Here in Australia we have also had reports of waste disposal facilities
having their radiation monitoring systems triggered by loads of electrical
insulators for dumping.
Mark Sonter
-----Original Message-----
From: Franz Schoenhofer [mailto:franz.schoenhofer@CHELLO.AT]
Sent: Monday, 2 June 2003 2:31 AM
To: ray ilson; radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu
Subject: AW: Porcelain Electrical Insulators
-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: owner-radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu
[mailto:owner-radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu]Im Auftrag von ray ilson
Gesendet: Dienstag, 29. April 2003 14:47
An: radsafe@list.vanderbilt.edu
Betreff: 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
----------------------------------------------
Ray,
Porcelain may contain traces of thorium. White glaze for ceramics is mostly
manufactured using zirconium oxide, which frequently contains elevated
amounts of thorium. So the elevated activity might be due both to the
porcelain itself or rather the glaze.
Best regards,
Franz
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