Devising an alternative technique to manufacture a radioisotope source of 60Co for irradiation device to ensure ornithological safety of aircraft flights

Abstract

This paper reports an alternative technique for producing a source of hard gamma radiation with the 60Со isotope for the proposed device for radioactive irradiation of birds, which is also innovative in providing for ornithological aircraft flight safety. However, the high cost of producing a 60Со radionuclide source with activity sufficient to irradiate bird pests with a lethal or sterilizing dose poses a serious challenge. A solution to the problem of reducing the cost of a 60Со radionuclide source can be an alternative technique of its production outside the reactor. The results are characterized by the following features and distinctive peculiarities that make it possible to solve the problem under study: – an irradiation device with the radioactive isotope 60Со causes a lethal or sterilizing effect. This is much more effective in ensuring ornithological safety of aircraft flights compared to known methods of scaring away birds of prey, but is harmless to humans; – the production of 60Со radionuclide for the irradiation installation is carried out by thermal diffusion heating, which significantly reduces the cost of the source compared to the well-known methods of its production in a reactor and accelerator. The results obtained could find practical application in the field of civil aviation for ornithological flight safety, subject to compliance with national and international legislation. In addition, the proposed technique of manufacturing a 60Со radionuclide source, in addition to aviation ornithology, may find application in other sectors of industry, economics, and agriculture