[ RadSafe ] Neutron Generator regulations

[JPreisig at aol.com]

Radsafe:
 
      Something to consider about neutron  generators.  If a person is 
well-trained in electronics, and perhaps they  could get their hands on a 
neutron generator, then they might possibly be able  to build a suitcase version 
of a neutron generator weapon.  Take the  suitcase to the location of 
interest, plug it in and turn it on from afar.   Kind of like a poor man's neutron 
bomb.  Quite lethal if done  correctly.  It wouldn't explode, but rather 
would just provide a neutron  flux density (directed???) and would kill people 
and/or other animals.
I guess security people should be taught to keep an eye out for suitcases  
and/or other packages which are plugged in to an electrical socket.  When  
one would see such a suitcase or whatever, then one should move away from the 
 suitcase.  Safety teams could approach such a device with a remball,  
Snoopy, Anderson-Braun detector etc. to see if a neutron signal is  present.  
The next step to do would probably be to turn-off local electric  power, and 
again approach the suitcase with some caution.  I don't know if  any of this 
scenario is likely.  From what I can remember, Schlumberger  keeps track of 
it neutron generators.
 
 
     Regards,     Joe Preisig
 
 
  
 
 
In a message dated 8/27/2013 4:23:09 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
brees at lanl.gov writes:

What are  the regulations regarding an electronic neutron generator?  
Something  like a D-D fusion type.  It's possible to make one in a reasonably 
well  equipped lab, so if someone did, what licensing and use regulations would 
 apply?
Regulations on an x-ray machine are fairly clear (and they're   MUCH more 
common! - both the machines, and regs!).
I realize that "standard  radiation dose limits" would apply, but most of 
the regulations I see are  associated with the Tritium content of a D-T 
generator, is there anything  special someone would have to do if they made a D-D 
neutron  generator?

And yes, I realize that if it was done in a DOE facility  their rules would 
apply.

Thanks in advance!
Brian  Rees
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