Radioisotope thermoelectric generators for implanted pacemakers

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986 · Sov. At. Energy (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01371182· OSTI ID:7147157

Pustovalov, A A; Bovin, A V; Fedorets, V I; Shapovalov, V P

This paper discusses the development and application of long-life lithium batteries and the problems associated with miniature radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RITEG) with service lives of 10 years or longer. On eof the main problems encountered when devising a radioisotope heat source (RHS) for an RITEG is to obtain biomedical /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/ with a specific neutron yield of 3.10/sup 3/-4.10/sup 3/ (g /SUP ./ sec)/sup -1/, equivalent to metallic Pu 238, and with a content of gamma impurities sufficient to ensure a permissible exposure a permissible exposure does rate (EDR) of a mixture of neutron and gamma radiation. After carrying out the isotope exchange and purifying the initial sample of its gamma impurity elements, the authors obtain biomedical Pu 238 satisfying the indicated requirements king suitable for use in the power packs of medical devices. Taking the indicated specifications into account, the Ritm-1o and gamma radioisotope heat sources were designed, built, tested in models and under natural conditions, and then into production as radioisotope thermoelectric generators designed to power the electronic circuits of implanted pacemakers. The Ritm-MT and Gemma radioisotope thermoelectric generators described are basic units, which can be used as self-contained power supplies for electronic equipment with power requirements in the micromilliwatt range.

• OSTI ID: 7147157
• Journal Information: Sov. At. Energy (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Vol. 60:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPES AND RADIATION SOURCES
CARDIAC PACEMAKERS
RADIOISOTOPE BATTERIES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
DESIGN
DOSE RATES
GAMMA RADIATION
ISOTOPE PRODUCTION
MINIATURIZATION
PERFORMANCE
PLUTONIUM 238
PLUTONIUM DIOXIDE
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
REVIEWS
SERVICE LIFE
SPECIFICATIONS
ACTINIDE COMPOUNDS
ACTINIDE ISOTOPES
ACTINIDE NUCLEI
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
CHALCOGENIDES
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
HEAT SOURCES
HEAVY NUCLEI
IONIZING RADIATIONS
ISOTOPES
NUCLEI
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLUTONIUM COMPOUNDS
PLUTONIUM ISOTOPES
PLUTONIUM OXIDES
RADIATIONS
RADIOISOTOPES
TRANSURANIUM COMPOUNDS
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
070300* - Isotopic Power Supplies
070300 - Isotopic Power Supplies