A multi-chamber radon measuring device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a multi-chamber radon measuring device, including a housing, an air inlet, an air outlet, a thin-film pump, multiple measuring chambers, multiple detectors, a gas channel, and an electrical connection structure. The multiple measuring chambers are arranged in series inside the housing. Each measuring chamber is a small-volume, sealed structure, housing an electrode assembly with an applied electrostatic field and a detector for signal acquisition. The air to be measured is introduced into each measuring chamber sequentially after being filtered by the thin-film pump and filtered by the filter assembly, and the signal is acquired by the detector. By reducing the volume of each chamber and arranging multiple chambers in series, the influence of humidity on the measurement process is effectively reduced, while the sensitivity and measurement stability of the overall device are improved. This device has a compact structure and is suitable for on-site detection of radon or thorium concentrations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of environmental monitoring equipment technology, and in particular to a multi-chamber radon measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous improvement of indoor environmental quality standards, radon, as a radioactive inert gas, has received widespread attention in environmental monitoring, safety assessment, and radiation protection. Currently, common radon detection equipment on the market mainly uses ionization chamber, scintillation chamber, or electrostatic adsorption methods for radon concentration detection. Among these methods, electrostatic adsorption has become one of the mainstream detection methods for rapid radon detection equipment due to its advantages such as fast response speed and low detection limit.

[0003] However, traditional electrostatic adsorption radon detectors generally employ a single measurement chamber structure. In high-humidity environments, charged ions generated by radon or thorium decay readily neutralize water molecules in the air during flight, preventing them from being collected onto the detector surface and thus affecting measurement sensitivity and accuracy. To improve measurement performance under humidity conditions, some solutions have attempted to use desiccants, temperature and humidity control, etc., but these often increase equipment size, power consumption, and maintenance costs, making them impractical.

[0004] Therefore, how to effectively reduce the interference of humidity on the electrostatic adsorption process without significantly increasing the complexity of the equipment, while improving the overall sensitivity, has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in the structural design of current radon measurement equipment. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem solved by this invention is how to effectively reduce the interference of humidity on the electrostatic adsorption process and improve the overall sensitivity without significantly increasing the complexity of the equipment.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a multi-chamber radon measuring device, wherein the device includes a housing, an air inlet, an air outlet, a diaphragm pump, multiple measuring chambers, multiple detectors, a gas channel, and an electrical connection structure.

[0007] The plurality of measuring chambers are disposed within the housing and arranged in series along the direction of the gas channel. Each measuring chamber is an independent and sealed cavity, and an electrode assembly is provided inside the cavity for applying a high voltage electrostatic field.

[0008] The multiple detectors are respectively installed in the corresponding measurement chambers, and the detectors are connected to the external interface of the housing through an electrical connection structure.

[0009] The air inlet is connected to the diaphragm pump, which is connected to the front end of the gas channel to drive air through the plurality of measuring chambers in sequence and finally discharge it through the air outlet.

[0010] The air inlet is equipped with a filter membrane assembly, and the multiple measuring chambers together form a closed air path system.

[0011] Optionally, the volume of the measuring chamber is less than 100 cm³. 3 The total volume of multiple measuring chambers shall not exceed 500 cm³. 3 .

[0012] Optionally, the measuring chamber is connected to the gas channel via a sealing connector, which is an integral sealing structure.

[0013] Optionally, the detector is a solid-state surface detector with an installation area of ​​200 mm². 2 It is fixed to the inner wall or bottom of the measuring chamber.

[0014] Optionally, the electrode assembly includes a current collector and a counter high-voltage electrode disposed inside the measuring chamber, with an insulating support between them.

[0015] Optionally, the filter membrane assembly includes two-stage filter membranes, with the first filter membrane disposed outside the housing and the second filter membrane disposed between the air inlet and the measuring chamber.

[0016] Optionally, the diaphragm pump is connected to a control circuit, which is fixedly installed inside the housing or on the side wall.

[0017] Optionally, the plurality of measuring chambers are connected by a rigid pipe, and a sealing collar is provided on the outside of the rigid pipe.

[0018] Optionally, the housing is a portable structure with a display screen and multiple operation buttons on the front panel and mounting feet or a support base on the bottom.

[0019] Optionally, the housing is equipped with a temperature and humidity sensor for detecting environmental parameters, and the sensor is connected to an external interface via an electrical connection structure.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model's technical solution are:

[0021] This invention effectively shortens the flight path of charged ions within the chamber by reducing the volume of each measuring chamber, significantly reducing the probability of them being neutralized by water molecules during flight. This improves ion collection efficiency under humidity conditions and enhances the stability and reliability of measurement results.

[0022] By arranging multiple small-volume measurement chambers in series and configuring an independent detector in each chamber, the measurement signal can be accumulated and enhanced without increasing the volume of a single chamber, thus compensating for the low sensitivity of small chambers and improving the overall detection capability of the instrument.

[0023] By using multi-chamber modules arranged in series in a closed manner, combined with a unified air intake and exhaust channel and an internal sealed air path design, external gas interference is effectively reduced, and the overall airtightness and anti-pollution capability of the system are improved.

[0024] The device of this invention maintains a small size while achieving a balance between sensitivity and anti-interference capability through a modular structure, making it suitable for mobile or on-site radon / thorium concentration detection in different environments.

[0025] All measuring chambers of this invention have the same structure, allowing for mass production. The electrical connection structure is uniformly designed, facilitating circuit wiring and subsequent maintenance, and reducing production and maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-chamber radon measuring device in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed implementation method:

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] Please see Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a multi-chamber radon measuring device according to an embodiment, comprising a housing 1, an air inlet 2, an air outlet 10, a thin-film pump 6, multiple measuring chambers 8, multiple detectors 9, a gas channel A, and an electrical connection structure. The multiple measuring chambers 8 are disposed within the housing 1 and arranged in series along the gas channel A. Each measuring chamber is an independent, sealed cavity containing an electrode assembly for applying a high-voltage electrostatic field. Multiple detectors 9 are respectively installed within their respective measuring chambers 8 and are connected to an external interface of the housing via the electrical connection structure. The air inlet 2 is connected to the thin-film pump 6, which is connected to the front end of the gas channel A, for driving air to sequentially pass through the multiple measuring chambers 8 and finally be discharged through the air outlet 10. A filter membrane assembly 3 is provided at the air inlet 2. The multiple measuring chambers 8 together constitute a closed-loop gas path system.

[0033] In this embodiment, the volume of the measuring chamber 8 is less than 100 cm³. 3 The total volume of the multiple measuring chambers 8 does not exceed 500 cm³. 3 .

[0034] In this embodiment, the measuring chamber 8 is connected to the gas channel through a sealing connector (not shown), which is an integral sealing structure.

[0035] In this embodiment, detector 9 is a solid-state surface detector with an installation area of ​​200 mm². 2 It is fixed to the inner wall or bottom of the measuring chamber 8.

[0036] In this embodiment, the electrode assembly includes a collector electrode and a counter high-voltage electrode disposed inside the measuring chamber 8, with an insulating support between them.

[0037] In this embodiment, the filter membrane assembly includes two-stage filter membranes. The first filter membrane 3 is disposed outside the housing 1, and the second filter membrane 7 is disposed between the air inlet 2 and the measuring chamber 8.

[0038] In this embodiment, the diaphragm pump 6 is connected to the control circuit, which is fixedly installed inside the housing or on the side wall.

[0039] In this embodiment, multiple measuring chambers 8 are connected by rigid pipes, and a sealing collar is provided on the outside of the rigid pipes.

[0040] In this embodiment, the housing 1 is a portable structure, with a display screen and multiple operation buttons on the front panel, and mounting feet or a support base on the bottom.

[0041] In this embodiment, a temperature and humidity sensor 5 for detecting environmental parameters is installed inside the housing 1. The sensor is connected to an external interface through an electrical connection structure.

[0042] The following description will further illustrate the characteristics and functions of this utility model.

[0043] The multi-chamber radon measuring device of this embodiment has a core structure including a housing, an air inlet, an air outlet, a thin-film pump, multiple measuring chambers, multiple detectors, a gas channel, an electrical connection structure, and necessary filter membrane components and control circuits.

[0044] The device structure consists of:

[0045] case

[0046] The housing is a fully sealed structure, with a portable box-like shape. Internally, it has multiple independent chamber mounting positions and gas passage openings to accommodate the measuring chamber, pump body, electronic components, and wiring connections. An air inlet is located on one side of the housing, and an air outlet is located on the other side.

[0047] intake system

[0048] A first-stage filter membrane assembly is installed outside the air inlet to block particulate matter and radon propellants. The air inlet is connected to an internal thin-film pump, which draws air to the subsequent measurement chamber module via an air guide pipe. A second-stage filter membrane assembly is also installed before the thin-film pump to further improve the filtration effect.

[0049] Measurement chamber module

[0050] The measurement chamber consists of multiple small-volume, sealed chambers of equal structure (preferably four), arranged in series along the gas channel path. Each chamber contains an electrostatic collection electrode assembly and a surface detector (preferably a PIPS detector with an area of ​​200 mm²). 2 The chamber is made of antistatic insulating material, and the inner wall is treated with a conductive coating to facilitate the application of a high-voltage electrostatic field.

[0051] Detector and electrical connection structure

[0052] Each detector is connected to a corresponding preamplifier circuit via a signal lead. The circuit includes a filter, a two-stage amplification unit, and an analog-to-digital converter, all of which are connected to the main control chip or data interface. The entire circuit structure is arranged in a dedicated circuit compartment inside the housing.

[0053] Air exhaust system

[0054] All measuring chambers are connected in series, with the end connected to the air outlet, forming a completely closed air path. Air flows through each chamber and is eventually discharged outside the device.

[0055] Auxiliary structure

[0056] The housing also features an operation panel, including a display screen, control buttons, and interface ports; the bottom is equipped with support feet for field or tabletop measurements. An optional internal temperature and humidity sensor module can be installed to record environmental parameters in real time.

[0057] The working principle of the device in this embodiment is explained as follows:

[0058] The multi-chamber radon detection device is based on the principle of electrostatic adsorption detection, and its structure and working process are as follows:

[0059] air sampling

[0060] External air to be tested enters the device through the air inlet. After passing through a two-stage filter membrane assembly to remove impurities such as particles and large particles, it is then pushed into the measurement chamber module by a thin-film pump.

[0061] Electrostatic adsorption process

[0062] Radon or thorium gases decay naturally within the measurement chamber, generating positively charged, short-lived daughter gases (such as polonium-218 and polonium-216). Due to the high-voltage electrostatic field applied inside the chamber, these ions are adsorbed onto the detector surface within the chamber under the influence of the electric field.

[0063] Structural advantages in moisture resistance

[0064] Each measuring chamber is small in volume, and the charged ions hardly neutralize water molecules in the air during their flight path, thus ensuring collection efficiency in high humidity environments and avoiding the ion failure problem caused by excessive flight distance in traditional large chambers.

[0065] Signal Acquisition and Processing

[0066] When ions reach the detector surface, they decay, releasing ionizing radiation and generating weak electrical pulse signals. These signals are then amplified, filtered, and converted from analog to digital before being converted into digital signals. Multiple chamber detectors operate simultaneously, and their signals can be accumulated and combined, thereby enhancing the overall sensitivity.

[0067] Output Results

[0068] All signals are processed by the main control unit and the concentration values ​​are displayed on the screen, or uploaded to an external data platform via an interface.

[0069] Through the above structure and working principle, this utility model not only solves the problem of charged ion failure under humidity interference, but also improves the measurement sensitivity through the multi-chamber structure. Moreover, the overall device is small in size and suitable for portable operation on site.

[0070] In summary, by reducing the volume of each measuring chamber, this invention effectively shortens the flight path of charged ions within the chamber, significantly reducing the probability of them being neutralized by water molecules during flight. This improves ion collection efficiency under humidity conditions and enhances the stability and reliability of measurement results.

[0071] By arranging multiple small-volume measurement chambers in series and configuring an independent detector in each chamber, the measurement signal can be accumulated and enhanced without increasing the volume of a single chamber, thus compensating for the low sensitivity of small chambers and improving the overall detection capability of the instrument.

[0072] By using multi-chamber modules arranged in series in a closed manner, combined with a unified air intake and exhaust channel and an internal sealed air path design, external gas interference is effectively reduced, and the overall airtightness and anti-pollution capability of the system are improved.

[0073] The device of this invention maintains a small size while achieving a balance between sensitivity and anti-interference capability through a modular structure, making it suitable for mobile or on-site radon / thorium concentration detection in different environments.

[0074] All measuring chambers of this invention have the same structure, allowing for mass production. The electrical connection structure is uniformly designed, facilitating circuit wiring and subsequent maintenance, and reducing production and maintenance costs.

[0075] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should realize that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made based on the description and illustrations of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-chamber radon measuring device, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, an air inlet, an air outlet, a diaphragm pump, multiple measuring chambers, multiple detectors, a gas channel, and an electrical connection structure. The plurality of measuring chambers are disposed within the housing and arranged in series along the direction of the gas channel. Each measuring chamber is an independent and sealed cavity, and an electrode assembly is provided inside the cavity for applying a high voltage electrostatic field. The multiple detectors are respectively installed in the corresponding measurement chambers, and the detectors are connected to the external interface of the housing through an electrical connection structure. The air inlet is connected to the diaphragm pump, which is connected to the front end of the gas channel to drive air through the plurality of measuring chambers in sequence and finally discharge it through the air outlet. The air inlet is equipped with a filter membrane assembly, and the multiple measuring chambers together form a closed air path system.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The volume of the measuring chamber is less than 100 cm³. 3 The total volume of multiple measuring chambers shall not exceed 500 cm³. 3 .

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measuring chamber is connected to the gas channel via a sealing connector, which is an integral sealing structure.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detector is a solid-state surface detector with an installation area of ​​200 mm². 2 It is fixed to the inner wall or bottom of the measuring chamber.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode assembly includes a current collector and a counter high-voltage electrode disposed inside the measuring chamber, with an insulating support between them.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter membrane assembly includes two-stage filter membranes: the first filter membrane is disposed outside the housing, and the second filter membrane is disposed between the air inlet and the measuring chamber.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diaphragm pump is connected to a control circuit, which is fixedly installed inside the housing or on the side wall.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple measuring chambers are connected by rigid pipes, and the rigid pipes are provided with sealing collars on the outside.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is a portable structure with a display screen and multiple operation buttons on the front panel and mounting feet or a support base on the bottom.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing contains a temperature and humidity sensor for detecting environmental parameters, and the sensor is connected to an external interface via an electrical connection structure.

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