Re: Pu-Be Sources

[Bob Hearn <rah@america.net>]

One advantageous characteristic of Cf-252 for some applications is that it
may be configured with an appropriate moderator arrangement to offer a
neutron spectrum that will more closely approximate a response in
instruments to that encountered in a power reactor environment. (Have a
little extra heavy water?)

Bob Hearn
rah@america.net


At 04:02 PM 7/12/99 -0500, Christopher W. Becker wrote:
>All,
>
>The question has come up as to whether it is prudent to substitute a 
>Californium-252 source for our neutron sources in lieu of Pu-Be sources. 
> The idea is that the Californium is easier to dispose of.
>
>Questions:
>
>Who makes Californium sources that can produce the same neutron strength as 
>a 1 Ci Pu239-Be source and a 40 Ci Pu238-Be source?
>
>What are the costs?  And in what for are the sources?
>
>Are the disposal hardships for Cf-252 the same as for Pu?  In other words 
>are we not solving the problem......final disposal of the source?
>
>Are there problems with stability of Cf-252 source, such as pressure 
>buildup over time, etc.
>
>Also, is an Am-241/Be source a better substitute?
>
>Christopher W. Becker, Reactor Laboratory Manager
>Phoenix Memorial Laboratory - Ford Nuclear Reactor
>T h e    U n i v e r s i t y    o f    M i c h i g a n
>2301 Bonisteel Boulevard
>Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2100
>Phone:	(734) 764-6224
>Fax:	(734) 936-1571
>http://www.umich.edu/~mmpp/
>
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