Nickel-63 is a radioisotope used in industry for the detection of explosives and in electronic devices.
HOW IS NICKEL-63 PRODUCED? Nickel-63 is produced by capture on enriched Nickel-62 in High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It decays by beta decay and forms stable Copper-63. Nickel-63 has a Half Life of 101 years and emits Beta radiation (NIDS, 2014).
62Ni + 1n → 63Ni + β– → 63Cu + β– HOW IS IT DETECTED? It is detected by using an Open Window Geiger-Muller Counter, NaI(Tl) Detector or Liquid Scintillation Counter (PerkinElmer, 2010).
HOW IS IT USED? Nickel-63 is used in the detection of explosives and in electronic devices like voltage regulators and surge protectors. In explosive detection, it is used in an Electron Capture Detector which utilises the electrons from a radioactive source. The device works by ejecting electrons into the air and when an electron-capturing compound (eg. explosives) are present, the detector notes a change. The detectors are also used in airports and government buildings (Coghlin Co., 2015). Using radioisotopes for batteries can continue to supply energy for at least half its half-life. Isotopes offer a wide range of temperatures, which offers a range of applications like sensors to monitor the condition of missiles, stored in sealed containers, battlefield sensors that must be concealed and left unattended for long periods, and medical devices implanted inside the body (Steele, 2002). Surge protectors are in protection against sudden changes in voltage. 1 microcurie is used in voltage regulators and surge protects. Most modern voltage regulators and surge arrestors are small ceramic cylinders with a thin deposit of Ni-63 on one electrode (ORAU, 2010).
PROPERTIES
Long Half-Life, which means it doesn't have to be replaced often and means it is less expensive.
It's radiation can only travel 2.14 inches through air, therefore isn't a threat to humans.
Beta emitter is less of a risk if it escapes into the air
BENEFITS AND RISKS
Nickel-63 is a beta emitter which poses low risk to humans
It detects explosives which are more dangerous than the low radiation.
It decays to for stable Cu-63
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Wear gloves to keep from contaminating the skin and the gloves stop the radiation.
Don't ingest as is hazardous internally
Waste is sealed and disposed of according to approved guidelines
Only trained personal are allowed to use this low-beta emitter