ML20138C923

Provides Supplement Info Re on Handling of Finished Aircraft Parts Containing nickel-thoria Alloy. Suggests That Scrap Processors Be Advised Not to Handle Any Thorium Alloy Scrap Unless Scrap Content & Origin Known

ML20138C923
Person / Time
Issue date:	04/17/1997
From:	Lohaus P NRC OFFICE OF STATE PROGRAMS (OSP)
To:	Godwin A ARIZONA, STATE OF
Shared Package
ML20137W287	List: ML20137W283 ML20138C923
References
NUDOCS 9704300246
Download: ML20138C923 (2)

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Mr. Aubrey V. Godwin, Director '

Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency 4814 South 40th Street l Phoenix, Arizona 85040  ;

Dear Mr. Godwin:

This is to supplement information provided to you in our December 17,1996 letter i on the handling of finished ai craft engine parts containing nickel-thoria alloy as well as questions on smelting of thorium cor%niN:ted scrap. Our response to you has resulted in i questions relative to nickel-thoria alloys covered by 940.13(c)(8) and other thorium alloys ,

containing tungsten and magnesium covered under 640.13(c)(4). Further information )

follows:

Scrap processors and dealers can handle and process nickel-thoria alloys covered by the 10 CFR 40.13(c)(8) exemption which specifies that the thorium is dispersed in the nickel-thoria alloy in the form of finely divided thoria (thorium dioxide); and the thorium content in the nickel thoria alloy does not exceed 4% by weight.

l It should be noted that no similar exemption exists for other thorium alloys l containing tungsten or magnesium covered under 940.13(c)(4). Scrap dealers and l processors may possess finished products or parts containing thoria alloy as described in 10 CFR 40.13 (c)(4), but are not allowed to process these finished products or parts. The exemption in 10 CFR 40.13 (c)(4) does not apply to scrao metal (by definition not finished products or parts) containing magnesium or l tungsten-thorium alloys. These alloys may not be chemically, physically or l metallurgically treated or processed after the finished products or parts are manufactured. Handling these alloys without a specific license, will place scrap l processors in violation of 940.13(c)(4) or the equivalent Agreement State l regulation.

We suggest that as specific cases are identified, you advise scrap processors no_t to handle any thorium alloy scrap unless they know the scrap's content and origin.

Sincerely, r-5 gm%

/s/ Patricia Larkins for PHL i.

Paul H. Lohaus, Deputy Director j

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DATE 03/27/97

• 04/01/97

• 04/14/97

• 04/08/97

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• April 17, 1997 Mr. Aubrey V. Godwin, Director Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency l 4814 South 40th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85040 i

Dear Mr. Godwin. ,

This is to supplement information provided to you in our December 17,1996 letter j on the handling of finished aircraft engine parts containing nickel-thoria alloy as well as questions on smelting of thoriurr. contaminated scrap. Our response to you has resulted in questions relative te nMkel-?t 'ria alloys covered by 140.13(c)(8) and other thorium alloys )

containing tungsten and i.;:.wnesium covered under 140.13(c)(4). Further information i follows:

Scrap processors and dealers can handle and process nickel-thoria alloys covered by the 10 CFR 40.13(c)(8) exemption which specifies that the thorium is dispersed in the nickel-thoria alloy in the form of finely divided thoria (thorium dioxide); and the thorium content in the nickel thoria alloy does not exceed 4% by weight.

It should be noted that no similar exemption exists for other thorium alloys containing tungsten or magnesium covered under 540.13(c)(4). Scrap dealers and processors may possess finished products or parts containing thoria alloy as described in 10 CFR 40.13 (c)(4), but are not allowed to process these finished products or parts. The exemption in 10 CFR 40.13 (c)(4) does not apply to scrap metal (by definition not finished products or parts) containing magnesium or i tungsten-thorium alloys. These alloys may not be chemically, physically or i metallurgically treated or processed after the finished products or parts are manufactured. Handling these alloys without a specific license, will place scrap processors in violation of 140.13(c)(1) or the equivalent Agreement State regulation.

We suggest that as specific cases are identified, you advise scrap processors npf to handle any thorium alloy scrap unless they know the scrap's content and origin.

Sincerely, k

Paul H. Lohaus, Deputy Director Office of State Programs I