Developmental requirements for canning a low density thoria demonstration load
The feasibility of fabricating aluminum clad, low-density ({approximately} 65 per cent theoretical density) thoria elements using thoria produced-by a modified Sol Gel process, low frequency-low energy vibration for compaction, and the TIG welding process for closure welding has been demonstrated by Hanford Laboratories (HL). They have also assembled thoria fuel elements for the initial irradiation to produce 1 to 2 kgs. of U-233. At this time, it is expected that Hanford will be asked to produce about 25 kg. of ``clean`` U-233 and that authorization to proceed with this program could be expected sometime between now and late fall of CY 1964. The requirements in terms of equipment and manpower, and the time schedules to produce this quantity of U-233 have been published and it was indicated, based on best estimates made at the time, that finished thoria fuel elements could be produced 7 months after authorization of the program, and the full 60 tons of fuel elements completed 9 months after authorization. Approximately $125,000--150.000 of capital equipment in Production Fuels were estimated as being required to produce the quantity of fuel elements required, including prototypes used in engineering development. This report reassesses the Production Fuels Section capability to meet the established schedules and costs in the light of the development experience accumulated by HL since November 1963.
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co., Richland, WA (United States). Hanford Atomic Products Operation
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 10169830
- Report Number(s):
- HW--80996; ON: DE94015675
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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