AUTOMATIC SSNTD EXCHANGER FOR SOIL RADON DETERMINATIONS

Radon determination in soil with Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors ( SSNTDs) provides information regarding the evolution of this gas on a long-term basis. When SSNTDs are exchanged during field surveys the ra don atmospheres in the detecting chambers are perturbed. In addition, frequent retrieval of the detectors in the field often requires expens ive logistics. In order to improve field work, an SSNTD automatic exch anger with several months autonomy has been designed and tested. The p erformance of the device under laboratory and field conditions, is pre sented. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.