Development of a Pm-147 source for beta-backscatter thickness gauge applications

作者：Kumar Manoj; Udhayakumar J; Nuwad J; Shukla Rakesh; Pillai C G S; Dash Ashutosh^*; Venkatesh Meera

来源：Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2011, 69(3): 580-587.

DOI：10.1016/j.apradiso.2010.11.026

• Pm-147
• Anodization
• Autoradiography
• beta-ray backscattering
• Graphite coating thickness

This paper describes a method for the preparation of Pm-147 sources, utilized in the determination of graphite coating thickness on the inner surface of the zircaloy cladding tube of nuclear fuels. Pm-147 was adsorbed on a limited surface area [1.5 mm (phi) x 2 mm (l)] of a cylindrical aluminum rod [1.5 mm (phi) x 10 mm (l)]. In brief, the selected tip area [1.5 mm (phi) x 2 mm (l)] was anodized at a current density of 15 mA/cm(2) at 15 degrees C in 3 M center dot H2SO4 for 2 h followed by immersion of this area in 10 mu L of Pm-147 solution containing 37 MBq (1 mCi) of activity at pH 6.0 for 24 h. The radioactive area was subsequently covered with a thin layer of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) to prevent leaching of Pm-147 from the source. The quantity of incorporated Pm-147 activity was assayed in a calibrated ion chamber. Quality control tests were carried out to ensure nonleachability, uniform distribution of activity and stability of the sources.

• 出版日期2011-3