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Evaluation of carbon tetrafluoride as a xenon surrogate for underground gas transport

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Abstract

Detection of radioxenon is a critical component of underground nuclear explosion monitoring. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) has historically served as a Xe tracer. This work explores the use of carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) as an alternative for field tests given its general suitability as a tracer and reduced greenhouse gas potential compared to SF6. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry measurements characterized the diffusive behavior of CF4 in a 2-bulb apparatus to determine how well int approximates Xe. The measured diffusion coefficient of SF6 was 78% of that of Xe, agreeing with literature values, while CF4 diffused at 97% the rate of Xe.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (Award #HDTRA1-12-1-0009).

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Author notes

  1. Matthew J. Paul

    Present address: Sandia National Laboratories, P.O. Box 5800 Mail Stop 1033, Albuquerque, NM, 87185, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory, The University of Texas at Austin, 10100 Burnet Road, Building 159, Austin, TX, 78758, USA

    Margaret F. Byers, Matthew J. Paul, Derek A. Haas, Steven R. Biegalski, Brandon A. De Luna & Brianna S. Barth

  2. Nuclear and Radiological Engineering and Medical Physics Programs, Georgia Institute of Technology, 770 State Street, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA

    Steven R. Biegalski

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  1. Margaret F. Byers
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  2. Matthew J. Paul
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Correspondence to Margaret F. Byers.

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Byers, M.F., Paul, M.J., Haas, D.A. et al. Evaluation of carbon tetrafluoride as a xenon surrogate for underground gas transport. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 318, 465–470 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-018-6135-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-018-6135-3

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