Enhanced safety in the storage of fissile materials. [Neutron absorbers]

Conference · Sun Jun 03 00:00:00 EDT 1979

OSTI ID:6168178

Williams, G. E. ^[1]; Alvares, N. J. ^[1]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

A ''plastic-like'' supporting material impregnated with a neutron-absorbing agent that is suitable for ''lining'' the inner surfaces of fissile-material storage containers was fabricated. The material consists, by weight, of 50% food-grade borax, 25% coal tar, and 25% epoxy resin. It costs much less than commercially available materials, can absorb enough neutrons to isolate units of fissile material, and possesses such structural qualities as flexibility and machinability. Properties and performance of the material are discussed.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6168178
• Report Number(s): UCRL--82135; CONF-790602-8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
42 ENGINEERING
420203* -- Engineering-- Handling Equipment & Procedures
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
BORATES
BORAX
CASKS
COAL TAR
CONTAINERS
CRITICALITY
FABRICATION
FISSILE MATERIALS
FISSIONABLE MATERIALS
LINERS
NEUTRON ABSORBERS
Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SODIUM COMPOUNDS
STORAGE
TAR