Measurement of radon emanation factor from granular samples: effects of additives in cement

Two methods for radon emanation factor determination were performed and compared regarding their measuring accuracy: (a) by hermetically closing the sample in an airtight container and measuring the induced radon activity, and (b) by mixing charcoal and sealing the sample hermetically and after placing the sample in an open vessel with no charcoal addition, measuring each time the Ra-226 content using gamma-spectrometry. Measurements of radon emanation factor of cement and pozzolanic additives, i.e. fly ash and phosphogypsum were also performed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.