Modeling a Xenon Calibration System for Increased SAUNA

Radioxenon Detection Accuracy

Cooper Atkinson
07/30/15

I. Abstract
In 1996, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted by a
majority of the United Nations as an effort to eliminate nuclear weapons testing
worldwide. To provide verification that the CTBT was being upheld by the states that
signed the treaty, an International Monitoring System (IMS) was created. Radioactive
xenon gas (radioxenon) detection is a key part of the IMS network. The Swedish
Automatic, Unattended Noble gas Analyzer (SAUNA) is a common instrument within the
IMS and is used for radioxenon detection. While the SAUNA is a highly sensitive
instrument, the original methods for subsequent calibrations carried a significant degree
of error, which ultimately reduces the accuracy of sample measurements and can
impact data quality. In an effort to increase the accuracy of the US based IMS
radionuclide stations, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) funded a project
known as the Noble Gas Calibration Project. This encompasses a Xenon Calibration
System (XeCalS) as well as a secondary sample transfer method known as the Xenon
Calibration Suitcase (XCS). Typically, calibration samples are of a higher activity level
and are delivered in different forms ranging from an irradiated bean to a medical isotope
vial. Previously, these methods of introducing the sample into the detectors generated
larger uncertainties and inaccuracies concerning the exact volume and activity level of
the sample. XeCalS is capable of processing and diluting a calibration sample and
returning a sample with a precisely known volume and (lower) activity level, therefore
allowing the SAUNA to be calibrated with greater precision and accuracy.
In my experience with XeCalS through the NSIP program, I had the opportunity
to work heavily with the CAD model of the system and carry it from a rough model to a
finished product with a full drawing package that will be passed on to the sponsor for
construction or further experimentation. This involved many tasks including modeling
missing or new parts, design work and the creation of a complete drawing package. In
order to perform these design tasks, I learned how the system operates and how to
navigate the software to transfer gases and test for leaks. My contributions to the Noble
Gas Calibration Project will be an important portion of the project deliverables and their
impact on the IMS.

II. Introduction
Ever since their development in World War II, nuclear weapons have been
greatly feared. Since then, there has been a lot of debate over nuclear weapons. Now,
the main goal is to eliminate the existence of nuclear weapons all together for the safety
of the world. As part of that effort, the United Nations (UN) passed a treaty by majority
vote in 1996. The treaty in question was the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
(CTBT).
The CTBT called for the construction of some monitoring infrastructure that
became the International Monitoring System (IMS). The IMS is a network of different
technologies that will be stationed around the globe, eventually consisting of over 300
locations. Some of the technologies utilized by the ISM are seismic, hydroacoustic,
infrasound and radionuclide detection technologies. The goal is for these devices to
work together in a global network monitoring for evidence of nuclear weapons testing
with underground detonation being of particular interest. Theoretically, in the case of an
underground detonation, seismic monitors would pick up some vibration, hydroacoustic
and infrasound monitors would pick up a pulse and radionuclide detectors would detect
boosted levels of radionuclides in their samples. The data collected by the individual
systems can then be compared scrutinizing time, location and scale to either declare a
false alarm or pinpoint and confirm a detonation.
Despite the necessity of each part of the IMS network, one area of particular
interest is radioactive xenon (radioxenon) detection, which makes up about half of the
radionuclide detection systems in the IMS. The radioxenon detection system of choice
within the IMS is the Swedish Automatic, Unattended Noble gas Analyzer (SAUNA).
The focus of my work lies with modeling a calibration system that will improve the
quality of the data output by the SAUNA system.

III. Noble Gas Calibration Project

The SAUNA is used in the IMS because it is an ultra-sensitive detector capable
of detecting very low concentrations of radioxenon thanks to its use of beta-gamma
coincidence spectrometry instead of high-purity gamma spectrometry. Additionally, the
SAUNA can detect four major radioactive isotopes of xenon (133Xe, 135Xe, 133mXe, and
131mXe). However, in order to make use of the precision of such a sensitive and
versatile instrument, the calibration must be nearly perfect to get high quality, reliable
data. The original methods for calibrating the SAUNA had some sources of error that
could compound and lead to a calibration with significant error associated with it.

Basically, the station would order a calibration sample from a provider which
would be at a relatively high activity level and have a specified, low volume. The high
activity level is necessary since there is a significant amount of shipping time involved
and some of the xenon isotopes have short half-lives. So the reduction in activity level
since the time of shipping when it was last measured is a source for a percentage of
error. Also, the samples were likely not precisely vacuum transferred into the sample
container. Not to mention the transfer methods from the sample container into the
detector often involve quick connect or injection type transfers, which may allow some
gas to escape or not transfer all of the gas. This is yet another source for error. There
are several sources of error in the original calibration method and though small, they
certainly compound and become quite significant.
Because of this, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) decided to fund
the Noble Gas Calibration Project (NGCS), which sought to create a significantly more
accurate and precise calibration method to improve data quality and reliability for the
US-based IMS stations. As part of the NGCS, the Xenon Calibration System (XeCalS)
was created. XeCalS is a lab-based gas transfer system that has the capability to
deliver a diluted sample at a precisely known volume and activity level. It uses a user
input based automated program to make the system easy to use as well as to produce
reliable and repeatable results. In order to
achieve precision in those variables, the
XeCalS bench utilizes a system of vacuum
transfer and cryotransfer to dilute the
incoming sample and output as pure of a
calibration sample as possible. In short, the
input sample (often referred to as a spike) is
hooked up, but remains sealed off by valves.
Once the system is sealed, a vacuum pump
will flush the system to remove atmospheric
air and create a vacuum within the system.
After that has completed, the sample is
released into the system where it is moved
around via series of valves and cryotransfer.
Render of the XeCalS bench
Cryotransfer is done by dipping an end pipe
into a dewar full of liquid nitrogen. This will significantly drop the temperature and pull
the gaseous sample into the end tube where the radioxenon will be condensed/frozen.
At that point, the remaining gases (often components of atmospheric air like oxygen and
nitrogen) are removed from the system. Then, the dewar is lowered and the radioxenon
thaws out to be gaseous once again. Depending on what the desired end result is, the
gas will be diluted with stable xenon gas or by evacuating part of the sample from the
system. To ensure a homogenous mixture, the xenon sample will be cyclically frozen

and thawed utilizing cryogenic freezing methods involving a dewar and liquid nitrogen.
The number of cycles in this process depends on how much stable xenon needs to be
added. Next, to verify that the desired activity level and volume is achieved, the gas is
run through a series of detectors and pressure sensors before being transferred into the
calibrated volume, which can then be removed from the XeCalS system. From there,
the calibration volume can be attached to the Xenon Calibration Suitcase (XCS). The
XCS unit is a small vacuum chamber that will vacuum transfer the calibration sample
into a SAUNA detector for calibration. The important part of the suitcase is that it is a
durable pelican case, meaning it is suited for travel. It meets FAA carry-on size
regulations and can be taken on commercial aircraft as a carry-on item. This way, labs
can process the calibration samples and have them delivered to the IMS station
efficiently via the XCS. This also eliminates the need for having extra space to
accommodate the XeCalS bench at the IMS sites with the SAUNA system. However, if
the calibration is being performed in a lab, the XeCalS bench can be hooked directly to
the system being calibrated to eliminate the necessity of another transfer.

Graphic displaying the process the XeCalS bench goes through when it is processing a sample.

New SAUNA Calibration Method

Radioactive calibration
sample
Calibration
Suitcase

Calibrated
Volume

SAUNA
Detectors
XeCalS Bench

Graphic displaying the new workflow for calibrating a SAUNA detector

July 29, 2015

IV. Creating a Model and Complete Drawing Package

Upon my arrival, the XeCalS project was mostly complete with only a few design
changes remaining to be made. Because of this, my focus was polishing off the project,
which included completing CAD models, producing renders and creating a complete
drawing package for the XeCalS bench. Initially, I modeled the Pelican suitcase for the
update that was made to the XCS project. This was a good challenge since I had to
reproduce the case to a pretty high level of detail since sizing the case and its features
was an important factor to the fitment of the equipment to be mounted inside.
After completing the XCS update, my next task was to familiarize myself with the
XeCalS bench and begin taking inventory of parts missing from the partial CAD model.
Once I completed taking inventory of all of the parts on the bench, I compared that list to
the list of parts that were in the CAD model. I backfilled vendors and part numbers for
all of the purchased parts that were on the model. Then, my duty was to download and
insert CAD models of the missing purchased parts into the model unless CAD models of
the parts didnt exist. If that was the case, I had to model them myself and then attach

the appropriate vendor and part number information. The other type of parts I dealt with
were parts that were made in-house at PNNL. Most of these parts already existed in
the model, but there were some I was responsible for modeling. Before modeling the
parts, I would go into the lab and measure dimensions of the part with a caliper and
then sketch the part on paper and fill in the dimensions. I would then take the sketches
I made and create the part in Solidworks to match the dimensions I had drawn. Once
the parts were modeled, I would insert them into the bench assembly in their
appropriate locations.
Since the in-house parts dont have a commercial vendor or part number
associated with them, it was my job to create a numerical labelling system to efficiently
label the in-house parts and assemblies that make up the model. There are a few key
things to keep in mind when making a numerical labelling system for a model. First, the
system must be able to accommodate the depth of the assemblies (an assembly within
and assembly within an assembly and so on), then the system has to be able to
accommodate the number of parts or assemblies (if there are 10 or more parts in an
assembly, you must allocate space for at least 2 digits) and finally, the system has to be
somewhat intuitive to navigate. The system I chose is based on a system that has been
used at PNNL before. Since the old system didnt accommodate the depth of
assemblies and number of parts, I modified it to ensure it would work for the XeCalS
bench while keeping it simple and separated enough for it to be easy to read and
navigate. For a full breakdown of the system, refer to the appendix at the end of the
document.
My final task for the XeCalS project was to make a complete drawing package
that would be delivered to the sponsor. The drawing package is a document made up
of assembly drawings and engineering drawings for custom or modified parts that is
basically an instruction manual for building the XeCalS bench. For this, I went through
the model and made sure that the structure and layering of the assemblies and parts
made logical sense. Once everything had its place, I began making the assembly
drawings for each assembly in the system. This involved making and exploded (taken
apart or separated) view of each assembly and then adding connecting lines to show
how the assembly would be put together. Then I began to go through each assembly
and make engineering drawings for all modified or in-house parts. The engineering
drawings basically show a machinist how to make the given part from a starting point of
a block of metal. To see an example of the drawing types, refer to the appendix at the
end of this document.
After the completion of the major deliverables for the project, I made some
renders (photorealistic pictures of the model) of the XeCalS bench for aesthetic and
promotional purposes.

V. Conclusion
The drawing package is the last major part of the design of the XeCalS project,
so there isnt much in the future of the XeCalS bench other than being delivered to the
sponsor and entering service refining calibration samples for the SAUNA systems within
the US IMS stations. I am grateful to have been able to be a part of this project and see
it through to the end. My experience at PNNL has diversified my engineering
experience by introducing me to gas systems and industry standards for design and
CAD documentation. I have also refined my skills with Solidworks, which is a valuable
skill in todays engineering market since CAD is becoming more prevalent every day. I
believe this experience will allow me to be a more valuable asset in my field for future
projects.

VI. Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my mentor, Lance Lidey for his kindness and support during
my internship at PNNL. I would also like to thank Carolyn Cramer and the NSIP
Program for coordinating activities and learning opportunities throughout the summer.

VII. References
Bowyer, TW., et. al., (2009). Measurements of Worldwide Radioxenon Backgrounds
The EU Project, U.S. Department of Defense

VIII. Appendix

XeCalS Drawing Package Numerical Labelling System

*All cots parts will be labelled with their respective part numbers associated
with the manufacturer or vendor. Only modified cots parts or PNNL
fabricated parts will fall under this numerical system.
*All part numbers will have a prefix that denotes the project they belong to.
(ex: NGCS denotes the Noble Gas Calibration System)
System Breakdown

XX XX XX
Section Number:
The main device is
broken into sections
containing assemblies,
sub-assemblies and/or
parts. This denotes the
section number.

Assembly
Number:
There are
assemblies within
the main sections.
This denotes the
assembly number.

Sub-Assembly
Number:
There are subassemblies within
the assemblies.
This denotes the
sub-assembly
number.

Part Number:
There are individual
parts throughout the
device at various
levels. This denotes
the number of the part
within its respective
section/assembly/subassembly.

Example

NGCS 04 21 06
The part this number is referencing will be located in the fourth section,
second assembly within the fourth section, and first sub-assembly within
the second assembly in the fourth section. The part with be the sixth one in
the first sub-assembly within the second assembly within the fourth section
of the device.

Example Assembly Drawing

Example Engineering Drawing