Automated Sampling System for Monitoring 85Kr in Air

Radioactive krypton-85 (85Kr) gas, a chemically inert and non-proliferation indicator, is derived from fission products. Its detection relies on the Budesamt für Strahlenschutz–Institute of Atmospheric Radioactivity (BfS-IAR) method, which necessitated impurity removal using soda lime, silica gel, liquid nitrogen for cryogenic adsorption. This manual process requires frequent replacements, posing challenges its automation. To address this, we developed prototype krypton sampling system as an interim research product fully automated remote monitoring covert nuclear activity. The incorporates hollow fiber membrane removal, computer-controlled multi-position valve sampling, electric cooler modules demonstrated high efficiencies, removing H2O CO2 at 99.8% 97.8% rates, respectively. Further, custom-made can 16 samples in single run without analyst intervention. We conducted experiments to verify automatic capability. activity concentration 85Kr ambient air was measured BfS-IAR processing system. exhibited recovery rate ~7.8% 1000 L air, demonstrating good continuous study promotes development analysis air.