Radioactivity of the gas pipeline network in Poland

摘要

The paper presents the study of the radioactivity connected with the transport of natural gas by the gas pipeline network in the selected points in Poland. In the scope of the study the measurements of activity concentration of radon (Rn-222) in the gas samples, radiolead (Pb-210) in spent filter cartridges and dust samples (black powder) collected from the gas pipeline network were performed. The results show that the Rn-222 activity concentration in natural gas varies from the detection limit of the applied method (30 Bq/m(3)) to around 1400 Bq/m(3). The Pb-210 activity concentration in black powder samples and spent filter cartridges varies from 500 to 17000 Bq/kg and from 200 to 2900 Bq/kg respectively. The black powder with highest Pb-210 concentration should be classified as low-radioactive waste according to nuclear regulations.