The use of underground thermal gradients as technique for soil radon mitigation

  • Francisco J. Arias Polytechnic University Catalunya(UPC)
  • Salvador De Las Heras Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya
Keywords: Radon mitigation; Thermal diffusion; Diffusion coefficient

Abstract

Diffusion coefficients of radon through minerals and rocks are characterised by Arrhenius linear plots, i.e., increasing with temperature. It has been observed, for example, that rocks with a mild heating (<100°C) translate into a radon release that can be enhanced 100–1,000 times than the normal release at STP (Standard Temperature Pressure (STP). Therefore, it is reasonable to think that if the soil is deliberately heated creating a thermal gradient, it could be possible, at least from a theoretical point of view, to thermally pump radon from soil because the radon atoms will escape preferentially from cold regions (low diffusion coefficient) towards hot regions (high diffusion coefficients) if a radon sink is located. In this short note, this approach for soil radon removal is investigated.

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Published
2021-08-02
How to Cite
Arias F. J., & De Las Heras S. (2021). The use of underground thermal gradients as technique for soil radon mitigation. Journal of the European Radon Association, 2. https://doi.org/10.35815/radon.v2.7752
Section
Original Research Articles