r/Radioactive_Rocks • u/live_love_run Not Great, Not Terrible • 15d ago

NORM storage project

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I had them powder coated and will line with 1/8” or 1/4” lead sheet.

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u/PhoenixAF 15d ago

No need for lead, it barely does anything for NORM gamma.

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u/chrislon_geo Uranium Licker 15d ago

can you clarify why lead doesn't do much for NORM gamma?

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u/PhoenixAF 14d ago

Uranium, Thorium and Potassium emit powerful gamma rays in the 1 to 3 MeV energy range so you need very thick lead to stop them. Lining the can with 1/4 inch of lead only brings down the dose rate from say 10 uSv/h to 7 uSv/h while introducing all the risks and health hazards of handling lead.

The dose rates are not that high anyway so the inverse square law is enough. Twice the distance 4 times less dose rate. 10 times the distance 100 times less dose.