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DU is not a radiation hazard. It is rather toxic and carcinogenic (which is why they feel the need to clean up battlefields), but then the same is true to a greater or lesser extent of quite a lot of the materials used in aviation and weaponry.
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DU is about twice as heavy as lead.
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They broke up some L-1011-200 at KGSO years back. I took it upon myself to go over to the scene and give them a heads up on the DU balance weights. The salvagers were completely unaware of the presence of DU. There were also not happy when they had to pay for special disposal. Considering all the scrapped-out aircraft, one wonders how much toxic material has been spread around. Certainly a greater threat than crashes as salvagers, in some cases, tend to be rather reckless.
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Originally Posted by Dan Winterland
(Post 9988342)
DU is about twice as heavy as lead.
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tonytales, your story reminds me of the Goiânia accident "scavenging" accident involving abandoned hospital equipment, and a radioactive source (Caesium-137):
The Goiânia accident was a radioactive contamination accident that occurred on September 13, 1987, at Goiânia, in the Brazilian state of Goiás, after an old radiotherapy source was stolen from an abandoned hospital site in the city. It was subsequently handled by many people, resulting in four deaths. About 112,000 people were examined for radioactive contamination and 249 were found to have significant levels of radioactive material in or on their bodies Source is partially broken On September 16, Alves succeeded in puncturing the capsule's aperture window with a screwdriver, allowing him to see a deep blue light coming from the tiny opening he had created.[1] He inserted the screwdriver and successfully scooped out some of the glowing substance. Thinking it was perhaps a type of gunpowder, he tried to light it, but the powder would not ignite. The exact mechanism by which the light was generated was not known at the time the IAEA report was written, though it was thought to be either ionized air glow, fluorescence or Cherenkov radiation associated with the absorption of moisture by the source; similar blue light was observed in 1988 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory during the disencapsulation of a 137Cs source.[citation needed] Source is sold and dismantled On September 18, Alves sold the items to a nearby scrapyard. That night, Devair Alves Ferreira (the owner of the scrapyard) noticed the blue glow from the punctured capsule. Thinking the capsule's contents were valuable or even supernatural, he immediately brought it into his house. Over the next three days, he invited friends and family to view the strange glowing substance. On September 21 at the scrapyard, one of Ferreira's friends (given as EF1 in the IAEA report) succeeded in freeing several rice-sized grains of the glowing material from the capsule using a screwdriver. Alves Ferreira began to share some of them with various friends and family members. That same day, his wife, 37-year-old Gabriela Maria Ferreira, began to fall ill. On September 25, 1987, Devair Alves Ferreira sold the scrap metal to a second scrapyard. |
Another ridiculous thread about DU. Stupid scaremongering.
In significant doses DU is toxic, like many heavy metals (lead, arsenic etc.). Radioactivity is minimal, much less than natural uranium. Mercury is a lot more toxic, yet nobody gets their panties in a wad about it. Bringing up the Goiânia accident is like comparing guppies to elephants and simply mischievous. |
Mac, no nefarious or mischievous intent in my post, just thought it was an interesting aside after having my memory jogged by tonytales story, as it quite a rare and unusual set of circumstances.
I also agree that there are many far more common dangerous substance lurking in our environment compared to DU, both natural and man made. Please forgive my frivolousness. |
Mercury is OK if it's in it's (0) oxidation state. I wouldn't drink it though , but have used it on an electrode, works lovely.
DU is normally OK, not really radioactive, unless you ingest a load of the dust, I think you'd be fine. If worried keep a batch of EDTA on you. |
DU is dangerous because of its Radiation. The so called Alpha Radiation does not Penetrate very well and it has not a significant reach, you can cut off Alpha Rays with a simple piece of Paper.
Problem ist when alpha radiating material gets into your body through any way, e.g. cuts in the palm. Then it does enriche at your bone marrow, depleting production of red blood cells. Thats why it is to worry about this in cases of accidents with it (burning over 600 degees celsius effects it to spread, a chain reaction in any case is very unlikely due to missing of a moderator), beta and gamma radiation are at insatisfying [low] numbers anyway. [edited] |
The warning notice provided in the maintenance manual for the Lockheed Jetstar with respect to the DU mass balance weights warns against cutting, grinding, drilling or otherwise disturbing the weights or their lead coating. Or words to that effect. I have always interpreted that as an admonition not to allow myself to be exposed to lead or DU particulates which may be associated with such activities.
I have heard that US customs has on occasion detected the radiation emanating from from DU balance weights and possibly certain smoke detector sensors during routine aircraft border entry inspections, but haven't experienced that myself. Apparently their equipment must be capable of detecting very low levels of radioactivity! Despite any assurances to the contrary, depleted doesn't necessarily mean depleted completely! Get this stuff inside your body and I doubt it does one any good. In any case, I won't be knowingly exposing myself to DU or lead dust if I can help it. |
Can anyone comment on the price of tungsten vs. DU? We used to use both in the oilfield business. Tungsten is even denser. I assume it is much more expensive otherwise it would be more commonly used. It is very inert.
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DU cheaper to buy, but maybe not to produce end user products like counterweights. I suppose the cost analysis could possibly be skewed by how much government contractors like Boeing and Lockheed actually paid for the stuff! Cessna and Piper use lead.
I know that several if not most top-series NASCAR teams use tungsten for ballast in their race car frames and some still use lead. With what they're spending to go racing for dollars, what's a few hundred bucks for some tungsten ballast weights if it helps them if even only a little? |
I know that several if not most top-series NASCAR teams use tungsten for ballast in their race car frames and some still use lead. With what they're spending to go racing for dollars, what's a few hundred bucks for some tungsten ballast weights if it helps them if even only a little? Back when I was still racing, the trick set-up in one class was to use tungsten weights in the clutch - it allowed the use of stronger springs for better clutch engagement. A clutch set of tungsten clutch weights - less than an ounce of the stuff - cost more than the clutch itself... I wasn't able to find anything meaningful on the cost of DU, but since it is basically a byproduct with limited commercial usage I suspect it is relatively inexpensive. |
No, tungsten is not quite that expensive! Machining it might be if you don't already have the necessary tools and equipment. Maybe you're thinking of that notoriously difficult to procure metal known a Unobtainium? :)
Originally Posted by http://stockcarsteel.com/tungsten/
Tungsten Product Description: The Tungsten that we offer is used primarily in the NASCAR Racing Series. Our Tungsten is offered in block form and is used as ballast in the Frame Rails of Race Cars. In confined spaces where mass is required for balance, tungsten-based high density metals are often specified. Race cars can be given just the right "feel" or balance to maximize performance. Our Tungsten-based chassis weights are more than twice the density of steel and 50% heavier than lead. Tungsten based Race Car Ballast can be used to lower the center of gravity and/or be used to adjust the balance between the front and the rear. Our Tungsten based ballast block is machined to move easily into a NASCAR Frame Rail with threaded holes on both ends for easy movement and attachment to the Frame Rail. The Standard Block is 2-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 6" and weighs 35 lbs. Stock Car Steel & Aluminum is the leading supplier of Tungsten Block to the NASCAR Racing Series. Tungsten Block: 2-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 6" $1,876.88 / pc |
Whoops, yes I stand corrected - when I looked at the price chart again it was per ton, not per pound - I guess I should have used my glasses :ugh:.
But I stand by the clutch weight statement - although much of that may have been due to the machining required... |
Latest spot price for Tungsten is about $2,000 per ounce - significantly more than gold (I appreciate your mistake upon reflection) |
But I stand by the clutch weight statement - although much of that may have been due to the machining required... |
westhawk,
I have a passing acquaintance with Hendrick’s and, if there’s a way to make money, Rick knows it. Fascinating guy, wonderful collection of Corvettes. |
I find the stories of how some of the NASCAR team owners rose to prominence rather inspiring. Hendrick has been through allot, both good and bad.
I wouln't mind seeing the 'vettes myself. |
I think he has one model, usually unique in some way, of each year. Flight department is very nice and quite profitable. If only my wife would move!
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