Beta-M

The Beta-M is a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) that was used in Soviet-era lighthouses and beacons.

Diagram of the soviet radio-thermonuclear generator "Beta-M".

Black: Framework
Blue: Outer radiation protection
Yellow: Heat isolation
Orange: Inner radiation protection (Tungsten)
Red: Radionuclide heat source (Strontium-90)
Pink: Thermoelectric unit

Design

The Beta-M[1] contains a core made up of strontium-90, which has a half-life of 28.79 years. The core is also known as radioisotope heat source 90 (RHS-90). In its initial state after manufacture, the generator is capable of generating 10 watts of electricity, almost enough to power a compact fluorescent light bulb with light output equivalent to a 60-watt bulb.[2] The generator contains the strontium-90 radioisotope, with a heating power of 250W and 1,480 TBq of radioactivity – equivalent to some 280 grams (9.9 oz) of Sr-90.[3] Mass-scale production of RTGs in the Soviet Union was the responsibility of a plant called Baltiyets, in Narva, Estonia.[4]

Safety incidents
Soviet RTGs in dismantled and vandalized condition, powered by strontium-90 (90Sr)
Further information: Lia radiological accident

Some Beta-M generators have been subject to incidents of vandalism when scavengers disassembled the units while searching for non-ferrous metals.[1][3][5] In December 2001 a radiological accident occurred when three residents of Lia, Georgia found parts of an abandoned Beta-M in the forest while collecting firewood.[3] The three suffered burns and symptoms of acute radiation syndrome as a result of their exposure to the strontium-90 contained in the Beta-M.[3] The disposal team that removed the radiation sources consisted of 25 men who were restricted to 40 seconds' worth of exposure each while transferring the canisters to lead-lined drums.[6]

References
  1. "Two strontium powered lighthouses vandalised on the Kola Peninsula". Bellona.org. 17 November 2003.
  2. James Mahaffey (6 June 2017). Atomic Adventures: Secret Islands, Forgotten N-Rays, and Isotopic Murder: A Journey into the Wild World of Nuclear Science. Pegasus Books. pp. 260–. ISBN 978-1-68177-480-0.
  3. https://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Publications/PDF/Pub1660web-81061875.pdf
  4. Aturin, M.K.; Yarosh, V.I.; Medvedev, V.I. "Operation of radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG) at sea transport objects of the Russian Federationa and their decommissioning" (PDF). International Nuclear Information System. International Atomic Energy Agency. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  5. Eugene Levner; Igor Linkov; Jean-Marie Proth (30 March 2006). Strategic Management of Marine Ecosystems: Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Strategic Management of Marine Ecosystems, Nice, France, 1-11 October, 2003. Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 21–. ISBN 978-1-4020-3198-4.
  6. "NOVA | Transcripts | Dirty Bomb | PBS". www.pbs.org. Retrieved 2022-11-17.


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