Dynamic radioactive particle source
View Patent ↗A method and apparatus for providing a timed, synchronized dynamic alpha or beta particle source for testing the response of continuous air monitors (CAMs) for airborne alpha or beta emitters is provided. The method includes providing a radioactive source; placing the radioactive source inside the detection volume of a CAM; and introducing an alpha or beta-emitting isotope while the CAM is in a normal functioning mode.
1. An apparatus for testing a continuous air monitor (CAM) comprising:
a rotary motor;
a radioactive alpha or beta source;
a mask for the radioactive source having an aperture;
a mask for the rotary motor;
wherein a radioactive alpha or beta emitting isotope is introduced into the CAM when the aperture is not covered by the mask for the rotary motor.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the rotary motor is an analog watch mechanism.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the alpha source introduces the presence of an alpha or beta-emitting isotope.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the shape of the apertures determines the rate of introduction of the radioactive particles.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the aperture is one of the following shapes: a teardrop, a circle, or an oval.
6. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the radioactive source introduces a steadily increasing amount of radioactive particles to the CAM detector.
7. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the radioactive source introduces a puff of an alpha or beta-emitting isotope.
8. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein a sheet of mylar is positioned above the mask for the rotary motor.
9. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein a sheet of mylar is positioned below the mask for the rotary motor.
10. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the watch mechanism has a minute hand and an hour hand and one of the hands is electroplate-coated with an alpha or beta-radiation emitting isotope.
11. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the apparatus is placed inside of a CAM.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising a support frame.
13. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the support frame is placed between the rotary motor and an air filter which is inside the CAM.