[ RadSafe ] Neutron Generator regulations

Sat Aug 31 10:39:20 CDT 2013

Radsafe:

     Thanks for this information.  A typical  neutron generator which 
doesn't have to go down into an oil well, I estimate,  could be a factor of 10 
times larger in size.  I expect the tube filaments  which emanate the D2 
and/or T2 might also be expanded in size.  Thus,  perhaps, one could enlarge the 
neutron flux density in this way.  However,  as such a neutron generator is 
expanded in size, it becomes more detectable by  security people.

      Joe Preisig

PS  In my previous post, I meant to say MWD (Measurement While  Drilling) 
is not WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction).

In a message dated 8/30/2013 1:16:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
JAitken at slb.com writes:

Compact,  portable neutron generators (as used in downhole oilfield 
applications) are  putting out ~3x 10E+8 of 14 Mev neutrons/sec. Unshielded, the  
(omnidirectional) dose equivalent would be approximately 10mrem/100uSv per  
hour at 20  ft

Regards
Doug
____________________________________________________________________________
_______
Doug  Aitken
QHSE Advisor, Schlumberger D&M Operations Support
Cell Phone:  713-562-8585
(alternate e-mail: doug.aitken at slb.com  )
Mail:
Schlumberger, Drilling & Measurements HQ,
300  Schlumberger Drive, MD15,
Sugar Land, Texas  77478

-----Original Message-----
From:  radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu  
[mailto:radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu] On Behalf Of Brennan, Mike  (DOH)
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2013 11:12 AM
To: The International  Radiation Protection (Health Physics) MailingList
Subject: Re: [ RadSafe ]  Neutron Generator regulations

While such a thing would almost certainly  get some excited news coverage 
when discovered, I suspect it would be  difficult to do much harm with it.  
You could accomplish as much by doing  the same thing with an x-ray tube, 
which would be cheaper and easier.   

As for directing the neutron flux, I haven't been paying attention to  that 
field, but the last time I looked it was more a matter of shielding in  all 
but one direction, with the neutrons going the wrong way being  absorbed.

-----Original Message-----
From:  radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu
[mailto:radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu]  On Behalf Of JPreisig at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 10:13  AM
To: radsafe at health.phys.iit.edu
Subject: Re: [ RadSafe ] Neutron  Generator regulations

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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