Optimized graded screen array configuration for particle size distribution of radon progeny in standard chamber

Particle size distribution of radon progeny is one of the most important parameters and it needs to be measured accurately. Graded screen array measurement is the most frequently used method for analyzing the characteristics of radon progeny but it needs optimization due to its complex configuration. In this paper, collection efficiency of a single screen and the number of screen array were applied for optimization and simplification of the graded screen array configuration by a series of experimental measurements, theoretical calculations, and standard comparison research methods. When optimized in this way, an experiment was designed for radon progeny particle size distribution in a customized radon chamber. The experiment results indicated that the activity median diameter in unattached mode was 0.81 nm and 287.32 nm in attached mode, which were similar to the results obtained by other researchers. The results prove that the method can satisfy the requirements of graded screen array measurement.