Some observations on the electrical characteristics of radioactive (222Rn progeny) and nonradioactive aerosols.

The electrical characteristics of 222Rn, 222Rn progeny atmospheres have been investigated. Experiments were conducted in a 222Rn/220Rn Test Facility (RTTF) of the walk-in type using an electrical elutriator of the split-flow variety, originally designed by Johnston. Experiments were carried out with the "undisturbed" atmosphere, and when this atmosphere was exposed to a source of electrically charged particles produced by a negative ion-generator. Under normal conditions, the average electrical charge of the 222Rn, 222Rn progeny atmosphere was substantially less than one elementary unit. Under the influence of the ion-generator, however, the electrical charge exceeded two elementary units, and the electrical charge distribution was non-symmetrical. It was found that the particle concentration in the RTTF substantially decreased with the operation of the ion-generator.