RTG研制过程中的辐射防护研究

Protection against radiation during R&D process of radioisotope thermo-electric generator

一般情况下,空间用同位素温差电池选用放射性同位素Pu-238作为热源燃料,同位素热源虽然是经过严酷实验条件验证的密封源,对于RTG研制过程的操作人员,正常情况下,不存在发生内照射的风险。但由于Pu-238衰变过程中会伴随一定量的中子和γ射线,所以对于RTG研制过程的操作人员必须采取相应的辐射防护措施,以避免造成不必要的伤害。系统分析了RTG用同位素源的辐射特性、RTG的研制流程和操作过程的辐射防护措施,提出了RTG研制和应用过程的辐射防护原则。

Generally, an RTG adopts radioisotope Pu-238 as the heat source,and as a sealed heat source being tested in severe conditions, there will be no risk of internal exposure to the operators in general conditions. There is a certain level of neutron and γ rays, therefore the operators must be correspondingly protected to avoid injury. The radiation characteristics and the protection during the RTG developing and operation process were systematically analyzed. And the principles of protection were also raised.