1. Proposed Performance & Listing Criteria For Professional Radon Measurement Devices
Presented by: Michael LaFontaine, P. Phys.
C-NRPP Lead Auditor, Technical Evaluations & QA
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

2. Abstract The 2017 International Radon Symposium™
Recent commissioning of the Canadian National Radon Chamber at the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada, marked a major milestone for the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program.
The Canadian radon chamber will:
facilitate domestic radon measurement performance testing for C-NRPP listed radon professionals,
serve as the national radon chamber for professional radon measurement device testing to be used by manufacturers worldwide wishing to have their devices listed by C-NRPP for use in Canada.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

3. Abstract (continued) The 2017 International Radon Symposium™
This paper details:
in-chamber test proposals and performance requirements for alpha track and electret ionization chamber devices,
“dynamic” tests and performance requirements for continuous radon monitors and electronic integrating devices,
expected content for professional measurement device Performance & Technical Specifications sheets.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

4. Abstract (continued) The 2017 International Radon Symposium™
This paper also:
presents an overview of the C-NRPP listing process,
provides requirements for the Manufacturer’s QA Manual,
discusses the documents each manufacturer has to submit to C-NRPP for review and approval.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

5. Contents of the Implementation Manual
Front Matter (Introduction, Scope, Definitions, & Refs.)
The Listing Process
The Manufacturer’s QA Manual
SARA Documents
Canadian Radon Chamber Test Protocols
Specifications (Technical & Performance)
Appendices
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

6. Select Listing Process Definitions
COV - Coefficient of Variation is defined as the ratio of the standard deviation of Identical Devices under test (SD or σ) at a mean value of radon concentration as measured in the reference radon chamber, divided by the mean value of radon concentration as measured by the individual Identical Devices under test (μD).
CRM (Continuous Radon Monitor) – An electronic radon measuring/monitoring device; for C-NRPP listing it must: a) have a measurement or dynamic range of 20 to 7,400 Bq/m3 [0.5 to 200 pCi/L] (minimum), and b) be able to store reviewable and downloadable, date and time-stamped average radon concentration data in non-volatile memory.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

7. Select Listing Process Definitions
DME (Device Mean Error) - Device Mean Error (DME) is based on the 1989 methodology established at the CANMET National Radon/Thoron Test Facility, Elliot Lake, Ontario. Device Mean Error is defined as (the mean value of radon concentration, as measured by the Identical Devices under test (MD or μD), divided by the mean value of radon concentration as measured in the reference radon chamber (MC or μC) – 1).
Dixon Criterion – A statistical method for dealing with outliers based on three or more measurements, and in the case of radon, made in nominally the same physical location, and during conditions of equivalent temporal, seasonal, and environmental conditions.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

8. Select Listing Process Definitions
EID (Electronic Integrating Device) – An electronic radon measuring/monitoring device; for C-NRPP listing it must: a) have a measurement or dynamic range of 20 to 3,700 Bq/m3 [0.5 to 100 pCi/L] (minimum), and b) be able to store reviewable and downloadable, date and time-stamped average radon concentration data in non-volatile memory.
Identical Devices - Devices produced by the same Manufacturer using the same production and quality control procedures, processes, component parts and sub-assemblies.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

9. Select Listing Process Definitions
Percent Non-Linearity - % Non-Linearity (low to high Rn concentration) is defined as the percent difference of the mean Individual Mean Errors (IMEs) for Identical Devices under test.
SARA (Submit for Agency Review & Approval) – Those Manufacturer’s documents which have to be submitted to C-NRPP for listing compliance review and approval.
TTU (Type Test Unit) - A device provided by the manufacturer for type testing. The TTU is manufactured at the same facility, using the same personnel, procedures, equipment, and components/materials as the commercial units provided for homeowners at large.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

10. Listing Process References
CAN/CSA-ISO , Quality Assurance Model for Quality Assurance in Design, Development, Production, Installation and Servicing.
CEI IEC , Electromagnetic Compatibility - Part 4-2: Testing and Measurement Techniques - Electrostatic Discharge Immunity Test.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

11. The C-NRPP Listing Process
The Listing Process is presented graphically in the following figure.
C-NRPP will execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement with the Manufacturer prior to the submission of any Manufacturer documents to C-NRPP.
Manufacturer documentation submitted to C-NRPP in support of a professional radon measuring device listing application shall be maintained in Confidence by C-NRPP as Proprietary Information specific to the providing Manufacturer ONLY.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

12. The C-NRPP Listing Process
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

13. The Manufacturer’s QA Manual
Should contain:
a statement of Management’s Quality Policy and Commitment to the quality assurance program as described therein,
clearly defined areas of authority and responsibility pertaining to review and approval regarding Document and Design Control,
a list of Quality Objectives,
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

14. The Manufacturer’s QA Manual
specifics regarding Document and Design Control,
requirements for Manufacturing and QC procedures,
a process/outline for any Commercial Dedication,
guidelines for Design Specifications; Assembly Drawings & Schematics; Operation Manuals,
details for Non-Conformance corrective action and Internal Audits.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

15. SARA Documents The 2017 International Radon Symposium™
General Assembly drawing – usually an exploded or isometric view.
Schematic(s) – graphical presentations of the electronic circuit(s).
Inspection & Test Plan – a report style document.
IMQP Chart – a pictorial presentation of all manufacturing and QC steps from RI to final QC function test.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

16. SARA Documents (continued)
BOMs – comprehensive lists of all parts and components/materials required to build the device (including part specifications).
Type Test Procedure – specific to TTU. Required for: ESD, EMI, & Rn Measurement Performance Tests.
Type Test Report – certified results of the Type Tests.
Owner’s Operation Manual – describing location, installation, and operation details.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

17. SARA Documents (continued)
Technical Specifications – comprehensive lists of all parts and components/materials required to build the device (including part specifications).
Performance Specifications – specific to TTU. Required for: ESD, EMI, & Rn Measurement Performance Tests.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

18. Example Technical Specification
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

19. Example Technical Specification
(continued)
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

20. Example PerformanceSpecification
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

21. Example PerformanceSpecification
(continued)
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

22. (Electronic Devices Only) Type Test Requirements
Electro-magnetic Interference
Electrostatic discharge (CEI IEC ), operator/user interference, 8kV contact
Cell phone interference, 5 call initiations at 60 second intervals 100 mm (about 4”) from face of TTU, and repeated at a distance of 100 mm from the top horizontal surface of the TTU
≤ 20% error
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

23. Performance Requirements
AC Power Input (if applicable, electronic devices only):
Voltage
Frequency
115 VAC ± 15VAC
60 Hz ± 3Hz
Ambient Temperature Range
(all measurement device types)
10 – 30°C (21°C typ.)
50 – 86°F (70°F typ.)
Relative Humidity (all measurement device types)
Up to 75% (non-condensing)
Pressure (all measurement device types)
kPa
1 atm or about 30” Hg
Radon Measurement Accuracy
± 20% error
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

24. Operating & Design Ranges Control System Element
Canadian Rn Chamber
Operating & Design Ranges
Control System Element
Operating Range
Design Range
Chamber Rn Concentration
148 Bq/m3 to 500 kBq/m3
[4 pCi/L to 13,514 pCi/L]
52 Bq/m3 to 500 kBq/m3
[1.4 pCi/L to 13,514 pCi/L]
Injection Circuit Flow Rate
0 to 2 litres/minute
[0 to 4.2 ft3/hour]
0 to 10 litres/minute
[0 to 21.2 ft3/hour]
Exhaust Circuit Flow Rate
0 to 20 litres/minute
[0 to 42.4 ft3/hour]
Rise Times
12 hours to 27 days
6.4 hours to 27 days
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

25. Canadian Rn Chamber Environmental Conditions
Environmental Parameter
Typical Test Condition
Temperature
18 to 22 °C [64 to 72 °F]
Relative Humidity
20 to 60%
Atmospheric Pressure
860 kPa to 1,060 kPa [8.5 to 10.5 atm]
Ambient Gamma Dose Rate
340 nSv/h (0.034 mrem/h)
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

26. Chamber Test Protocols
Low Temperature Static Test (ATDs & EICs): Three Identical Devices shall be exposed (2 to 30 days exposure period) to high radon concentration (> 600 Bq/m3 [> 16 pCi/L]), ambient temperature (20°C [68°F] typical), ambient humidity (55% typical).
High Temperature Static Test (ATDs & EICs): Three Identical Devices shall be exposed (2 to 30 days exposure period) to low radon concentration (< 200 Bq/m3 [< 5 pCi/L]), high temperature (30°C [86°F] typical), high humidity (70% or best value, non-condensing).
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

27. Chamber Test Protocols (continued)
Acceptance Criteria (Static Tests): Device Mean Error for radon concentration shall be within ± 0.20 of chamber mean value radon concentration. Coefficient of Variation ≤ Note: The Dixon Criterion may be used in the event of a suspect reading from one of the devices.
Acceptance Criteria (% Non-Linearity): Percent Non-Linearity (low to high radon concentration static tests for ATDs & EICs) shall be ≤ 15%.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

28. Chamber Test Protocols (continued)
Dynamic Test - Tracking Accuracy (EIDs):
The TTU shall be exposed (48 hours total exposure period typical) to stable conditions of low radon concentration
(< 200 Bq/m3 [< 5 pCi/L]), high temperature (30°C [86°F]) typical, 70% nominal relative humidity ( non-condensing); then the radon concentration increased to 1,000 Bq/m3. Conditions will be allowed to stabilize and the high radon concentration benchmarked.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

29. Chamber Test Protocols (continued)
Dynamic Test - Tracking Accuracy (EIDs):
Heater(s) and humidifier(s) shall be turned off and radon concentration in the chamber shall be slowly increased to about 3,500 Bq/m3 [95 pCi/L] and once there, allowed to drop down to ambient levels.
The Tracking Accuracy test shall look at EID performance during the transient from 1,000 Bq/m3 through to 3,500 Bq/m3 and down to ambient.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

30. Chamber Test Protocols (continued)
Dynamic Test - Tracking Accuracy (CRMs):
The TTU shall shall be exposed (48 hours total exposure period typical) to stable conditions of low radon concentration (< 200 Bq/m3 [< 5 pCi/L]), high temperature (30°C [86°F]) typical, 70% nominal relative humidity ( non-condensing); then the radon concentration increased to 1,000 Bq/m3. Conditions will be allowed to stabilize and the high radon concentration benchmarked.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

31. Chamber Test Protocols (continued)
Dynamic Test - Tracking Accuracy (CRMs):
Heater(s) and humidifier(s) shall be turned off and radon concentration in the chamber shall be slowly increased to about 7,000 Bq/m3 [190 pCi/L] and once there, allowed to drop down to ambient levels.
The Tracking Accuracy test shall look at CRM performance during the transient from 1,000 Bq/m3 through to 7,000 Bq/m3 and down to ambient.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

32. Chamber Test Protocols (continued)
Acceptance Criteria (Dynamic Tests – EIDs & CRMs): Device Mean Error for radon concentration shall be within ± 0.20 of chamber mean value radon concentration. Coefficient of Variation shall be ≤ 0.15 for each of low and high radon concentrations. % Non-Linearity (low to high radon concentration) shall be ≤ 15%. Tracking Accuracy for device reading shall be within ± 0.20 of chamber value (chamber value is defined as the mean radon concentration in the chamber during the period coinciding with the radon concentration averaging period of the device).
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

33. Dynamic Radon Exposure Profile
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

34. STATUS The 2017 International Radon Symposium™
Technical & Performance Specifications for ATDs, CRMs, EICs, and EIDs have been reviewed by C-NRPP’s technical committee. These specifications will be ed to device manufacturer’s by October 2017 month end.
The draft “C-NRPP Professional Radon Measurement Device Listing Implementation & Review Manual,” will be forwarded this month (October 2017) to C-NRPP’s technical committee for review.
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™

35. Thank you for attending! Merci de votre participation!
The 2017 International Radon Symposium™