Document Details
PURL
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Title:
SNAP-15C Program - Large Milliwatt Radioisotope Power Supply, Progress Letter Number 42
Author(s):
Document Type:
REPORT
Publication Date:
1969 Jan 01
Declassification Date:
2009 Jan 09
Declassification Status:
Declassified
Document Pages:
24 p.
Accession Number:
None
Document Number(s):
MMM-3209-66
Originating Research Org.:
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, MN (United States)
OpenNet Entry Date:
2017 Dec 14
OpenNet Modified Date:
2023 Nov 03
Description/Abstract:
Long term performance testing of fueled and electrically heated SNAP-15C Series B design power supplies had been conducted continuously for individual periods of time extending up to 1.69 years. Data observed from those devices, as reported herein, illustrates the continuation of relative stability of thermoelectric power generation as has been reported previously. Disassembly of PU-238 fueled generator 3M-31A10 showed a suspected metal corrosion problem with the fuel and fuel capsule (No. 109) materials; a wipe test of the capsule showed approximately 40,000 counts per minute. Contamination of facilities was contained within an argon inert-atmosphere glove box, which was subsequently de-contaminated without further incident. All fueled generators (3M-31A12, 3M-31BF1, 3M-31BF3, 3M-31BF4, and 3M-31BF5) and separate fuel capsule No. 109 were delivered to Mound Laboratory, Miamisburg, Ohio, for investigation and analysis of the fuel source problem. Therefore, continuation testing of fueled units has been discontinued, but two electrically heated units will continue on long term test. Scrutiny of the performance trends shown by all generators points out similarities which are postulated to be caused by changes in the thermal insulation system characteristics. Present plans include the build and test of an electrically heated generator to investigate this suspected problem.