Browsing by Author "Ellis, WR"

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
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    The adsorption of radioactive iodine 131 on mud
    (Australian Atomic Energy Commission, 1958-06) Ellis, WR; Gardner, ME
    The effect of potassium iodide carrier concentration on the adsorption of iodine 131, as iodide, on mud is indicated. This work was initiated to provide information for a field test on the efficiency of power station cooling ponds which was carried out in conjunction with the Electricity Commission of New South Wales.
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    Labelling sewerage sludge with iodine 131.
    (Australian Atomic Energy Commission, 1958-10) Ellis, WR; Gardner, ME
    A method of labelling digested sewage sludge with iodine 131 was investigated for the South Australian Engineering and Water Supply Department, who are investigating the the possibility of disposing of sewage into the ocean, and hence are interested in tracing the movement of the sludge in the sea, in order to determine whether pollution of neighbouring beaches would occur. Satisfactory labelling of both solid and liquid phases was achieved.
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    Possible methods of disposal of the AAEC's low and medium level solid radioactive waste and an environmental impact assessment of the reopening of an existing burial ground.
    (Australian Atomic Energy Commission, 1977-10) Ellis, WR
    In Part I, various alternatives for disposing of the low and medium level solid radioactive waste from the Australian Atomic Energy Commission Research Establishment at Lucas Heights, New South Wales, are examined. Because only a small quantity of radioactivity is involved, only trivial human exposure could arise from this waste. The direct disposal costs of these alternatives are considered and it is shown that burial in an existing, but presently disused, burial ground at Little Forest, near Lucas Heights, is by far the cheapest. The environmental impact of re-using this burial ground is assessed in Part 2. It is concluded that no pathway exists by which members of the public could receive a significant radiation dose, and that the alienation of the Little Forest area would not be increased over that which has already occurred due to the waste previously buried there.
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    A power station cooling pond performance test with radioactive tracer iodine 131 second experiment at Maitland, N.S.W.
    (Australian Atomic Energy Commission, 1960-03) Ellis, WR; Fookes, RA; Gardner, ME; Hope, JA; Lamb, N; van Louwersen, P; Watt, JS
    A second tracer experiment to study the flow of power station cooling water in a cooling pond is described. Since the first experiment in March, 1958, the intake point had been deepened and extended into the pond in an attempt to avoid channelling. The technique used in this test was similar to that used in the first but severe weather conditions were experienced. The results showed that even a moderate wind had more effect on the flow pattern than any other factor. Some aspects of this effect were studied quantitatively. The different weather conditions experienced in the two test did not permit conclusive observations on the effects of the modified intake.
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    A survey of the Maralinga Atomic Weapons Testing Range for residual plutonium contamination
    (Australian Atomic Energy Commission, 1979-06) Ellis, WR
    Residual plutonium levels in soil, flora, fauna and the air of the Maralinga (South Australia) Atomic Weapons Testing Range are presented and discussed. It is shown that only on rare occassions (and possibly never) would the plutonium concentration in air from wind resuspended dust exceed the maximum allowable concentration for continuous exposure of the general public. In the case of artificially resuspended dust, this maximum concentration could be exceeded for short periods, but the accompanying dust level would be such that working conditions would be uncomfortable, if not intolerable. Potential hazards from other possible exposure routes are so low that they are of no consequence.
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    The use of a radioactive tracer (bromine 82) to study flow patterns in a sugar subsider
    (Australian Atomic Energy Commission, 1960-04) Ellis, WR; Brain, LR
    The uses of radioactive bromine 82 to trace flow patterns in a sugar clarifier is described. The results show that the raw solution goes first to the bottom of the subsider then rises essentially as a layer becoming progressively more diffuse by mixing with solutions above and below. The experiment was successful and improvements in technique for future investigations are proposed.
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    The use of a radioactive tracer (iodine-131) in the investigation of a power station cooling pond at Maitland, N.S.W.
    (Australian Atomic Energy Commission, 1958-09) Ellis, WR; Fookes, RA; Gardner, ME; Gregory, JN; Kirkwood, JB; Lamb, GN; Watt, JS
    Radioactive iodine 131, as iodide in solution, was used to trace the flow of power station condenser water through a cooling plant. The station has rating of 20 MW and the circulating water is cooled in a pond of approximately 2 X 108 gallons capacity and 40 acres area. By labeling the warm water with 473 millicuries of iodine 131 in potassium iodide carrier, introduced at the power station outlet, and using underwater scintillation and Geiger counters, it was possible to follow quantitatively the horizontal and vertical spread of water over a period f eight days after which mixing was complete. The results gave valuable information on the pond performance under weather conditions prevailing during the test period and indicated some possibilities for improvement of performance. Further tests with iodine 131 are contemplated with modification of pond conditions
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    The use of radioisotopes as ground-water tracers in the burdekin delta area of North Queensland, Australia
    (Australian Atomic Energy Commission, 1965-05) Andrew, JTG; Ellis, WR; Seatonberry, BW; Wiebenga, WA
    The radioisotopes iodine —131 and tritium were used to determine aquifer porosities and permeabilities in a series of pumped bore tests. If reasonable values for porosity can be assumed, the methods can also be used to estimate the thickness of an aquifer. The direction and rate of flow of natural ground-water was also determined by means of a free flow test, using these isotopes.