Reduction of beta activity from depleted derbies, ingots and crucibles

Conference · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6417316

Briggs, G G; Schonegg, E; Kato, T R

The reduction of beta radiation on uranium ingot and crucible surfaces was demonstrated in the production casting operation by adding a mixture of slag liner material (MgF/sub 2/) and calcium fluoride to the remelt charge. The beta emitters (/sup 234/Th and /sup 234/Pa) are largely discharged with the fluorides into drums during a remote crucible burnout operation; thereby, reducing operator exposure to beta radiation. A production test showed that very low beta radiation from uranium flat castings can be achieved by using derbies recently prepared by reduction. Plant tests with fluoride addition indicate that pickling of derbies may not be necessary for casting uranium flats from a plasma sprayed (ZrO/sub 2/) crucible. Also, ingots produced with fluoride additions had less pipe as compared to standard production technique. 2 references, 5 tables.

• Research Organization: NLO, Inc., Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76OR01156
• OSTI ID: 6417316
• Report Number(s): NLCO-2021; CONF-8410166-3; ON: DE85003484
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACTINIDES
BETA DECAY
BETA DOSIMETRY
BETA-MINUS DECAY
CASTING
CASTING MOLDS
CRUCIBLES
DECAY
DEPLETED URANIUM
DOSES
DOSIMETRY
ELEMENTS
FABRICATION
METALS
PERSONNEL
RADIATION DOSES
URANIUM