Radon leakage in LSC vials: Material-dependent analysis for utilization and reutilization

Abstract

[EN] Liquid scintillation counting (LSC) is a method commonly used for natural occurring radionuclides measurements in water, in which radon concentration is measured after placing water samples in LSC vials that contain scintillation cocktails. Due to the low levels of activity that are involved in natural environments, it is required to characterize any radon loss during the measuring process in order to minimize errors and uncertainties. Hence, radon leakage in different types of vials (plastic and plastic lined with Teflon) is studied. This analysis reported that, after one and a half radon half-lifes, plastic and Teflon lined vials, compared with the values expected for no radon leakage, presented deviations in radon concentration over the 7% and 3%, respectively. Additionally, the diffusion of radon through the vials' wall is checked, as well as if it remains embedded in the polymeric matrix. This study confirmed that radon remains embedded in the polymeric matrix and can diffuse back to the vial, having the plastic vials a greater contribution. The possibility to re-utilize single-use vials is also studied from characterizing the presence of radon depending on the vial's material.