Beta-M

The Beta-M[2] contains a core made up of strontium-90, which has a half-life of 28.79 years. The service life of these generators is initially 10 years, and can be extended for another 5 to 10 years.[3] 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.[4] 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.[5] Mass-scale production of RTGs in the Soviet Union was the responsibility of a plant called Baltiyets, in Narva, Estonia.[6]

Soviet RTGs in dismantled and vandalized condition, powered by strontium-90 (⁹⁰Sr)

Some Beta-M generators have been subject to incidents of vandalism when scavengers disassembled the units while searching for non-ferrous metals.[2][5][7] 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.[5] 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.[5] 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.[8]

• Norwegian environmental concerns over Beta-M generators still in use
• RTG Master Plan Development Results and Priority Action Plan Elaboration for its Implementation