Thulium-170 heat source

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:868139

Walter, Carl E ^[1]; Van Konynenburg, Richard ^[2]; VanSant, James H ^[3]

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1. Pleasanton, CA
2. Livermore, CA
3. Tracy, CA

An isotopic heat source is formed using stacks of thin individual layers of a refractory isotopic fuel, preferably thulium oxide, alternating with layers of a low atomic weight diluent, preferably graphite. The graphite serves several functions: to act as a moderator during neutron irradiation, to minimize bremsstrahlung radiation, and to facilitate heat transfer. The fuel stacks are inserted into a heat block, which is encased in a sealed, insulated and shielded structural container. Heat pipes are inserted in the heat block and contain a working fluid. The heat pipe working fluid transfers heat from the heat block to a heat exchanger for power conversion. Single phase gas pressure controls the flow of the working fluid for maximum heat exchange and to provide passive cooling.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5082617
• OSTI ID: 868139
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

thulium-170
heat
source
isotopic
formed
stacks
individual
layers
refractory
fuel
preferably
thulium
oxide
alternating
atomic
weight
diluent
graphite
serves
functions
moderator
neutron
irradiation
minimize
bremsstrahlung
radiation
facilitate
transfer
inserted
block
encased
sealed
insulated
shielded
structural
container
pipes
contain
fluid
pipe
transfers
exchanger
power
conversion
single
phase
gas
pressure
controls
flow
maximum
exchange
provide
passive
cooling
atomic weight
individual layers
transfers heat
neutron irradiation
power conversion
dual layer
passive cooling
heat pipe
heat exchange
heat exchanger
heat transfer
heat source
gas pressure
single phase
heat pipes
maximum heat
isotopic heat
fluid transfer
pressure control
thulium oxide
preferably graphite
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