Californium-252Frontier Technology Corporation is a trusted global supplier of neutron sources for the nuclear industry. We offer a range of services, products, and design capabilities for nuclear reactor start-ups and other nuclear applications.

Our expert team has become an industry leader with over 40 years of experience providing Californium-252 (Cf-252) neutron sources, custom neutron shielding solutions, and logistics support for clients. Our products and services comply with multiple standards, ensuring quality and safety for your nuclear applications.

Nuclear Products & Services

Expert Capabilities

  • Design
  • Source Encapsulation
  • Custom Fabrication
  • Documentation
  • Shipping & Logistics

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Frontier’s Nuclear Industry Solutions

Frontier Technology Corporation offers nuclear product research services for the design and fabrication of state-of-the-art radioactive products, including Californium-252 neutron sources, PINS, reactor start-up rods, custom neutron shielding walls, and Type-A shipping containers.

Our products are precision constructed utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques and processes, including precision turndown and precision welding and assembly, among others. All manufactured products are thoroughly tested using methods which include: pressurized helium leak tests; alpha, beta, and gamma wipes; visual inspections; double-blind inspection; and optical comparator analysis. Our exacting quality assurance program provides NIST-traceable documentation, and follows comprehensive QA manual protocols.

 

Nuclear Reactor Start-Up Solutions

Nuclear Source Assembly (NSA)

Californium-252 (Cf-252) sources are an essential component within nuclear reactor start-up rods to initiate a nuclear fission reaction. The high neutron flux and spontaneous fission of Cf-252 then causes the fission reaction in uranium oxide fuel rods.

Start-up rods are used to trigger the initial startup chain reaction in a new reactor; however, they can also be used to restart a reactor that has been taken offline. Frontier manufactures Cf-252 sources, non-destructive testing (NDT), antimony-beryllium pellets, and all parts of the startup rod assembly within customers’ specifications while adhering to the highest safety and nuclear industry standards.

Small Modular Reactor Sources

Small modular reactors (SMR) are a growing opportunity in the nuclear energy industry. With a smaller energy output and smaller footprint than traditional reactors, SMRs can be located in areas previously unavailable to nuclear power sources.

Like any reactor, they require a nuclear chain reaction for the startup process, and Cf-252 startup rods are a common choice. Proper neutron radiation shielding with shielding walls are also critical for personnel and public safety. Frontier provides SMR facilities with state-of-the-art startup rod assemblies and custom shielding walls.

Fuel Scanner Sources

Nuclear fuel rods are monitored regularly to determine the enrichment level of the uranium-235 inside. Fuel scanning devices use Cf-252 neutron sources and delayed gamma ray emissions to measure fissile material content and uniformity within the fuel rods. This allows for optimization of reactor performance and energy production.

Antimony-Beryllium (Sb-Be) Pellets

These secondary sources of neutron emission are placed within startup rod assemblies to help initiate the nuclear chain reaction. Frontier manufactures cold-pressed pellets to customer-supplied specifications for diameter, length, and width. We can accommodate prototype-to-production volume.

Californium-252
Neutron Sources

Neutron Sources

Nuclear Reactor
Rod Assemblies

Rod Assemblies

Type-A Neutron
Shipping Containers

Shipping Containers

Custom Neutron
Radiation Shielding

Neutron Shielding

Antimony-Beryllium
Pellets

Antimony-Beryllium

Single-Source Turnkey Solutions For The Nuclear Industry

Frontier has the expertise to provide complete turnkey projects, which include source encapsulation; specialized source capsule housings, holders, and attachments; custom transport shielding; documentation; and the logistic system to efficiently get the product to where it needs to go.

From start to finish, Frontier works directly with customers to achieve cost-effective solutions, while seamlessly delivering a complete Cf-252, sealed-source application.

All of our sources comply with 10CFR50, Appendix B standards and meet requirements for IAEA Special Form Certification from the USDOT. We also comply with ODH, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ISO 2919, ASTM, and ANSI standards.

About Frontier Technology Corporation

Frontier Technology Corporation (FTC) is the world leader in californium-252 neutron source manufacturing and design, and is the foremost expert in logistics and shipping of radioactive material. Founded in 1984 by Treva Janzow and the late Edward Janzow, Frontier Technology is located in Xenia, Ohio. Frontier Technology has over 40 years industry experience in providing the highest-quality neutron sources, PINS sources, nuclear start-up rods, TYPE-A shipping containers, WEP shielding, and antimony-beryllium pellets.

What Makes Us Different

As industry leaders, there are several significant factors that set Frontier apart from other neutron source suppliers. First, our fee-free disposal program provides our customers with a simple method for disposing of depleted neutron sources. By taking responsibility for these neutron sources, we are contributing positively to our industry while giving our customers one less thing to worry about.

Another area that sets us apart is our proprietary water-extended polyester (WEP) neutron shielding material. WEP is a resin that has a high water content, is fire-resistant, and highly effective in custom-manufactured shielding walls. WEP has a mechanical strength between that of concrete and wood. Our shielding walls meet a wide range of industry standards.

Finally, our in-house designed and fabricated Type-A shipping containers store and transport Special Form non-fissile sources safely, in packaging that withstands fires, and other threats such as compression, falls, and water. These containers are available for both purchase and rental and come in a variety of sizes. All of our containers adhere to international shipping regulations.

Californium-252 Solutions For The Nuclear Industry

Californium-252 (Cf-252) sources are essential to initiate a nuclear fission reaction in nuclear reactor start-up rods.

Californium-252 (Cf-252) Neutron Sources

 

Research

We also offer product research services to universities, academic research institutions, private corporations, and governmental organizations. Our expert researchers assist in the design and fabrication of various radioactive products, such as neutron sources, PINS sources, custom shielding walls, TYPE-A shipping containers, and reactor start-up rods.

Research

Military & Defense

We assist in the development of PINS for the military and defense industry. These products are heavily utilized by the Department of Homeland Security, the National Guard, and the U.S. Army to detect and identify the contents of chemical warfare materials, such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Military & Defense

Oil & Gas

We offer californium-252 neutron sources for the oil well logging industry. Manufactured to meet strict safety standards and match the exact specifications and unique instruments of our customers, these products act as a sonar echo to measure porosity, permeability, hydrocarbon presence, and borehole length in the ground, thereby detecting nearby oil, gas, sand, and shale beds.

Oil & Gas Industry Solutions