[ RadSafe ] pyrophoric uranium considered nonessential

[John R Johnson]

Radsafers

We would all profit from reading the following references on uranium.

Radiation Risks and Uranium Toxicity; A Brodsky, RSA Publications, 1996

A Review of the Scientific Literature as it Pertains to Gulf War Illnesses;
Harley et al; RAND, 1999

Depleted Uranium Sources, Exposure and Heath Effects, World Health
Organization, 2001

John

-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl [mailto:radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl]On
Behalf Of Herren, Roy WS.
Sent: July 6, 2005 5:11 PM
To: 'Mercado, Don'; James Salsman; radsafe at radlab.nl; wattsa at ohio.edu
Subject: RE: [ RadSafe ] pyrophoric uranium considered nonessential


At what point in time during collision with a target is a uranium projectile
converted from a solid mass to a collection of "fine particles"?  How do the
"fine particles" exit the solid target to cause the death of the enemy
combatant?  Is it possible, that the vast majority of the solid uranium
projectile exits the target intact (James, picture all the spent bullets
(yes, I know that these are lead and not uranium) pulled out of various
objects that you have seen while watching CSI reruns this summer), and it is
in fact possible that the mass of the projectile, its fragments, and the
resultant debris from the target are what actually causes the timely demise
of the enemy combatant?  What percentage of the original mass of the
projectile is converted from a lethal solid into a "fine particle" and
therefore potentially available for a pyrophoric reaction?

Murray and his dog should check out the following website to determine if
aluminum beer cans should be outlawed since "A thermite reaction (a type of
aluminothermic reaction) is one in which aluminum metal is oxidized by an
oxide of another metal, most commonly iron oxide. (The name thermite is also
used to refer to a mixture of two such chemicals.)" As further proof, "The
thermite reaction can take place by accident in industrial locations where
abrasive grinding and cutting wheels are used with ferrous metals. Using
aluminum in this situation produces an admixture of oxides which is capable
of violent explosive reaction."  James, if Homer Simpson dropped an aluminum
beer can onto his rusty car, or a cutting wheel used with ferrous metals
would the result be a thermite reaction?  For the sake of argument, if a
thermite reaction did occur, would the whole beer can be consumed or merely
the very small fraction that became "fine particles"?


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermite


http://www.brainydictionary.com/words/po/powder205551.html

definition of powder Powder

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
The fine particles to which any dry substance is reduced by pounding,
grinding, or triturating, or into which it falls by decay; dust.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
An explosive mixture used in gunnery, blasting, etc.; gunpowder. See
Gunpowder.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
To reduce to fine particles; to pound, grind, or rub into a powder; to
comminute; to pulverize; to triturate.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
To sprinkle with powder, or as with powder; to be sprinkle; as, to powder
the hair.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
To sprinkle with salt; to corn, as meat.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
To be reduced to powder; to become like powder; as, some salts powder
easily.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
To use powder on the hair or skin; as, she paints and powders.


-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl [mailto:radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl]On
Behalf Of Mercado, Don
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 3:49 PM
To: James Salsman; radsafe at radlab.nl; wattsa at ohio.edu
Subject: RE: [ RadSafe ] pyrophoric uranium considered nonessential


So from your source:

"Uranium is a dense, lustrous metal that resembles iron. It is also
ductile and malleable. In air it tarnishes quickly, and a freshly
exposed surface becomes coated with a layer of dark oxide. When finely
divided, the metal burns spontaneously in air (it is pyrophoric)."

And from Alan's MSDS:

"Metal powders, while generally regarded as non-combustible, may burn
when
metal is finely divided and energy input is high."

So apparently the properties are not that well known as you state. My
bet is that the MSDS is more current than your text, and since my U
powder and DU doesn't burst into flames, I'd trust the MSDS first.


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