Industrial Applications of CF 252
A remarkable, versatile radioisotope, as called by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, this radioactive source is not short of practical usage in different industries. The following paragraph explains which manufacturers exploit the most out of the substance.
Inception
Californium-252 was first isolated from a thermonuclear test called Mike at Enewetak, in 1952. Since then, it was found that it has its uses in almost all the main operation fields, such as neutron radiography for machines and plants alike, cancer therapies or detailed coal analysis. Of course, the applicability and usefulness do not end there.
Properties
Its key features are one hundred percent reliability, compatibility (small packages) and energy range that’s very useful for future studies. It has neither too long nor too short half-life span (2.645 years). It has well-studied side reactions, so when handled correctly it isn’t an environmental or biological threat.
Uniqueness
Many scientists find it an irreplaceable source, since its fields of applicability span across many industries, as mentioned above. This uniqueness draws interest from the healthcare, nuclear and aircraft examination industries the most.
Medical industry
The 252 kindled hopes to patients diagnosed with otherwise incurable diseases, like certain brain tumors and cancers. In consequence, the radioactive source helped medicine practitioners save many human lives. Furthermore, scientists delve into research for potential new uses of the substance, possibly to help mitigate eye or brain cancers pain. It is helpful to note 252’s toxic effect over the human body if exposed to a prolonged radiation of the same.
An expansion in other medical fields has also been noted. 252Cf is now helping medical professionals to study the effect AIDS has on the neck and other cancers or malignant tumors.
Aircraft industry
Neutrons produced on the basis of Californium-252 are being used in the plane facility at McClellan Air Force Base in California. To fully harvest 252’s radioactive powers, both n-ray and x-ray research are used. An examination that comes with such research inserts that aircrafts equipped with the neutron source are less likely to be lost in storms or other unfortunate events. Also, when a structural failure occurs, the element is fast to detect such malfunctions. Afterward, the personnel involved can react quickly and report any corrosion that may have happened during the flight.
At McClellan’s facility, researchers were able to reduce the time needed for routine checks. Indirectly, they helped in having more active planes on duty, so the number of out of service aircrafts was considerably reduced. The discovery also paved the way for smaller fleets and additional reductions in cost.
Nuclear industry
The 252 is of critical importance to start a nuclear reactor. The first time such nuclear reactor is started, to reach proper criticality, a stable background emitting of neutrons is needed. The same is true when the reactor is reloaded with fuel, especially if it’s been disabled for an extended period. Most nuclear reactors in The USA are taking full advantage of this process.
Because Californium-252 is unique in this aspect, all applications that use it have no other substitution.
Other industries
Perhaps the most famous graphical example of the element in mind and its usage comes from the Californium Use Tree, made by J. L. Crandall in 1968. The tree lists various implementation methods, like explosive detection in baggage or various instruments’ calibration. It’s also being used in civil effect studies, environmental analysis, forensics or waste monitoring, to name a few.
Conclusion
This isotope has quickly found its way in the modern world of science and production. Its usage also expanded with the expansion of all industry branches. New applications are also coming into considering. It can be safely asserted that 252Cf is a material of global interest and enormous importance in the upcoming years.