Steady-state Rn diffusion through tailings and multiple layers of covering materials

Hart, KP; Levins, DM; Fane, AG

HERO ID

21452

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1986

Language

English

PMID

3949527

HERO ID 21452
In Press No
Year 1986
Title Steady-state Rn diffusion through tailings and multiple layers of covering materials
Authors Hart, KP; Levins, DM; Fane, AG
Journal Health Physics
Volume 50
Issue 3
Page Numbers 369-379
Abstract Uranium tailings piles are generally rehabilitated by covering them with a number of layers of earthen materials. This paper derives exact equations for the Rn concentration profile and flux attenuation through any number of covering layers. The equations take account of the distribution of Rn between interstitial air and water. Numerical examples are given to show that approximate methods give rise to significant errors in some circumstances. The flux attenuation factor depends not only on the diffusion coefficient, porosity, moisture content and thickness of each layer but also upon the order of placement. To achieve maximum flux attenuation, the least permeable material should be uppermost.
Doi 10.1097/00004032-198603000-00003
Pmid 3949527
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Health Phys. 50: 369-379.
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No