Detection of the remote source fraction of radon at a measurement site

The invention covered by the patent concerns a method and apparatus for the continuous detection of Radon-222 in soil, with the particular ability to discriminate Radon-222 emission associated with geophysical phenomena.

How does it work?

The invention concerns a method and apparatus for the continuous monitoring of radioactive Radon-222 gas in soil, with the innovative capability of distinguishing between the fraction of gas emitted locally and that coming from more distant sources. This distinction is fundamental both for health purposes, such as the control of radioactivity in sensitive environments (e.g. spa establishments), and for scientific purposes, in particular in the study of geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.

The method uses a comparison with another natural isotope, Thoron (²²⁰Rn), which has an exclusively local origin due to its short half-life. By analysing the ratio between the two gases and their coefficients of emanation from the ground, it is possible to accurately estimate how much of the measured Radon comes from afar. In addition, the system takes into account the environmental parameters that influence the measurements, ensuring greater accuracy. This approach makes it possible to obtain more reliable data for risk assessment and the study of geophysical anomalies.

Applications

• Environmental monitoring;
• Geophysics;
• Nuclear physics;
• Health prevention and environmental safety.

Advantages

• Distinction between local radon and radon of remote origin;
• Continuous Radon-222 detection, with real-time monitoring;
• Increased accuracy in radioactivity estimation thanks to the correction of environmental effects;
• Precursor signals of seismic or volcanic events can be detected through anomalous variations in remote radon;
• Reduction of false alarms or overestimates by distinguishing local natural emissions from truly significant ones.