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RE: Porcelain Electrical Insulators
Porcelain clay is detectably radioactive. Naturally, the sensitivity needed to detect it is related to the quantity. (As I discovered empirically early on in my career through taking a 'live' meter into multi-seat, tiled, restroom. :-D) Over and above that, some of the glazes are even more radioactive - not just Fiestaware Orange.
The insulators I recall seeing were white porcelain with a brown glaze, and putting two and two together (and maybe getting 22) I wouldn't be at all surprised if they were easily detectable just from the natural constituents. I would doubt any intentional enhancement of radioactivity, since this would reduce the break-over voltage of the insulator.
Dave Neil
-----Original Message-----
From: ray ilson [mailto:raymond.ilson@UTORONTO.CA]
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2003 6:47 AM
To: radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu
Subject: Porcelain Electrical Insulators
Hello Radsafers!
I have received a query about "Canadian Porcelain" electrical insulators
used on high tension electrical distribution power lines. It appears
that they are giving off radiation fields which were detected at the
gate of a waste station. The insulators were manufactured in 1953-1954.
I have not assessed these fields as yet but assume that the radioactive
material is embedded within the porcelain itself rather than being a
result of surface contamination, although both possibilities will be
checked.
Does anyone have any experience with such materials or could you direct
me to further information?
Many thanks, Ray
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