An electrochemical technique for fabrication of Mn-54 sources towards characterization of gamma counting nuclear instruments. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar, Manoj; Dey, Milan Kumar; Satpati, Ashis Kumar; Shukla, Rakesh; Nuwad, Jitendra; Gandhi, Shyamala S.; Pandey, Usha; Saxena, Sanjay Kumar; Dash, Ashutosh
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 173(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: 54Mn -- Calibration -- Electrodeposition -- Cyclic voltametry -- Autoradiography; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109736
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: Long lived sealed radioactive sources are used for the energy calibration and efficiency determination of counting systems used in the nuclear sector. Using a sulphate bath, a facile electrochemical method was developed by electrodeposition of 54 Mn on 5 mm (φ) stainless steel substrates for the preparation of 54 Mn sources for such uses. Inactive sources prepared under suitable experimental parameters characterized by XRD revealed that manganese is deposited in oxide form. SEM and EDS analyses of electrodeposited surfaces confirmed uniform distribution of elements and the absence of fractures, flaws, and spatial variations. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) scans provided information about the electrochemical processes involved in the deposition process. Uniform distribution of radioactivity on surface of source was ascertained by autoradiography. Swipe tests of the encapsulated sources confirmed negligible removable surface contamination. The 54 Mn sources containing up to 185KBq of 54 Mn on stainless steel discs were prepared. These sources along with other longer lived sources were supplied to various users as a package of radiation sources for characterization of gamma counting systems over a wide energy range. Highlights: 54 Mn sources are used for characterization of gamma counting instruments. Development of an electrochemical technique for preparation of Mn-54 radiation sources was accomplished. State of the art characterization techniques ensured the suitability of sources for intented application. Electrodeposited 54 Mn sources have potential of commercial supply to users.