Radon in Air
in Exploration Drill Holes
- We present data by A.B. Tanner from an orientation survey near Grants, New Mexico.
- The figure shows a radon profile obtained from air samples drawn from drill holes in the lower part of the ore zone.
- The profile is 1300 feet long, and crosses an orebody 100 feet wide within a mineralized area 160 feet wide.
- The radon anomaly shown on the figure is much wider than indications shown by U3O8 analyses.
- Uranium analyses of cuttings and core give information on a column of rock the diameter of the drill hole. Gamma logs increase the effective sampling diameter to about two feet. In many cases, however, radon will migrate much farther than this and provide information from a much wider area.
- Samples can be collected from old drill holes and seismic shot holes as well as new exploration holes. Simply lower a tygon tube, pump air into the instrument, and count the sample at the site. Readings can be taken at various depths by raising or lowering the tube. Holes with anomalous radon are followed up by stepouts; holes with background values abandoned.
- We measure: radon - radium - thoron - radon daughters - alpha radiation.
- The Lucas cell is recognized as the most sensitive and reliable method for these elements.
- Our instruments are used around the world in exploration for uranium, oil & gas, groundwater and hydrothermal, and in health physics, earthquake prediction, and evaluation of hydrocarbon and NAPL contamination.
- Modern, low-power, field-rugged electronics.
- Sensitive to geochemical trace levels necessary for radon in lake water and for radon-thoron isotope ratios.
- Can work in a tent without electricity or be carried from point to point in the field.
- 40 readings per day. Results available immediately.
- Can be operated by junior personnel if carefully supervised.
- Same instruments used for radon and radium in soil, sediment, plant parts, rocks, water, soil gas, air, and snow, and for radon daughters in air.
- Click here for pictures of instruments.
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For instruments contact
R.H. Morse & Associates Ltd.
1-416-269-9979
morse@finderschoice.com
skype: robert.morse.toronto - Multilingual consulting and training (if required).
May 9, 2007
Showing Wide Radon Anomaly
| Tanner calculated that, under certain conditions, determination of radon in air in drill holes could reduce the cost of drilling by a factor of 16. |
From A.B. Tanner, Increasing the efficiency of exploration drilling by measurement of radon in drill holes: Proceedings of the 2nd U.N. International Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy, 1958, vol.3 pp.42-45