SNAP 7 PROGRAM--TASK 8--STRONTIUM-90 FUELED THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR DEVELOPMENT. Quarterly Report No. 6, February 1 through April 30, 1962
Manufacture, assembly, and pararmetric testing of the first 60-watt thermoelectric generator were completed. All of the Sr-90 fuel process equipment was installed. Equipment checkouts and process dry runs have indicated a number of problems. The problems will probably cause a slight delay in hot operation; however, it is expected that schedule commitments in completing the fuel for the SNAP-7B system will be met. The power output of the Coast Guard SNAP-7A system is decreasing much faster than anticipated. A comparison of power output and hot and cold junction temperature readings with parametric operational data shows that the generator is performing as predicted. A plot of the decay in hot junction temperature (cold junction temperature approximately constant) indicates that the isotope fuel had too much Sr-89 and, therefore, too little Sr- 90. Restoration would consist of changing the high conducting inert gas, helium, to a mixture of helium and argon which has better thermal insulating properties. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Martin Co. Nuclear Div., Baltimore
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(30-3)-217
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-034125
- OSTI ID:
- 4782602
- Report Number(s):
- MND-P-2483-6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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