Potential value of Cs-137 capsules
We determined the value of Cs-137 compared to Co-60 as a source for the irradiation of fruit (apples and cherries), pork and medical supplies. Cs-137, in the WESF capsule form, had a value of approximately $0.40/Ci as a substitute for Co-60 priced at approximately $1.00/Ci. The comparison was based on the available curies emitted from the surface of each capsule. We developed preliminary designs for fourteen irradiation facilities; seven were based on Co-60 and seven were based on Cs-137. These designs provided the basis for estimating capital and operating costs which, in turn, provided the basis for determining the value of Cs-137 relative to Co-60 in these applications. We evaluated the effect of the size of the irradiation facility on the value of Cs-137. The cost of irradiation is low compared to the value of the product. Irradiation of apples for disinfestation costs $.01 to .02 per pound. Irradiation for trichina-safe pork costs $.02 per pound. Irradiation of medical supplies for sterilization costs $.07 to .12 per pound. The cost of the irradiation source, either Co-60 or Cs-137, contributed only a minor amount to the total cost of irradiation, about 5% for the fruit and hog cases and about 20% for the medical supply cases. We analyzed the sensitivity of the irradiation costs and Cs-137 value to several key assumptions.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 5714125
- Report Number(s):
- PNL-5380; ON: DE85010540
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
07 ISOTOPES AND RADIATION SOURCES
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
APPLES
RADIODISINFESTATION
CHERRIES
IRRADIATION PLANTS
CAPITALIZED COST
DESIGN
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
OPERATING COST
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
STERILIZATION
CESIUM 137
COBALT 60
CODLING MOTH
MEAT
RADIATION SOURCES
TRICHINELLA
ALKALI METAL ISOTOPES
ANIMALS
ARTHROPODS
ASCHELMINTHES
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
CESIUM ISOTOPES
COBALT ISOTOPES
COST
DISINFESTATION
ECONOMICS
FOOD
FRUITS
HELMINTHS
INSECTS
INTERMEDIATE MASS NUCLEI
INTERNAL CONVERSION RADIOISOTOPES
INVERTEBRATES
IRRADIATION
ISOMERIC TRANSITION ISOTOPES
ISOTOPES
LEPIDOPTERA
MINUTES LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
MOTHS
NEMATODES
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEI
ODD-EVEN NUCLEI
ODD-ODD NUCLEI
RADIOISOTOPES
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
070202* - Radiation Sources- Use in Food Processing- (-1987)
070203 - Radiation Sources- Use in Medical Supply Sterilization- (-1987)
070201 - Radiation Sources- Design
Fabrication & Operation
050600 - Nuclear Fuels- By-Products- (-1987)