Thulium-170 heat source

Technical Report · Thu Sep 06 04:00:00 EDT 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10156110· OSTI ID:10156110

Walter, C E; Van Konynenburg, R; VanSant, J H

An isotopic heat source is formed using stacks of thin individual layers of a refractory isotopic fuel, preferably thulium oxide, alternating with layers of a low atomic weight diluent, preferably graphite. The graphite serves several functions: to act as a moderator during neutron irradiation, to minimize bremsstrahlung radiation, and to facilitate heat transfer. The fuel stacks are inserted into a heat block, which is encased in a sealed, insulated and shielded structural container. Heat pipes are inserted in the heat block and contain a working fluid. The heat pipe working fluid transfers heat from the heat block to a heat exchanger for power conversion. Single phase gas pressure controls the flow of the working fluid for maximum heat exchange and to provide passive cooling.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 10156110
• Report Number(s): PATENTS-US--A7578118; ON: DE92016877; PAN: US patent application 7-578,118
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
070300
DESIGN
GRAPHITE
HEAT PIPES
HEAT TRANSFER
INVENTIONS
ISOTOPIC POWER SUPPLIES
LAYERS
MODERATORS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
THULIUM 170
THULIUM OXIDES
WORKING FLUIDS