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| Radiological Assessor Training
DOE-HDBK-1141-2001
Student's Guide
Neutron sources have a variety of applications and
are commonly used in moisture gauges (e.g.,
determining moisture content in raw materials such
as gravel, wood chips, etc.). The fast neutrons
emitted by the source are moderated by the
hydrogen atoms in the material being measured,
and can then be detected with a neutron detector.
Of course, the more moisture contained in the
material, the more hydrogen atoms will be present.
Neutron sources are also used to some extent for
radiography of very dense materials like lead or
steel, which otherwise would require very high
energy photons to radiograph.
Californium-252 emits neutrons after undergoing
spontaneous fission, and therefore serves as a
neutron source. Neutrons can also be produced
fairly easily by nuclear reactions in certain materials
such as beryllium.
The primary hazard from beta and neutron sources
is from the external radiation fields they generate.
These sources would only become an internal
hazard should the source rupture or leak and
radioactive material subsequently is inhaled or
ingested. An additional hazard of neutron activation
exists around neutron sources.
10 CFR 835 Subpart M "Sealed Radioactive Source
Control" establishes requirements for accountable
sealed radioactive sources. Requirements include
provisions for (at intervals not to exceed 6 months):
inventory
leak testing
Module 12 - 7
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