Optimizing Alpha Emitters for Efficient Transmutation: A Cost-Effective Approach

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the optimization of alpha emitters for the purpose of element transmutation. Participants explore potential candidates for alpha emitters that are cost-effective and reliable, focusing on specific requirements such as half-life and energy output.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using an alpha emitter with a production rate of about 5 Ci of radioactivity, seeking a candidate that is inexpensive and has a half-life greater than 60 days and energy of at least 1.5 MeV.
  • Another participant suggests Americium, noting its common use in smoke detectors and its cost of $160 per milligram, while also mentioning its significant half-life of over 400 years.
  • It is noted that 1 gram of Americium would generate approximately 3.5 Ci, leading to speculation about the overall cost being less than $160,000.
  • One participant confirms the price of Am-241 oxide as being around $1,600 per gram.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of following certain guidelines before attempting transmutation with alpha emitters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express interest in Americium as a viable option, but there is no consensus on the best candidate or the feasibility of the proposed approach. The discussion remains open with multiple viewpoints on cost and practicality.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of the costs associated with different alpha emitters or the specific guidelines mentioned for safe experimentation.

Strat-O
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I would like to pursue an idea that involves transmutation of elements using an alpha emitter. I figure that the production rate I would like to achieve would require about 5 Ci of radioactivity. What would be a good candidate, i.e. least expensive and reliable supply with a half life of > 60 days and an energy of at least 1.5 MeV? I've looked at Po-210 but according to wiki, the annual global production is about 100 grams per year and although I haven't worked it out the price per curie is probably prohibitively expensive.

Essentially looking for the biggest alpha-bang per buck!

Thanks
 
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Thanks. After posting I thought about Americium because it's common in smoke detectors. It is a bit expensive at $160 per milligram but I think I can produce small amounts of product and scale it up.

1 gram of Americium would generate 3.5 Ci. I'm guessing that amount would cost far less than $160,000. The cool thing is with a 400+ year half life for Am-241, it would not need to be replenished often.

Strat-O
 
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Price is outstanding. Looks like you can get a gram of Am-241 oxide for $1,600.
 
Strat-O said:
Thanks. After posting I thought about Americium because it's common in smoke detectors. It is a bit expensive at $160 per milligram but I think I can produce small amounts of product and scale it up.

1 gram of Americium would generate 3.5 Ci. I'm guessing that amount would cost far less than $160,000. The cool thing is with a 400+ year half life for Am-241, it would not need to be replenished often.

Strat-O
Read this - http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part030/
 
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I do believe there are a certain set of guidelines you should follow before you attempt this.
 
That makes sense.
 

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