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CALCIUM
Natural Abundance, Stable Isobars Ca40, 96.97%, bK40 Ca42, 0.64%, Ar40 Ca43, 0.145%, Ti46 Ca44, 2.06%, Ti48 Ca46, 0.0033% aCa48, 0.185% Calcium chloride, calcium iodide, and calcium metal have been used as charge material in the separation of calcium isotopes. Calcium metal has been the preferred charge since development of the higher temperature M-16 calutron source unit. A charge consists of 140 g of Ca metal in a style S-16 stainless steel charge bottle. Calcium metal is procured from commercial sources and used without processing. Calcium in itself is not toxic, however, contact with water results in the generation of heat and serious burns can result. Hydrogen gas is also produced during this reaction and explosive concentrations can result. Rubber gloves and goggles should be worn when handling calcium and its compounds, and respirators should be worn if dusting is encountered. Open flames should be kept away from calcium at all times, particularly from the site where calcium might be brought into contact with water or hydrous compounds. aCa48 is radioactive with a half-life of 2 x 1016 bK40, natural abundance 0.0119%, is radioactive with a half-life of 1.3 x 109 years. |
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