S. Pakhomov¹

¹V. G. Khlopin Radium Institute, St Petersburg, Russian Federation

Abstract:

Radioactive argon-37 is produced in significant quantities when the neutrons of a nuclear explosion interact with the environment elements, and its lifetime is optimum for detection until far distances and during a long period of time after the explosion. Therefore argon-37 is one of key informative radionuclides which can be "witnesses" of infringements of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Owing to difficulties of separation, purification and measurement, there is today all over the world not enough equipment capable of detecting argon-37 at background levels in the atmosphere (1 mBq/m3), or in subsoil air (<20 mBq/m3), as demanded for the on-site inspections (OSIs) applications. The Khlopin Radium Institute developed the conception and draft project of Mobile Sampling and Measuring Complex «SLARS» (abbreviation of Subsoil Liquefied ARgon Scintillations). It is intended for measurement of argon-37 in air sample of 2m3 volume at a detection level better than 20 mBq/m3 for measurement times of 12 hours. Equipment complex "SLARS" is portable, easily operated and suitable for work in field conditions experienced during an OSI.