Development of sampling devices and analytical methods for nuclear monitoring activities (2022)

The increasing regulatory requirements and societal expectations related to the emission and environmental control activities of nuclear and isotope-application facilities, and the need to refine safety analyses, have led to a significant broadening of the range of radionuclides to be determined, their chemical forms and the need to define the required minimum detectable activity levels. The primary objective of our research development project is to develop world-class monitoring procedures (sampling, sample preparation and measurement) for the investigation of the atmospheric and groundwater transport of the most proliferating radioisotopes relevant to the long-term safety of radioactive waste repositories and related to the operation of the above-mentioned facilities.

The outcome of our research and development activities will be the development of an integrated groundwater sampling device optimised for nuclear applications, capable of sampling H-3, C-14, gamma emitters, alpha emitters, DTM isotopes and organic C-14. Also, the development of a C-14 and H-3 sampler for atmospheric monitoring, which, in addition to its applications in nuclear power generation, is suitable for monitoring the renewable fraction through the analysis of fossil and renewable fuel power plant flue gas, and for atmospheric and climate research.

With the atmospheric C-14 samplers we are developing, we would also like to contribute to the success of research aimed at better understanding climate change, with which Hungary will join the global atmospheric carbon monitoring network of the international ICOS (Integrated Carbon Obeservation System)organisation (of which Hungary is a member from this year). For these purposes, we plan to use the most modern instrumental measurement techniques available, and therefore the project will purchase two of the best gamma-ray spectrometers and an alpha spectrometercurrently on the market.