The Automated Radioxenon Sampler/ Analyzer (ARSA), designed and built by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), for the Department of Energy, has exceeded measurement requirements for noble gas measurement systems established by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Two units, one at PNNL and a second, sent to DME Corp. of Florida, were built and extensively tested. Both systems have successfully demonstrated stable xenon yields greater than 1.5 cm3 for an eight-hour collection period, corresponding to minimum detectable concentrations for 133Xe on the order of 0.1 mBq/m3 three times per day. High stable xenon yields are critical in obtaining these low minimum detectable concentrations. A history of testing and results that led to the high xenon yields of the ARSA system is presented. A compilation of field tests, laboratory tests and baseline tests that led to cost reduction, power savings and size reduction of the ARSA are also discussed. Lastly, the type of data generated from the ARSA of interest to data center personnel are discussed.
Revised: November 8, 2007 |
Published: September 1, 1999
Citation
Hayes J.C., K.H. Abel, T.W. Bowyer, T.R. Heimbigner, M.E. Panisko, P.L. Reeder, and J.I. McIntyre, et al. 1999.Operations of the Automated Radioxenon Sampler/Analyzer - ARSA. In 21st Seismic Research Symposium: Technologies for Monitoring The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, Sept. 21-24, 1999, Las Vegas Nevada, 249-260. Washington, District Of Columbia:U.S. Dept. of Energy & U.S. Dept. of Defense.PNNL-SA-48230.