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Show June 9, 1969 OIL & MINING JOURNAL Page 4 Sea Floor Minerals Used Californium-25- 2 To Identify "Signals A technique to detect and identify radiation signals of minerals on the ocean floor is now being laboratory-testeby scientists of the U.S. Geological Survey. The technqiue involves the WASHINGTON-- d use of a element of the atomic age and a very efficient source of neutrons. When mineral specimens are bombarded with neutrons, the mineral atoms become excited and emit to gamma radiation begin signals which, in turn, are analyzed and identified. Thus, atoms of manganese or gold, for example, would be revealed by man-mad- californium-25- 2 e their own characteristic signatures. Frank E. Senftle, a geophysicist with the U.S. Dr. Geological Survey, Washington, D.C., and a leading experimenter in of the use of californium-25- 2 the said that geologic research, in cooperation with scientists of the U.S. Naval Academy, and the University of Maryland, are now testing the technique as a feasible way to spot mineralized rocks on the USGS, sea floor.' IN LAB simulation tests, Senftle said, in the top center of the above photo is a converted Naval demolition sea mine filled with paraffin and lead, acting as a protective shield to any possible radiation hazards. The mine is placed on top of a pipe-lik- e cylinder which contains the californium. The pipe, in turn, extends downward into a tank filled with seawater. At the bottom of the tank, there are manganese nodules which were taken from the ocean floor. In the tests, the neutrons bombard the atoms of the manganese. The atoms, irradiated by the neutrons, emit characteristic radiation signatures' which are transmitted electronically to read-ou- t sections in the foreground. Photo by U.S. Geological Survey. THE WHITE SPHERE pipe-lik- e cylinder containing 2 by the neutrons of the californium, the manganese specimens emit gamma rays which have identifiable energies. Their diagnostic signatures' are transmitted electronically to a read-ou- t system in the form of lines on a chart. Although risk of radiation hazards is small, a protective shield in the form of a converted Naval demolition sea mine, and filled with paraffin and lead, is placed over the top of the pipe which contains the californium. The USGS scientist said that the laboratory tests, which have been encouraging, will continue for at least another year. It is he said, "that the probable, e tests will be made first off or near the coast from submersibles or surface vessels. on-sit- mid-Atlant- - THE ic CALIFORNIUM-25- 2 source has been loaned to the USGS by the Atomic Energy Commission as part of its program to develop a market for californium. Loan of californium sources may be arranged through the Manager, AEC's Savannah River Operations, Aiken, S.C. TUES. & WED. NO RESERVE NO LIMIT a is lowered into a tank of sea water. On the bottom of the tank are actual manganese nodules collected from the ocean floor. Irradiated californium-25- PUBLIC AUCTION By Order of Board of Directors JUNE 24 1 25 10:00 A.M. Each Day & Continuing til Sold Equipment Used by The Lone Star Cement Corp. CONCRETE, WASHINGTON Over $25 Million Acquisition CEMENT Cost PLANT-QUARR- Y & MINING EQUIPMENT ROLLING STOCK - ETC. BUABRY EQUIP.: PARTIAL INVENTORY CRUSHERS: Traylor 42 Gyratory; (2) A.C. 6 Secondary; 4 Secondary; (2) A.C. FEEDERS: (2) Jeffrey-Trayl- or Tunnel; AIR COMPRESSORS: I.R. 85 h.p. Horii.; I.R. 30" x 177' Belt; 75 h.p.; CONVEYORS: 30" X 341 Belt; 30 x 157' Belt; BUCKET E1IVAT0R: Link-Be- lt 69' w(76) Buckets, 100 h.p.; TIAMWAY: American Aerial Approx. 15,000 Lonf w(81) Buckets. X h.p. Motor A Drive; FINISHING PLANT ERUIP.: BUDGE MANES: Shepard-Nile- s 7V4 Ton 11 Ton GO Spin; Shepard-Nile- s 65' Span; HAMMER MILL, Williams Jumbo 9, 200 h.p.; Tyler 5' x 8 Screen; Williams Feeder; FINISH MILLS: (2) Hercules 300 h.p.; (2) Bradley 300 6 250 6 x h.p.; TUBE MILLS, (5) Power-Min- e 22. 250 A 200 h.p.; (1) 7' X 22', 300 h.p.; (10) 6' x 22 Ball Mills, 300 h.p.; x 193', RILNS, (3) T X 132', (3) (I) DUST COLLECTORS; (21) SCREW BELT CONVEYORS; BUCKET ELEVATORS; I PUMPS, (4) Wilfley 4", 6" A 8", 50, 100 150 h.p.; DRAFT FANS: (6) Buffalo 40 A 100 h.p.; BLOWERS: (6) Sturtevant X. 50 A 75 h.p.; COAL PLANT: Dryers, Dutch Oven Type Oil Fired, 18 Tor Cap.; 5 x X' Oil Fired; PULVERIZING MILL: (4) Raymond Roll Type w100 h.p.; FEEDERS: (8) Bailey; COMPRESSORS: I.R. Duplex 175 h.p.; I.R. Horii. 175 h.p.; I.R. Vert. X h.p.; ROLLING STOCK: Shovel Fronts; B.- S. 120-B.K. XB 54B; B.E. Elect. Well Drill; Elect.; B.E. 27-- T CRAWLEB TRACTORS: (2) Cat. D7, 3T; TRUCKS: 1948 Mack 12 Cu. Yd. End Dump; (2) 1948 Mack 8 Cu. Yd. Sid Dump; TRAILERS: (2) Easton 12 Cu. Yd. Side Dumps; AIR COMPRESSOR, G.D. 500 C.- F.M. wD-1300- 0 Enine; MACHINE SHOP: American 14" x 102 Lathe; American 30 x Lathe- - leBlond 25 x 12 Lathi; A 2' DRILL PRESSES; PRESSES; Test WELDERS; Equipment; HYDRAULIC Etc. Etc., Write for Free Uetcriptice Brochure MILTON S29 N. U J. BREA In The Northwest WERSHOW accelerator which produces neutrons, above, can be used as a neutron source in place of californium-252- . U.S.G.S. scientists are in atoms which of manganese techniques nodules are bombarded with neutrons. Hie atoms become excited, and emit gamma ray signals, which, in turn, can be identified. The technique is expected to be useful in locating and identifying minerals on the sea floor Photo by U.S. Geological Survey. 000-VOL- T lab-testi- ng CO, Auctioneers Us ARgelis, Cilifiriii S003! Fifth Ave, Portland, Ore. 97201 S.W. 2130 AVENUE A 150, (213) (503) - 1 222-915- 1 |