Beta-M
The Beta-M is a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) that was used in Soviet-era lighthouses and beacons.
Design[]
The Beta-M[1] contains a core made up of strontium-90, which has a half-life of 28.79 years. The core is also known as radioisotope heat source 90 (RHS-90). In its initial state after manufacture, the generator is capable of generating 10 watts of electricity, almost enough to power a compact fluorescent light bulb with light output equivalent to a 60-watt bulb.[2] The generator contains the strontium-90 radioisotope, with a heating power of 250W and 1,480 TBq of radioactivity.[3] Mass-scale production of RTGs in the USSR was the responsibility of a plant called Baltiyets, in the city of Narva in the former Soviet republic of Estonia.
Safety incidents[]
Some Beta-M generators have been subject to incidents of vandalism when scavengers disassembled the units while searching for non-ferrous metals.[1][3][4] In December 2001 a radiological accident occurred when three residents of Lia, Georgia found parts of an abandoned Beta-M in the forest while collecting firewood.[3] The three suffered burns and symptoms of acute radiation syndrome as a result of their exposure to the strontium-90 contained in the Beta-M.[3] The disposal team that removed the radiation sources consisted of 25 men who were restricted to 40 seconds' worth of exposure each while transferring the canisters to lead-lined drums.[5]
See also[]
References[]
- ^ a b "Two strontium powered lighthouses vandalised on the Kola Peninsula". Bellona.org. 17 November 2003.
- ^ James Mahaffey (6 June 2017). Atomic Adventures: Secret Islands, Forgotten N-Rays, and Isotopic Murder: A Journey into the Wild World of Nuclear Science. Pegasus Books. pp. 260–. ISBN 978-1-68177-480-0.
- ^ a b c d https://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Publications/PDF/Pub1660web-81061875.pdf
- ^ Eugene Levner; Igor Linkov; Jean-Marie Proth (30 March 2006). Strategic Management of Marine Ecosystems: Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Strategic Management of Marine Ecosystems, Nice, France, 1-11 October, 2003. Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 21–. ISBN 978-1-4020-3198-4.
- ^ Dirty Bomb NOVA, PBS – airdate: February 25, 2003
External links[]
- Norwegian environmental concerns over Beta-M generators still in use
- RTG Master Plan Development Results and Priority Action Plan Elaboration for its Implementation
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