Document Details
PURL
(940 K)
Title:
SNAP-15C Program - Large Milliwatt Radioisotope Power Supply, Progress Letter Number 34
Author(s):
Document Type:
REPORT
Publication Date:
1968 May 01
Declassification Date:
2009 Jan 07
Declassification Status:
Declassified
Document Pages:
30 p.
Accession Number:
None
Document Number(s):
MMM-3209-58
Originating Research Org.:
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, MN (United States)
OpenNet Entry Date:
2017 Dec 13
OpenNet Modified Date:
2023 Nov 03
Description/Abstract:
Testing of five SNAP-15C series B design power supplies has been conducted continuously for a period of approximately one year to evaluate long-term performance of these units. Although all units exhibited a significant power reduction during the first half of the test period, the existence of a stable performance trend is apparent for all units – particularly the three fueled units which all show relative stability over the last 3000 hours, with an approximate 10 percent level of reduction of power from initial values. Though long-term stability may yet be inconclusive, at this time it should be noted that these units should not be prematurely considered inadequate for meeting long-term goals – because these units, even allowing an additional 10 percent power reduction over the next 10,000 hours, could conceivably meet the design objective of 125 milliwatts minimum power output at end-of-life operation (2 years). Erroneous data was presented in the previous monthly report (April 1968) – the measurements recorded for 4-25-68 and presented in that report were in error because of instrumentation inaccuracy. New graphs presented in this report reflect the correct situation. During the reporting period, in response to an AEC request, a proposal for a comprehensive Bell Jar Test Program was prepared.