[ RadSafe ] Californium vs. Americium

[Robert D Gallagher]

NSSI does not utilize neutron sources for logging applications but is a key
supplier and shipper of such sources for use by our customers. With the
shortage and current high cost of Am-241, a number of companies have
considered Cf-252. The feedback that we get is that Cf-252 is usable for
only a limited number of logging applications. That, coupled with the short
half life has discouraged it's use.

My solution to the short half life would be to utilize a source holder that
would accept mutiple sources. As the initial source decayed, a 2nd source
would be added. As 1 and 2 decayed, add a 3rd. When it came time for
addition again, replace #1 with a new source and return #1 for disposal. and
on and on
I am aware of only 1 company seriously interested in Cf-252.

One other advantage of Cf-252 is that the source is a cermet and the
material could not be easily dispersed by a terrorist.

Bob Gallagher
NSSI
713 641-0391

-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl [mailto:radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl]On
Behalf Of Syd H. Levine
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2007 10:48 AM
To: radsafe
Subject: [ RadSafe ] Californium vs. Americium


Aside from half-life considerations, what are the technical issues with
using Californium in place of Americium in Be based neutron sources (for
well logging)?  Are the neutrons of the same energy?

My understaning is the half-life is 2.64 years and that the well logging
sources are made up with about 30 Ci initially so that you wind up with
around 15 Ci at the end of that time period.  I am guessing one might be
able to log with them for five years maybe, then they could still be used
for tools that only need 3 Ci or so for awhile?

TIA

Syd H. Levine
AnaLog Services, Inc.
Phone:  (270) 276-5671
Telefax:  (270) 276-5588
E-mail:  analog at logwell.com
Web URL:  www.logwell.com


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