SPECIAL RADIOISOTOPES FOR POWER: AVAILABILITY AND APPLICATIONS OF THORIUM- 230 (IONIUM) FROM URANIUM ORE MILLS

Technical Report · Mon Oct 16 04:00:00 EDT 1961

OSTI ID:4775790

Rohrmann, C A

Earlier reports reviewing the properties of U/sup 232/ (and its daughter Th/sup 228/) emphasized favorable comparisons with other radioisotopic heat sources. It was also shown that Th/sup 230/, necessary for the production of these two isotopes via neutron irradiation, was available in suitable concentrations in the process streams of some U ore mills. Developments have since taken place to promote increased interest in these unique nmaterials. Earlier work by others was declassified. Detailed information was nmade public for the first time on the magnitude and composition of the St. Louis Airport residues. Additional analytical results are presented along with information on the status of potential Th/sup 230/ sources, comments on the magnitude, quality, and prospects for recovery of Th/sup 230/ from the St. Louis residues and the other sources, thoughts on the cost of neutrons, comments on the value of Th of varying Th/sup 230/ content, and the economic comparison between various heat source radioisotopes. (auth)

• Research Organization: General Electric Co. Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash.
• DOE Contract Number: AT(45-1)-1350
• NSA Number: NSA-16-033339
• OSTI ID: 4775790
• Report Number(s): HW-71319(Rev.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ECONOMICS
HEATING
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF ISOTOPES AND RADIATIONS
IRRADIATION
NEUTRONS
ORE PROCESSING
PRODUCTION
QUANTITY RATIO
RECOVERY
THORIUM 228
THORIUM 230
URANIUM 232
URANIUM ORES
USES