Mag-thorium alloy

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Hi Bruce.

We have about 55,000 lbs of the stuff, and it's between 2% and 3%,
depending on the alloy. Originally it was manufactured by Dow Chemical.
Now it is being handled by a company called Spectrolite. We used to use
it to manufacture the Agena spacecraft frames, and other areas that
required strong, light materials, but it was replaced by better,
non-radioactive materials such ans Al-Li, and composites. We're
trying to get rid of ours in a cost effective way, so if any of you
radsafers want some, please speak up!

Bruce, if you want some more information, please call me.

Donald P. Mercado, O/47-20, B/101      PROFS Nickname: DMERCADO
Radiation Safety Officer            Email: Don.Mercado@lmco.com
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space            Tel. (408) 742-0759
Sunnyvale, Ca 94089                         Fax. (408) 742-0611
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 From: Bruce Pickett <SHEA136@KGV2.bems.boeing.com>
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 Subject: Mag-thorium alloy
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 X-Comment:  Radiation Safety Distribution List

  I have two magnesium-thorium castings that I want to dispose of. Each weighs
  about 25 pounds (11 kg). I am trying to estimate the amount of thorium in
  each. These were fabricated 30 - 40 years ago, and I have nothing to tell me
  the percentage of thorium in them.

  Does anyone have information on mag-thor alloys, such as what an average
  thorium content might be?

  Incidentally, I've measured about 2 mrad/hr (0.02 mGy/hr) window-open, and
  about 1 mrad/hr (0.01 mGy/hr) window-closed at the surface of these castings.


    Bruce Pickett
    The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA
    bruce.d.pickett@boeing.com