RE: Magnesium-Zirconium-Thorium alloys

["Claytor, Louis III" <LTC3@pge.com>]

Paul
When I worked for CNSI in the early 80's we solidified/stabilized and
disposed of several hundred barrels of mag-thor machine turnings from
aircraft engine and spacecraft manufacture.  The manufacturers were required
by the NRC to dispose of the turnings as radwaste.  Contact me directly for
more info.  ltc3@pge.com.
Louis Claytor

> ----------
> From:
> Paul_Hinrichsen/CNS1@cns.co.za[SMTP:Paul_Hinrichsen/CNS1@cns.co.za]
> Reply To: 	radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
> Sent: 	Monday, December 28, 1998 10:20 PM
> To: 	Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: 	Magnesium-Zirconium-Thorium alloys
> 
> I was recently asked to inspect the site of a local manufacturer of jet
> engines and discovered, to my surprise, that certain engine parts are
> manufactured from an alloy of magnesium-zirconium-thorium. The level of
> thorium being as high as 325 Bq/g (concentration > 4%).
> 
> Does anybody out there have any information on this issue ?
> 
> In particular I am looking for answers to the following questions;
> 
> 1.   How is the above controlled in your respective countries from the
> point of view of the radiological hazards during   manufacture, handling
> and final disposal ?
> 
> 2.   Has anyone in the literature considered the radiological hazards
> associated with the alloy ?
> 
> 3.   Is this alloy only used in the manufacture of military jet engines or
> does it have any other uses, particularly in       civilian aircraft ?
> 
> I would appreciate any input on the above issue.
> 
> Thanking you in advance. And compliments of the season to all you
> Radsafers.
> 
> Paul
> 
> (phinrich@cns.co.za)
> 
> 
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