Air quality monitoring system and process

A system for the collection and use of radiation data on airborne particulate materials, which system provides one or more facets of enhanced data accuracy, security, retrievability, accountability of personnel, chain of custody, or the like, the system having the following components: (a) an airborne material collection filter means having bar code indicia thereon; (b) a computer adapted for storing and/or processing record data and property data; (c) a bar code reader adapted for interfacing with the bar code on the filter means and accessing record data thereon, the reader also being adapted for interfacing with the computer for the transport of record data thereto; and (d) a radiation counter adapted for analyzing and providing radioactivity (property data) on particulate materials collected by the filter means and for interfacing with the computer for the transport of the property data thereto; (e) the computer being adapted for correlating the record data and property data and calculating and reporting work radiation exposure, and/or forwarding the same to storage or further data processing facilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention concerns an improved system for the monitoring of air 
quality, particularly in the workplace, whether the workplace consists of 
one or more rooms or buildings, or even one or more plant sites, via the 
collection and use of data on airborne materials, particularly radioactive 
particulate materials such as dust or combustion emitted particles, 
typically referred to as aerosols, the system providing one or more facets 
of enhanced data accuracy, security, retrievability, and accountability of 
operating personnel through recorded chain of custody, or the like. 
In industry, in particular, a great deal of effort is presently being 
directed to providing a working environment which is medically safe for 
employees. This effort is not limited to work areas subject to ambient 
(airborne) radioactivity, but encompasses ambient chemical contamination 
as well, including vaporous, gaseous and colloidal or other particulate 
chemical contaminants. 
Especially troublesome to the monitoring of such contamination are the 
mechanics of ambient sampling, sample analysis and analytical data 
processing, particularly where many employees, workplaces and ambient 
samplings are involved. for example, where the monitoring system which is 
designed to provide reliable workplace data on individual employees in a 
readily available and prompt manner, involves 200 employees, 150 
workplaces and three shifts per day, the ambient monitoring over a 24 hour 
period easily involves 12,000-20,000 or more workplace air sampling 
initiations and terminations. The occurrences therefore, of inadvertent 
sample mix-ups alone, not to mention intentional but misguided sample 
takings or handlings, or other error possibly introduced by the detection 
and counting equipment itself, is quite high. 
DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART 
Heretofore, many air sampling devices for airborne materials, particularly 
for radioactive particulates, have been described, including those shown 
in the following U.S. Pat. Nos., the disclosures of which for structure 
and utility are incorporated herein by reference; 4,988,876; 4,820,925; 
4,092,539; 4,700,067; 4,415,237; 4,489,315; 4,480,311; 4,342,913; 
4,336,532; 4,320,393; 4,301,367; 4,286,155; 3,878,496; and 3,614,442. The 
efficacy of such devices for their particular intended use is not 
questioned here, however, insofar as meeting the requirements of an 
overall monitoring system involving vast numbers of samples is concerned, 
the prior devices, at best, represent only a potential component of the 
overall system. 
Principal objects therefore, of the present invention are: 
to generate information regarding airborne radioactivity within the 
workplace, e.g., via rate of deposition of radioactive particulates, and 
their emission levels, on filters to insure worker safety, health, and 
compliance with NRC, EPA, OSHA or the like regulations, DOE orders, 
court-dictated safety requirements and the like; 
to improve personal history accuracy in regard to radiation exposure i.e., 
air sampling representative of exactly what the worker actually breathed 
in or is actually breathing in; 
to determine the long range accuracy of stationary, workplace samplers with 
respect to abnormal occurrences of radiation emission; 
to obtain airborne radiation data for subsequent total exposure (external 
and internal) determination; 
to minimize errors in data collection and facilitate the prevention of 
deviation by workers from regular procedures for data collection and 
subsequent data processing; 
to improve software and computer security by preventing unauthorized access 
to data, and honest error while also providing audit trail of data 
handling and filter collection and analysis, e.g. accountability of 
personnel involved; 
to enhance the capacity of the system for handling large numbers of samples 
which allows an almost infinitely detailed and continuous monitoring 
program; 
to shorten the period between sampling and analysis reporting such that 
corrective measures can be taken promptly where necessary; 
to improve the capacity of the monitoring system to utilize any of a 
variety of radiation counters; 
to provide the above system in a form which is operative also for 
monitoring airborne chemicals, e.g., ketones, aldehydes, sulfides and the 
like; 
to provide such a system which can interface readily with remote data 
reception sites, e.g., for archiving, further analysis, Government 
required reports, and the like; 
to provide such a system with uniquely constructed filter card carriers 
which are bar coded and readable in-situ in magazines of automatic 
radiation detection and counting or the like analytical apparatus; 
to provide such a system with uniquely constructed sample holders which 
function well with a variety of stationary and portable particle 
collection means of high volume, low volume, grab sampling, lapel 
sampling, continuous air monitoring, or the like capacities; and 
to provide such a system adaptable to monitoring locations which are either 
inaccessible or impractical to the use of continuous type monitoring 
systems. 
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
These and other objects hereinafter becoming apparent have been attained in 
accordance with the present invention which, in its broad physical 
embodiment is generally defined as a system, hereinafter "AIR QUALITY.TM." 
system, for the collection and use of data on airborne materials to 
generate a radiation exposure profile for each of a number of workers, 
said system providing one or more facets of enhanced data accuracy, 
security, retrievability, and accountability of personnel, chain of 
custody, or the like, for achieving worker radiation exposure-ALARA (as 
low as reasonably achievable), and with reference to the accompanying 
drawings comprising: 
(a) airborne material collection or sampling means (10) having indicia 
means (12) thereon; 
(b) computer means (14) for storing and/or processing data, hereinafter 
referred to, but not limited to personal computers--PC; 
(c) retrieval means (16) for interfacing with said indicia means and said 
computer means for accessing and storing record data in accordance with 
said indicia means, said retrieval means also being adapted for 
transporting said record data to said computer means; 
(d) analysis means (18) for providing property data on materials deposited 
on said sampling means; and 
(e) linkage means (20) for transporting said property data to said computer 
means; 
(f) said computer means (14) being adapted for correlating said record data 
and said property data and calculating alpha/beta (.alpha., .beta.) 
radiation exposure and reporting (22) and/or forwarding on to data storage 
or further processing facilities (24) a radiation exposure profile for 
each particular worker. 
It is noted that the radiation designation ".beta." actually includes 
gamma, since the overlapping energy levels of each type of radiation can 
influence the detector. 
In certain preferred embodiments: 
a) the collection means comprises holder means adapted to contain filter 
means having bar code label means thereon containing record data, and 
wherein said retrieval means comprises bar code reading means; 
b) the holder means is also provided with bar code label means; 
c) the analysis means is adapted to receive said filter means and is 
provided with bar code reading means for recording record data from said 
label means on said filter means, said analysis means further being 
adapted for the transport of said record data to said computer means; 
d) the carrier means is provided for said filter means, said carrier means 
having window means therein adapted for registration with said label means 
on said filter means for providing access thereto by said reading means; 
e) the said filter means comprises a card having aperture means 
therethrough, filter element means affixed to said card and substantially 
covering said aperture means, and said label means being affixed to said 
card in a position removed from said filter element means; and 
f) the said analysis means is provided with a loading magazine adapted to 
hold a plurality of carrier means in a substantially vertically oriented 
stack, and wherein each said carrier means and said magazine are provided 
with cooperating locator means for aligning said window means with said 
reading means. 
In its operational embodiment, the invention is broadly defined as the 
method for obtaining reliable and accurate radiation exposure data for a 
worker who typically enters and exits at least one workplace one or more 
times during his workshift, said method comprising: 
1) taking at least one airborne particulate sample within each workplace 
with air pressure differential operated sampling means, and incident 
thereto, computer recording the following record data; 
(a) sample identity, 
(b) worker identity, 
(c) time of each entry and exit of the worker at each workplace; 
(d) time of each sampling initiation and termination, and 
(e) air flow rate through each sampling means; 
2) placing each sample in radiation analyzer means which records the sample 
identity as record data; 
3) operating said analyzer means to generate .alpha. and .beta., radiation 
property data for each sample; 
4) transporting the data from 2) and 3) to said computer means; and 
5) correlating all of the above data within said computer means and 
providing a radiation exposure profile for the worker. 
In a highly preferred embodiment of the above recitation of the method 
aspect of the invention, the record data is obtained by bar code reader 
means from bar code label means associated with each sample, and the 
record and property data are transported by the reader means to computer 
means having the capacity for calculating from the property data, sampling 
period, and air flow rate, an .alpha., .beta. radiation exposure profile 
for the worker. 
The simplicity, speed, reliability and efficiency of the present invention 
is evident from a comparison of the embodiment of the present invention 
diagrammed in FIG. 11 with the typical prior art process diagrammed in 
FIG. 12, particularly with regard to the automatic computerized steps of 
FIG. 11 versus the several manual steps of FIG. 12.

With reference to the above summary of the present invention and the 
drawings, the collection means 10 comprises a filter, e.g., filter paper 
either used by itself or preferably affixed in any manner to a card 26 of 
strong paper or plastic for ease of handling, the card or the filter 
itself also having the indicia means 12 such as a bar code affixed 
thereto. The system is primarily designed to monitor the radiation 
(.alpha.,.beta.) emitted by airborne particles in the workplace, and for 
this use a Whatman, Gelman, or equivalent brand filter is preferred. The 
filter should be of adequate size to give a fair sampling. The filter 
should be constructed to allow an air flow of from about 0.5 to about 5.0 
ft..sup.3 /min. at a suction differential pressure of from about 640 
mmHg., for a filter surface area of from about 20 mm.sup.2 to about 300 
mm.sup.2. The two types of preferable filters are Whatman 41 ashless, 47 
mm., and Gelman type A/E glass fiber filter, 47 mm. An exemplary paper is 
card stock, maximum thickness 0.010 inch, and minimum thickness 0.008. 
As alternative useful indicia means there may be mentioned attachable 
microchip data storage devices, holograms, chemical signatures, 
"invisible" bar codes, electronic transmission (radiowaves, microwaves), 
automatic sensors, chemical heat signatures, sonic signatures, raised 
characters in the manner of braille, fiber pattern recognition, magnetic 
strip signature, light emitting diode technology and punched hole 
recognition or the like. The methods for using such indicia are well known 
to the art. 
The means for handling the sampling filters can be greatly varied as shown 
in several of the aforementioned patents and includes any of a variety of 
available open face filter heads such as, e.g., the assemblable type 
holder shown in FIG. 1, marketed as a Gelman Sciences, Inc. Model 1220 
open face filter head, as well as the present innovative compact type 
holder of FIGS. 8-10, the latter being greatly preferred for convenience 
of operation, in-situ identification, and adaptation to available 
radiation counting devices as will be described hereinafter in further 
detail. 
The Gelman Sciences, Inc., sample holder, as well as many other open face 
filter heads, basically comprises a body 28 having an annular face 30 
against which the perimeter of a self supporting filter 32 is tightly held 
by a cap 34 which is screwed on over the outer rim 36 of body 28. A vacuum 
line 38 is connected to body 28 and communicates with the bore 40 thereof 
to allow air to be drawn through the filter by any convenient low pressure 
source connected to line 38. The means for governing air flow through the 
sampling filters can be greatly varied. A Dwyer Instruments Inc. Flow 
Meter, Catalog No. VFA 26 SSV, is preferred for convenience of operation. 
The present system may also be used for monitoring airborne chemicals, 
particulate materials, vapors or the like, employing known deposition or 
contact substrates therefor. In this regard, chemical analysis devices 
which detect qualitatively and quantitatively and report results 
electronically are available for a wide variety of inorganic and organic 
particulates and vapors or gases and can be used in place of the radiation 
counter shown in the drawings. Likewise, for such vapors or gases, 
collection chamber devices or chemically reactive substrates can be 
employed in known manner in place of the radioactive particulates filter 
for generating the necessary chemical property data. 
The various components of the present system and preferred processes which 
they carry out are exemplified in the drawings and are designated for 
convenience in the description as Systems 1 through 4, the differences 
therebetween being apparent from the drawings and detailed explanation 
thereof which follows. Actual use procedures for these systems for 
monitoring, analyzing and reporting airborne radioactivity levels which 
are highly representative of worker inhalation, are described below, the 
recited order and precise timing of the steps of each procedure being 
exemplary only. 
System 1 (Predetermined Stationary Filter Location) 
1) At the beginning of each work activity, an air filter for particulate 
materials is loaded into a holder which is provided with a bar code label. 
The holder is selectively located within a work station area to provide a 
highly representative sampling of actual worker air-inhalation. 
2) After loading the filter, a programmed bar code reader is used to scan 
the holder label and record the holder workstation location therefrom 
along with the time and date of scanning. The holder is then immediately 
actuated by placing in communication with a vacuum system via an in-line 
flow meter which controls and monitors the air flow rate through the 
filter. 
3) Steps 1) and 2) are repeated for all such workplace air sampling 
locations. 
4) At the end of a prescribed period, each filter is removed from its 
holder (vacuum broken) and placed in an envelope which bears a bar code 
label identifying the particular sample carrier by number into which the 
filter is to be placed for counting. Immediately thereafter, the reader 
scans both the label on the holder and the label on the envelope and 
records and correlates the data therefrom along with the time and date of 
scanning. 
5) The reader then transports the above data, hereinafter termed "record 
data", to a programmed PC. 
6) At the time of loading the counter magazine, the reader scans the 
envelope label and gives a visual display of the identifying number of the 
carrier into which the filter is to be loaded. The carriers are then 
loaded and placed in numerical order in the magazine, and the counter 
placed in operation. 
7) After the counter has completed radioactivity (property data) analysis 
of each filter, the PC imports the data as assigned to each carrier 
identification. 
8) The PC then correlates the record data and property data, and performs 
personnel exposure analysis thereof, and, if desired, prints reports of 
this analysis. In this regard, the data can also, or in the alternative, 
be exported to a centralized database for further analysis, further 
correlation with other data such as the worker's medical status and 
history, and/or data storage. 
System 2 (Predetermined Stationary Filter Location) 
1) At the beginning of each work activity, a card having an air filter for 
particulate materials affixed thereto, and bearing a bar code label, is 
scanned by a programmed bar code reader which records the card 
identification. The card is then loaded into a holder which is selectively 
located within a work station area to provide a highly representative 
sampling of actual worker air-inhalation. 
2) After loading the filter, the reader scans a bar code label attached to 
the holder and records its work station location along with the time and 
date of scanning. The holder is then immediately actuated by placing in 
communication with a vacuum system via an in-line flow meter which 
controls and monitors the air flow rate through the filter. 
3) Steps 1) and 2) are repeated for all such work station air sampling 
locations. 
4) At the end of a prescribed period, each card is removed from its holder 
(vacuum broken) and the labels on the card and holder immediately scanned 
by the reader which records the time and date of scanning and correlates 
the same with the holder location, card identification, time and date of 
sampling initiation and termination, and any other relevant record data 
stored in the reader. 
5) The reader then transports the record data to a PC. 
6) Each card is subsequently loaded into a sample carrier having a bar code 
viewing window, and the carriers then loaded into a radiation counter 
magazine. The counter is in communication with the PC for transport of 
property data thereto and is provided with an internal bar code reader 
which records the record data from the card label. 
7) After the counter has completed radioactivity (property data) analysis 
of each filter, the PC imports the data as assigned to each card 
identification. 
8) The PC then correlates the record data and property data, and performs 
personnel exposure analysis thereof, and, if desired, prints reports of 
this analysis. In this regard, the data can also, or in the alternative, 
be exported to a centralized database for further analysis, further 
correlation with other record data such as the worker's medical status and 
history, and/or data storage. 
System 3 (Lapel Air Sampling) 
1) At the beginning of each work activity, a card having an air filter for 
particulate materials affixed thereto, and bearing a bar code label, is 
scanned by a programmed bar code reader which records the card 
identification. The card is then loaded into a holder which is then 
affixed to the worker's clothing, e.g., lapel, near his breathing zone to 
provide a highly representative sampling of the worker's actual 
air-inhalation. 
2) The reader then scans a bar code label worn by the worker and records 
the worker identification along with the time and date of scanning. The 
holder is then immediately actuated by placing in communication with a 
vacuum system, also preferably worn by the worker, via an in-line flow 
meter which controls and monitors the air flow rate through the filter. 
3) Steps 1) and 2) are repeated for all such workers. 
4) At the end of a prescribed period, each card is removed from its holder 
(vacuum broken) and the labels on the card and the workers identification 
immediately scanned by the reader which records the time and date of 
scanning and correlates the same with the card and worker identification, 
time and date of sampling initiation and termination, and any other 
relevant record data stored in the reader. 
5) The reader then transports the record data to a PC. 
6) Each card is subsequently loaded into a sample carrier having a bar code 
viewing window, and the carriers then loaded into a radiation counter 
magazine. The counter is in communication with the PC for transport of 
property data thereto and is provided with an internal bar code reader 
which records the record data from the card label. 
7) After the counter has completed radioactivity (property data) analysis 
of each filter, the PC imports the data as assigned to each card 
identification. 
8) The PC then correlates the record data and property data, and performs 
personnel exposure analysis thereof, and, if desired, prints reports of 
this analysis. In this regard, the data can also, or in the alternative, 
be exported to a centralized database for further analysis, further 
correlation with other record data such as the worker's medical status and 
history, and/or data storage. 
System 4 (TOTAL EXPOSURE.TM. Monitoring) 
The purpose of this system is to gather data which reflects the amount of 
total exposure that an individual has received from radiation in the 
workplace. 
1) The system combines the air concentration data collected in System 1 and 
2 above with an individual's time in the workplace to form an estimated 
daily air exposure for each person entering the facility. This exposure is 
combined with various in vitro and in vivo measurements to form an 
internal exposure record for an individual. The in vitro measurements 
comprise, e.g., instantaneous urine, incremental fecal and incremental 
urine samples. The term "incremental" means that the sample count gives 
total count received over a period of time, e.g., a sample taken once a 
month gives a count which is then extrapolated to give an equivalent one 
month exposure. The in vivo measurements comprise, e.g., the detection and 
energy level values of .gamma. rays emitted from particulate material 
residing in specific portions of the body such as lungs, the measurements 
being made by ultra-sensitive .gamma. detection equipment with sensors 
positioned, e.g., on the chest of the individual. The term "routine" means 
that the lapel sampling procedure was carried out in the normal course of 
daily activity, rather than carried out, e.g., for a special purpose over 
a specially prescribed period and in a special workplace. These samples, 
along with a routine lapel sampling system, certifies the individual's air 
exposure. 
2) After the internal exposure is determined, the system combines the 
internal exposure with the external exposure determined by the dosimetry 
program of the facility to form an individual's whole body dose equivalent 
to radiation in the workplace. 
3) This record is then permanently maintained for each individual. The 
exposure results are annually transmitted to the regulating organization 
for review. 
For regular shift workers, the bar code on workstation permanently 
installed air sampling means automatically provides the reader or PC or 
main frame with the identity of the worker who is scheduled to work there 
during a given period. For example, this identity of workers on regular 
shifts can be prior recorded in the PC, reader or main frame for 
correlating with other record data obtained from the reader and property 
data when exposure analysis, reporting or the like for an individual is 
requested. 
In a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filter means 
air sampler card holder 41 as shown in detail in FIGS. 8-10 is employed. 
This holder of, e.g., plastic such as polyamide, butyrate or the like, or 
metal or ceramic, is in the form of a compact comprising front half 42 and 
back half 44 hinged by segments 46 and 45 provided respectively thereon 
and which are pivotally connected by pin 47 for opening the halves to 
access a sample filter card such as 26. Resilient compressible gasket 
means such as O-ring 48 or the like is preferably affixed to front half 42 
within annular groove 50 encircling the air inlet port 52 of passage 53 
therein to compress against card 26 to seal the filter media or element 54 
thereof completely around the suction chamber 56 provided in back half 44. 
It is noted that filter element 54 preferably does not overlap the card 
and is held thereto by a thin, annular, flat, clear adhesive strip 55. A 
backing plate 58 having a plurality of apertures 60 therethrough is 
preferably provided to support the filter portion 54 in a flat posture. 
This backing plate is adapted to frictionally fit within passage 53 and 
rest on annular shoulder 55 formed on the wall which forms passage 53. The 
suction neck portion 62 of back half 44 is readily adaptable for fitting 
over or into the inlet of any convenient low pressure source or conduit 
thereof to provide adequate suction velocity to the air entering through 
port 52. This neck portion may be internally or externally threaded and 
provided with suitable coupling means, including quick disconnect coupling 
means, for rapid connection and disconnection to the reduced pressure 
source. It is noted that a small gap is preferably provided between the 
adjacent surfaces 64 and 66 of the halves to allow proper sealing of card 
26 between O-ring 48 and raised surface 68 of the back half. Any suitable 
latching mechanism may be used to releaseably secure the halves tightly 
together, such as screw fastener means 70 which comprises threaded 
aperture 72 in the back half and mating screw 74 rotatably but permanently 
mounted in the front half. This screw, in the exemplary embodiment shown, 
is provided with a shoulder 76 rotatable within a bearing member 78 
imbedded in the molded half 42. 
The computer means useful in accordance with the present invention for 
storing and/or processing data is exemplified by the IBM PS/2 indicated in 
the drawings. This computer is preferably adapted to employ a custom based 
software program for an IBM-compatible personal computer which will 
perform the following functions: interface with the bar code readers; 
interface with the Tennelec LB5100 alpha/beta counter; maintain air sample 
station data to link sampler identification with location; merge bar code 
reader data with Tennelec data; process merged data and produce initial 
and decay concentration reports; and export air sample data to the site's 
centralized database if desired. An exemplary such computer is the 386, 25 
Mhz IBM compatible PC with 4MB RAM, 2 serial and 1 parallel port, VGA 
card, VGA color monitor, and an 80 MB hard drive computer. 
The CPU of the computer can be configured with an Intel 32 bit 
microprocessor, model 80286, 80386, 80486, or the like operating on a 16 
bit internal bus. 640,000 Bytes of core Random Access Memory (RAM) is 
preferred, operating at a read/write cycle time of at least about 120 
nanoseconds. A peripheral on-line random access storage unit is desirable 
which consists of a high-speed 20 megabyte disc drive with fast access 
time of, e.g., 160 milliseconds maximum total and 86 milliseconds average. 
This peripheral will provide on-line storage for the operating system and 
all software programs needed for operation and testing. A 1.2 or 1.44 
megabyte diskette drive is preferred for transfering operating system and 
application programs to the on-line random access storage unit. 
A video graphics array (VGA) color or monochrome analog monitor is 
desirable for operation. The monitor is attached to the CPU bus via a 
16-bit VGA adapter card. An RS-232 standard serial communication adapter 
attached to the CPU bus is preferred for communicating with bar code 
reader means. A Centronics parallel communication adapter attached to the 
CPU bus is used to communicate with the printer. 
The exact programs to implement the invention, where one or more 
programmable computers are used, varies with the computers, data base 
organization, programming language and like factors chosen for the 
implementation. Programs which implement the above airQUALITY data flow 
and logic are preferred. Any such computer having equivalent command and 
memory capacity and program versatility may be employed however. 
Useful data retrieval means such as bar code or other indicia readers, 
scanners or the like having transmission facility for data importation to 
the computer means include the INTERMEC models, particularly the 9440, 
these devices being shown and described in the INTERMEC sales Catalog (55 
pages), dated Dec. 5, 1990, of INTERMEC, 178 Northwestern Ave., Oak Ridge, 
Tenn. 37830. Further details of such useful bar code devices and 
technology is found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,794,239 and 4,432,830, the 
disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference. Also, other 
devices such as and the SYMBOL model LDT 3805 shown and described in the 
3/91 brochure of Symbol Technologies, Inc. 116 Wilbur Place, Bohemia, N.Y. 
11716, entitled "LDT 3805 Laser Data Terminal" may be employed. The term 
"record data" as used herein and for which the above retrieval means is 
employed includes, for example, in addition to currently obtained data, 
background information on the employee who is wearing the air sampler to 
be processed or who is working at the particular workstation where the 
stationary air sampler to be processed is positioned. This background 
information can include a complete work history of the worker in regard to 
his previous work assignments and workplaces, duration in each workplace, 
radiation exposure in each workplace, any of his special medical or other 
circumstances which might bear on his ability or need to function in such 
a workplace, or the like which would be useful in monitoring his radiation 
exposure status. 
The analysis means for providing property data on airborne materials 
collected on the filter means can be done by any suitable .alpha., .beta. 
detector and counting device, but preferably by the TENNELEC system which 
utilizes an automatic sample changer that allows the user to load samples 
in carriers for automatic positioning therein for analysis. The instrument 
will automatically transfer the sample to the counting chamber for 
analysis and count the samples radiation output for a period of time which 
is determined by the user. A variety of such devices are available, their 
selection depending upon the type of analysis required. 
The preferred counting system employs the present software which 
particularly enhances the Tennelec LB5100 alpha/beta counting equipment. 
Therefore, a Model LB5100 Tennelec alpha-beta counter with 3.05 firmware, 
1.66 or greater operating software, and a floppy disk drive is most 
desirable. Additional hardware including the above identified PC allows 
the present software program to integrate with the Tennelec LB5100. This 
hardware preferably comprises the following: Intermec 9440 Bar Code Reader 
with 128K RAM, case,and battery; Intermec wand scanner (1 for backup); 
Intermec docking module; Intermec power supply; Intermec PC 
interconnecting cable; Intermec battery charger/discharger; Intermec 
backup battery pack for Intermec 9440 bar code reader; and Hewlett Packard 
LaserJet IIIP printer with cable. 
Further details of the construction and operation of the Tennelec counter 
are given in the sales brochure (15 pages) entitled "LB5100 Series III, 
LB5100 Series III-PC" of the TENNELEC company of 601 Oak Ridge Turnpike, 
Oak Ridge, Tenn. and in the sales brochure (4 pages) entitled "TENNELEC 
APC Series II Automatic Planchet Counting System"--APC SERIES II 5.0K 
290`--TENNELEC/NUCLEUS, Inc., of the same address. 
The count data may be stored on a diskette or the like for transfer to 
another system, or may be directly transferred to the computer via a 
communication port. This raw data may be used in conjunction with a 
software package to produce a variety of analytical reports. The TENNELEC 
system communication interface methods allow the connection of the 
Tennelec system to a personal computer (PC) using industry standard 
techniques. Interface protocols supported by the Tennelec system include 
RS-232, IEEE 488, and direct diskette file access. 
The present AIR QUALITY system employs state-of-the-art bar coding 
techniques for data collection, and utilizes preferably Intermec 9440 bar 
code readers. The present software simplifies the air sample collection 
process by enabling the operator to use the bar code reader as a guide for 
data entry. The software utilizes on-line, menu driven screens which 
prompt the user to key in important information concerning the various 
transactions. This data is immediately stored on systems files for instant 
data retrieval by the user. The software produces a file which is 
periodically transferred to the mainframe computer system. Using the 
Export Decay Concentration Data transaction, the User is prompted to 
download valuable decay analysis data to floppy disk in "Drive A". The 
data is then uploaded to mainframe files using existing programs. This 
program further integrates with and is one of the core modules of a "TOTAL 
EXPOSURE.TM." program which is a comprehensive system for tracking and 
reporting personnel exposure, both internal and external. It tracks 
personnel movement throughout a site, correlating existing environmental 
conditions, and also collects personnel exposure records, including 
dosimetry and bioassay information, in order to provide a complete and 
total exposure record for an individual. Exposure reports are generated 
automatically by the system to help support regulatory reporting 
requirements. The system modules include: 
Exposure Records & Reporting Module 
The Exposure Records Module is designed to collect, analyze, store, and 
maintain all data required to create and preserve an exposure profile on 
each employee. The system combines both in vivo and in vitro results to 
form a comprehensive exposure record for an individual. These results 
include nasal smears, in vivo whole body counts, urinalysis, fecal 
analysis, external dosimetry and air exposure. In addition, the module 
offers a method of tracking each sample requested by a site's Safety 
Department. Bar coded systems interface with the Exposure Records & 
Reporting Module to automate data collection. 
airQUALITY Module 
When used in conjunction with the NFSystem TOTAL EXPOSURE.TM. program, 
airQUALITY provides information to the Exposure Records & Reporting 
Module. This information is used in providing representative workplace air 
sampling. 
Personnel Module 
The Personnel Module is comprised of four, integrated sub-modules: Time for 
Exposure, Training & Qualifications, Manpower Scheduling, and Access. The 
following is a brief description of each sub-module. 
Time for Exposure Sub-Module 
Tracks employee movement for air sample correlation, Assists Site 
Evacuation Personnel Accountability, and Utilizes badge reader technology. 
Training and Qualifications Sub-Module 
Records employee training and qualifications history; Integrates with the 
Access and Manpower Scheduling sub-modules; Provides notification of 
impending training and qualification expirations; and 
Utilizes badge reader technology. 
Manpower Scheduling Sub-Module 
Permits employee job assignment scheduling; Integrates with the Access 
sub-Module; and Prevents scheduling of restricted personnel or personnel 
lacking proper training and/or qualifications. 
Access Sub-Module 
Prevents workplace access to restricted personnel or personnel lacking 
proper training and/or qualifications; Prevents workplace access to 
exposure-restricted personnel; and Prevents workplace access to personnel 
with other (non-exposure) work restrictions. 
It is noted that the present software was developed for carrying out the 
present monitoring scheme, through the application of conventional 
programming techniques including the use of standard binary characters, 
and applicant does not intend to imply criticality in any particular 
program, but simply one which can carry out the claimed monitoring scheme. 
This scheme which is designated "air QUALITY", is shown in it's 
generalized form by the schematics shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, and the 
software was developed using standard programming techniques which 
incorporate structured sub-routines and modules. User interface is 
performed through menus, graphics, and function keys. The program was 
written in a high-level language and includes extensive documentation. 
The following is exemplary of the reports produced by the present system. 
______________________________________ 
DECAY ALPHA CONCENTRATION REPORT 
______________________________________ 
Purpose: The purpose of this report is to provide the User 
with a hard copy report showing the alpha 
concentration levels of each air filter after a 
seven-day decay. 
Frequency: 
Daily 
Source: Air Filter Results File 
Report Totals: 
None 
Page Breaks: 
Every 50 lines 
Fields: The fields on the report are described below. 
______________________________________ 
Name Description 
______________________________________ 
Station ID 
The unique number assigned to a sample which 
indicates where the sample was taken. 
Station The description of the physical location of the 
Location air filter station. 
Gross CPM The gross counts per minute of activity for the 
decay analysis; i.e., without background 
correction. 
Concentration 
Activity concentration as derived by the system 
for the decay analysis. 
2 Sigma The error bar associated with the concentration 
calculation. 
MDC The minimum dectectable concentration that can 
be detected by the counting device. 
Avg. Flow The flow rate of an air sampling station, as 
Rate averaged over the total sampling period. 
Install Date 
The date the air filter was placed on the air 
filter station. 
Install Time 
The time the air filter was placed on the air 
filter station. 
Collect Date 
The date the air filter was collected. 
Collect Time 
The time the air filter was collected. 
Sample Time 
The total sampling period for an air filter 
station. 
______________________________________ 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
HEALTH PHYSICS LAB REPORT 
Background CPM: .2333333 Report Run Date: 
09-07-1991 
Alpha Efficiency: .2617 Sample Collection: 
09-07-91 
Radiation Monitor: 321 
Decay Alpha Concentrations Special Run ID: Shift: 1 
Station Concentra- Average 
In- In- Col- 
Station 
Location/ tion 2 Sigma 
MDC Flow stall 
stall 
Collect 
lect 
Sampl. 
ID Description 
Gross CPM 
(uCi/ml) 
(uCi/ml) 
(uCi/ml) 
Rate Date Time 
Date Time 
Time 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
MRV-12 
ROVER 10.00 &lt;3.97E-12 3.97E-12 
45.00 
09-06-91 
19:28 
09-07-91 
19:02 
1,414 
L-7 2A-580-19D-1A 
0.00 &lt;3.97E-12 3.97E-12 
45.00 
09-06-91 
19:29 
09-07-91 
19:02 
1,413 
L-13 2A-593-14D-1A 
0.00 &lt;3.97E-12 3.97E-12 
45.00 
09-06-91 
19:29 
09-07-91 
19:02 
1,413 
EB-204 
2A-588-15B-1A 
55,130.00 
* 5.51E-09 * 
1.45E-10 
3.97E-12 
45.00 
09-06-91 
19:29 
09-07-91 
19:03 
1,414 
EB-8 2A-580-8D-4A 
0.00 &lt;3.76E-12 3.76E-12 
47.50 
09-06-91 
19:33 
09-07-91 
19:06 
1,413 
EB-23 3E-580-8D-4A 
0.00 &lt;3.76E-12 3.76E-12 
47.50 
09-06-91 
19:32 
09-07-91 
19:06 
1,414 
EB-70707 
2C-580-2B-1A 
0.00 &lt;3.76E-12 3.76E-12 
47.50 
09-06-91 
19:32 
09-07-91 
19:06 
1,414 
EB-12345 
2D-580-2C-1A 
0.00 &lt;3.97E-12 3.97E-12 
45.50 
09-06-91 
19:32 
09-07-91 
19:06 
1,414 
EB-70001 
2C-580-3A-9S 
0.00 &lt;3.74E-12 3.74E-12 
47.50 
09-06-91 
19:35 
09-07-91 
19:18 
1,423 
EB-54321 
2D-580-2C-1A 
0.00 &lt;3.75E-12 3.75E-12 
47.50 
09-06-91 
19:35 
09-07-91 
19:12 
1,417 
AC-10291 
3B-700-12-1344 
0.00 &lt;3.75E-12 3.75E-12 
47.50 
09-06-91 
19:35 
09-07-91 
19:12 
1,417 
AC-10101 
4D-700-12-1245 
0.00 &lt;3.76E-12 3.76E-12 
47.50 
09-06-91 
19:36 
09-07-91 
19:12 
1,416 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
The present system typically provides radiation exposure reports which 
contain data such as distinguished .alpha., .beta., gross counts/min., 
radiation levels exceeding prescribed standards, and sampling location 
which automatically gives worker identification where permanent samplers 
are used in each work station. 
A highly preferred sample carrier for use with the Tennelec System counter 
is shown in FIGS. 4-6, wherein the carrier 80 comprises a body 82 of 
plastic, metal, ceramic or any other suitable material, having a recess 84 
formed by wall means 86 and floor means 88 into which the filter card 26 
can be neatly fitted. Floor 88 is provided with a slot or aperture 90 
adjacent one edge to form a viewing window or portal through which a bar 
code or other indicia on the sample filter card can be read. This window 
may be covered by a protective transparent element 92 of, plexiglas, a 
methylacrylate plastic. A pair of peripheral recesses or locator me 94 and 
96 of different widths are provided in the carrier body to slide down 
along keying or locator guides or stachions 98 and 100 of the sample 
magazine of the Tennelec system shown in the aforesaid Tennelec 
publications. Complementary shoulders 102 and 104 on the carrier sidewall 
and filter card respectively insure that the bar code will be in registry 
with aperture 90. 
In a more preferred embodiment of the sample holder 41, a bar code viewing 
window such as slot 90 of the above described carrier may be provided in 
either half of the holder, and situated outboard of O-ring 48. Such a 
feature would eliminate the need, for many situations, for removing the 
filter card in order to scan the bar code thereon. 
This invention has been described in detail with particular reference to 
preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations 
and modifications will be effected within the spirit and scope of the 
invention.