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08 February 2012

Answer to Question #449 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Basics — Radionuclides

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I want to know the thermal output of a ⁶⁰Co source (for the design of a transport container). I'm not sure how this would be given but I suspect it would depend on the shielding material (typically lead) and thickness. I have seen this information somewhere in the past.

Being conservative, and in accordance with NUREG 1536, assume that all decay energy—with the exception of neutrinos—will be deposited within the cask regardless of design. For ⁶⁰Co, this means that all beta and gamma energy will be deposited.

Pertinent data:
Beta: 0.1 MeV per decay
Gamma: 2.5 MeV per decay

For a total of 2.6 MeV per decay, the energy deposition will be 4.2E-13 J/decay. Therefore, the maximum possible power per unit activity will be 1.5E-02 J/s per Ci.

References: NUREG-1536: Standard Review Plan for Dry Cask Storage Systems

Robert Coleman
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Answer posted on 27 October 2000. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.