ML20211G127

Forwards Engineering Evaluation, Potentially Leaking Am-241 Sources Mfg by Amersham Corp. Suggests That NMSS Specifically Review Mcconnell Leak Detection Program During License Renewal Process Due to Higher than Normal Leakage

ML20211G127
Person / Time
Issue date:	12/01/1983
From:	Pettijohn S NRC OFFICE FOR ANALYSIS & EVALUATION OF OPERATIONAL DATA (AEOD)
To:	Heltemes C NRC OFFICE FOR ANALYSIS & EVALUATION OF OPERATIONAL DATA (AEOD)
Shared Package
ML20211G133	List: ML20211G127 ML20211G192
References
AEOD-N306, NUDOCS 8611030214
Download: ML20211G127 (1)

Text

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DEC 1 1983

• • • • • j MEMORANDUM FOR:

C. J. Heltemes, Jr., Director AE00/N306 Office for Analysis and Evaluation of Operational Data THRU:

Kathleen M. Black, Chief Nonreactor Assessment Staff, AEOD FROM:

Samuel L. Pettijohn Nonreactor Assessment Staff, AE0D

SUBJECT:

ENGINEERING EVALUATION REPORT: POTENTIALLY LEAKING AMERICIUM-241 SOURCES CONTAINED IN AMERSHAM CORPORATION ION CHAMBERS The subject report is a retriew by the Nonreactor Assessment Staff of a report from the Department of the Air Force, McConnell Air Force Base, (NRC License Number 15-13812-01) of three leaking americium-241 sources manufactured by Amersham Corporation. The sources are contained in ion chambers which are used in gas analysers for detecting explosive gases.

The program in which the sources are used is scheduled to be phased out in 1987 and no additional sources will be procured by the Air Force. Our review revealed that there may be a higher than normal probability for additional sources in McConnell's possession to become leakers.

It is our understanding that McConnell's license is in the renewal process. We suggest that NMSS specifically review McConnell's leak detection program during the license renewal process because the sources have hi8 er than normal leakage probability h

(as a result of the brazing operation and exposure to a corrosive atmasphere).

We recommend that AEOD transmit a copy of the Engineering Evaluation with a cover letter from Kathleen Black (copy enclosed) to John Hickey, Section Chief, (Industrial) Materials Licensing Branch, NMSS.

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• h Samuel L. Pettijohn Nonreactor Assessment Staff, AEOD

Enclosure:

As stated 8611030214 831201 PDR ORG NEXD

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