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FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE SPONTANEOUS IGNITION OF MAGNESIUM THERMITE BOMB REACTORS. Topical Report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4053347
Methods were investigated for controlling the heating period of blended UF/sub 4/-Mg charges prior to spontaneous ignition. Ths satisfactory techniques had a common effect: direct or indirect alternation of the rate of Mg evaporation within the charge. Preignition heating periods were lengthened by decreasing the furnace temperature or the surface area of the magnesium, filming the magnesium with MgF/sup 2/ or with MgO, or removing free U and Mg from the bomb liner. Techniques that shortened preignition heating times included increasing the furnace temperature or the magnesium surface area, decreasing the UO/sub 2/F/sub 2/ concentration in the green salt, adding to the bomb charge or liner substances that scavenge H/sub 2/O and HF, or removing H/sub 2/O and HF from the charge by puring with helium. (auth)
Research Organization:
Mallinckrodt Chemical Works. Uranium Div., Weldon Spring, Mo.
NSA Number:
NSA-15-015645
OSTI ID:
4053347
Report Number(s):
MCW-1444
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English