THE CESIUM-137 POWER PROGRAM. Quarterly Report No. 2
Research on cesium-137 power is described. Basic components are clarified, using criteria of safety, reliability, and longevity. It is found that a generator fueled with cesium-137 can be constructed to operate at a continuous power level of 5 watts and 12 volts in a sub-sea environment of great depth. Moreover, the generator may be easily transported to its destination because of its compactness and light weight. A cesium polyglass fuel form is developed into which a maximum of 43 per cent elemental cesium may be safely incorporated. Conversion of the raw fission product into a compound form suitable for firing is accomplished, proving that a single ion exchange column can achieve the desired results. Extraneous contaminants are entrained upon the column and the resulting product is elementally pure. Samples of cesium polyglass containing cesium-137 tracer are subjected to distilled and natural sea water solubility testing. Data indicate a decreasing rate of dissolution to less than 1 ppm per week, after 45 days of immersion at elevated temperatures. Investigation of heat transfer properties inherent to cesium137 fuel results in the formulation of a thermal barrier of such excellence that only 21 thermal watts are expended in providing the required 500 deg C hot shoe'' temperature. The final configuration is a composite consisting of conductive and radiant heat barriers. Tests are conducted in an aqueous medium to 0 deg C as well as in ambient air. Approxi-mately 1.9 in. of tungsten should be required to shield the source. The general configuration of the 5-watt device is determined and conceptual drawings made. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Royal Research Corp., Hayward, Calif.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(04-3)-366
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-037660
- OSTI ID:
- 4659134
- Report Number(s):
- TID-19333; RRC-0101
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-63
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
THE TISSUE DISTRIBUTION AND EXCRETION OF CESIUM-137 FOLLOWING INHALATION PRELIMINARY DATA FOR RATS. Technical Progress Report
THE CESIUM-137 POWER PROGRAM. Quarterly Report No. 3