Industrial Significance of Californium

Californium-252 is an isotope of the element ‘Californium’ which stands on the 98 position of the periodic table. This radioactive isotope is now a trending issue all over the world because of its significance in the field of medicine, scientific research, academic institutions, nuclear studies and not to mention the industrial productions.

Application of this element has now become irreplaceable. Treatment of cervical cancer and brain tumor is next to impossible without this. There are no other alternatives when it comes down to the treatment of incurable diseases. It has also been proved efficient for the treatment of fatal cancers such as gliomas, melanomas and hepatomas when it is combined with Boron.

But with latest extensive researches, its usage in industrial purposes other than medical uses also has significant implications. The production of this material is very limited and done by only two countries of the world- United States and Russia. It can be purchased for $10/mg from the US government.

Production:

It was first isolated from the debris of the Mike thermonuclear test at Eniwetok in November, 1952. This was isolated from a sample of plutonium-239 that had been irradiated in with neutrons in a nuclear reactor for five years.

High flux isotope reactor is used for production and Radiochemical Engineering Developing Centre provides processing services. Both of these facilities are located in Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In Ohio, a company called Frontier Technology Company also produces and specializes in creating custom Californium 252 neutron sources. More and more companies are growing to facilitate the growing demand for the isotope.

Industrial & Other Uses:

Californium is a very competent source of neutrons and thereby it has many significant uses. Its application in neutron moisture gauges and well logging that also include the determination of water and oil-bearing layers is incomprehensive. It is also being used as a mobile neutron basis for discovery of metals such as gold or silver by on-the-spot activation analysis.

As it has the capability of detecting the depth of natural fuels underground or even commercial fuels, it is application is now irreplaceable for industrial purposes. Many Oil industry companies are now expanding the use of this material for its effectiveness and efficiency when it comes to enhancing company’s production rate.

For a business, it is crucial to have vast and thorough knowledge about the usage of CF-252. This information will benefit him truly regarding the expansion of his or business. It will multiply the efficiency, production and also sales rate because of the quality of the products. Application of this radioactive element has greatly benefitted a lot of industry for the rapid and impeccable collection of oil and other energy releasing fuels. As petroleum is now one of the most significant resources all over the world, any issues related to marketing of petrol, oil, diesels or octane is now ever on the increase.

Besides that, Californium-252 is now widely used for security purposes as well. It is used in portable detectors to inspect luggage or shipping boxes in airports for better protection, ensuring a safe journey for the passengers. It is effective because the application of this method is hassle free. Neutron emission capability of this substance has made it possible to inspect the bags without opening it and assures greater degrees of effectiveness in security regards.