Depleted Uranium with Ludlum Model 3

Ғылым және технология

In this short video I analyze a specimen of depleted uranium, Uranium 238 (highly refined, "pure" U238 comprised of 99.68% U238, 0.31% U235, and .0055% U234) using a Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Model 3 survey meter with attached 44-9 GM detector (alpha, beta, gamma). The U238 sample is first measured with the survey meter set to the 0.1X range setting, which is inadequate to accurately measure the target. An attempt is then made to measure the specimen at the 1X range setting, but that too proves inadequate. At the 10X setting, with the sample [packet] in direct contact with the 44-9 detector, a maximum rate of approximately 62,000 counts per minute (CPM) is recorded. The measured rate is comprised of gamma and beta radiation; any emitted alpha particles are shielded from the result by the plastic material in which the U238 is contained.

Пікірлер: 20

  • @tookurjaerbs
    @tookurjaerbs4 жыл бұрын

    Cool!

  • @khaledtubashi5159
    @khaledtubashi51593 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this info.. I'm using this instrument for NORM survey in oil industry.could you pleas tell me how to distinguish between alpha and beta by this Model 3? I mean for unknown source.

  • @shumla7ranch

    @shumla7ranch

    3 жыл бұрын

    Depends on the detector you're using. If you are using the 44-9 pancake detector like the one in the video, you could use a sheet of paper. It will block alpha particles but beta will, of course, penetrate it. That would be a crude way to differentiate, but to get better results you'd have to use alpha & beta-dedicated detectors. Of course you probably know the alpha particles only travel about a couple of inches through the air, so place the sheet of paper between the source and the open mesh of the 44-9 detector. The paper will effectively shield alpha particles from registering with the detector. In this demonstration with U-238, any alpha being emitted was not measured because the plastic bag shielded the particles from the detector. Does that help?

  • @khaledtubashi5159

    @khaledtubashi5159

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@shumla7ranch Thank you for replay and of course it helped alot,but excuse me for another question about Gamma which is more dangerous. When I connect the Gamma detection bar, which of the four scales is better for reading Gamma contamination? By the way I'm using model 3-IS which is a bet diffirent from your device in the video.

  • @shumla7ranch

    @shumla7ranch

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@khaledtubashi5159 Yes the Model 3 and the 3-IS both function exactly the same way regarding measuring sources. If you are using a gamma detector with the Model 3-IS, none of the "four scales" is technically "better" than any of the others; it's all dependent on the activity level of the source, distance to the source, time of exposure to the source, and any shielding that might be present. The normal and accepted practice for measuring sources of gamma radiation is to start with the upper end of the selector switch (e..g. X100) and work downward (toward 0.1X) on the scale in order to get an accurate rate count. Also, gamma isn't necessarily the most dangerous form of radiation; alpha is actually likely the worst, especially if it is ingested or introduced into the body.

  • @khaledtubashi5159

    @khaledtubashi5159

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@shumla7ranch Thank you so much, that is all appreciated. Happy to be new supscriper to your chanel.

  • @jamesluck2969

    @jamesluck2969

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@khaledtubashi5159 the LM model 3-IS is a variant of the ludlum model 3 designed for harsh and hazardous environments, specifically environments that may have explosive atmospheres. The 3-IS-1 is the same as the 3-IS but with a internal probe instead of a external probe. Each meter from Ludlum Measurements can come as their stock model or customized to the customers needs, primarily these are changes done to connector types, gauge silks ( cpm,uR,mR,etc), and on occasion the rage factors. Theres a large list of add-on's and minor changes the buyer can have done to there meter, honestly just depends on how the buyer intends to use their meter and how deep their pockets are.

  • @erintyres3609
    @erintyres36093 жыл бұрын

    What percentage of the counts are beta? I have a CDV-700. When the probe's window is closed, the counter does not detect the source at all. (It detects no gamma rays.) When the probe's window is open to detect beta rays, it detects more than a thousand counts per minute. Is that what you would expect from a depleted uranium check source?

  • @shumla7ranch

    @shumla7ranch

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi, sorry about the late reply and for your interest. Unfortunately my "analysis" of the specimen was done with a Ludlum Model 3 survey meter coupled with the Ludlum 44-9 detector. That model survey meter, with the meter face (202-608) is only properly calibrated for the 44-9 detector, which reads the cumulative alpha/beta/gamma count rate, therefore any other detectors used with that setup don't provide an accurate reading. Even though I also own a 44-6 beta/gamma detector and a 43-1 alpha detector, they don't provide an accurate reading with the Model 3 and that meter face. Therefore, and to answer your question, I didn't have a way to segregate the alpha/beta/gamma readings. However, as you are probably aware, U238 primarily emits alpha and beta, along with some minor gamma. In order to further my "studies," back in April I ordered one of the new Ludlum Model 3003 Multi-Detector/Ratemeter/SCA units; I'm still waiting for it to be shipped. It's a new model and shipment has been held up for those who have ordered them due to some technical glitch involving the Bluetooth circuitry or electronics. The 3003 can independently measure alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron, with its 4-detector setup. I also ordered a 44-1 beta detector and a 44-2 gamma detector along with the 3003. Additionally I sent in my 43-1 alpha detector and my 44-9 alpha/beta/gamma detector to be calibrated with the new unit. I've been informed the likely ship date will be some time in July. Once I receive the new survey meter with the 4 independently calibrated detectors, I'll be set up to make far more accurate measurements of the extensive collection I've accumulated over the years. If you like, I'll keep you informed about my findings and will hopefully be able to upload some relevant videos using the new equipment. Regards from Laredo.

  • @erintyres3609

    @erintyres3609

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@shumla7ranch Thank you, I did not know that U238 primarily emits alpha and beta, along with some minor gamma. That would explain why my counter does not detect gammas from its check source.

  • @shumla7ranch

    @shumla7ranch

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@erintyres3609 It's my understanding that U238 emits very little gamma for the reason that it is "depleted," that is, there is very little, percentage-wise, of U235 [in U238] that actually DOES emit gamma in the depleted form.

  • @ScoopDogg
    @ScoopDogg3 жыл бұрын

    my uncle threw one of these Ludlum model 3 44-9 away, he thought it was radioactive, he showed me a photo of it after he put it in the trash. Couldnt believe it when I found out what they cost

  • @shumla7ranch

    @shumla7ranch

    3 жыл бұрын

    Darn! That's a shame, because the Model 3 & 44-9 cost about a thousand dollars. I just ordered a Model 3001 to assist me in my projects, and hopefully will post a couple of videos of it soon. Thanks for commenting.

  • @mirskym

    @mirskym

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Ned Tedford But used ones on eBay can be got for $300

  • @jamesluck2969

    @jamesluck2969

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@shumla7ranch if you get tired of that 3001 you can donate it to me, I wouldnt mind the donation. ;-)

  • @shumla7ranch

    @shumla7ranch

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@jamesluck2969 I ended up ordering the new Model 3003i instead of the 3001; the 3001i is a 4 detector setup with neutron detecting capabilities. I also ordered two new detectors and had Ludlum calibrate them along with two of my other detectors. I had to wait almost 7 months for some Bluetooth issues in the electronics to be resolved, but received all the components about a month ago. Haven't been able to use them because i just had a major surgery and am recuperating very slowly. But hopefully I'll get a basic video of the equipment up soon.

  • @jamesluck2969

    @jamesluck2969

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@shumla7ranch well I will happily check to see if they work ;) Hope your recovery goes easy and fast. I'm still in love with the aluminum body units, but sometime those will go away and I'll be left buying the new plastic housed meters. Although the 3003i with a internal scint would be a dream detector, although I guess it's best counter part would be the 3-97, just without the benefit of 3 external probes that each can be set up to do a different job. I have a list of units I need to start shipping out to a Ludlum divson close by to me. So hopefully I wont be stuck with delays. If your up to it I wouldnt mind hearing what probes you decided to go with first your 3003i.

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