Alpha sources designed NOT to emit alphas

["Michael P. Grissom" <MIKEG%SLACVM.bitnet@vmd.cso.uiuc.edu>]

Forwarded-from: MIKEG

1.  Sealed alpha sources (fully encapsulated) are leak tested because
of the activity limits at most DOE facilities.  This includes the
usual neuton generator sources (PuBe, PuLi, AmBe, etc.).  I believe
the NRC license condition that you mention was limited to sealed
sources that had disruptable surfaces (even if the surface was too
thick to allow alpha emission--certain plaque sources e.g.).  I am
guessing that AFRRI didn't have something strange requiring a
special condition.
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Department of Energy.             |
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From: "THOMAS OBRIEN" <OBRIEN@vax.afrri.usuhs.mil>
To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
Subject: Alpha sources designed NOT to emit alphas
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X-Comment:  Radiation Safety Distribution List

Has anyone had experience with the NRC license condition concerning the
leak testing of sealed sources that are alpha emitters (Pu, U, Np) but not
designed to emit alphas.  These would be exempt from leak testing per the
license condition, but I am not comfortable with how (and if) it applies to
PuBe and AmBe sources and encapsulated Pu sources.