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Technology and fabrication of plutonium-238 radionuclide heat sources

Journal Article · · AIP Conference Proceedings
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.50076· OSTI ID:385454
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Production Association Mayak, 31 Lenin Street, Ozyorsk, 456780 (Russia)
  2. The State Scientific Center of Russia, 5 Rogov Street, Moscow (Russia)

This paper outlines a brief technical description of the facility for production of plutonium-238 and fabrication of Radionuclide Heat Sources (RHS) containing Pu-238. Technical capabilities of the RHS fabrication facility are presented. The results of development of the RHS design for sea application are discussed. RHS fuel pellet comprises the tantalum shell with an annular slot intended for release of radiogenic helium and the Pu-238 dioxide core with reinforcing elements inside which contact with the shell. RHS is a double encapsulation consisting of the inner {open_quote}{open_quote}power{close_quote}{close_quote} capsule and the outer corrosion-resistant capsule. The chromium-nickel-molybdenum XH65MB alloy which is equivalent to Hastelloy-C alloy has been selected as a material for both capsules. Upon expiration of working life, RHS design is capable of withstanding the internal pressure of radiogenic helium at 1073 K within 30 minutes and the external hydrostatic pressure of 100 MPa at normal temperature. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}

OSTI ID:
385454
Report Number(s):
CONF-960109--
Journal Information:
AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 361; ISSN 0094-243X; ISSN APCPCS
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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