demonstrate particle separation performance.