An Undersea Radioisotope Power Supply

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

An Undersea Radioisotope Power Supply The Space Congress® Proceedings 1967 (4th) Space Congress Proceedings Apr 3rd, 12:00 AM An Undersea Radioisotope Power Supply H. C. Carney Aerojet-General Corporation Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.erau.edu/space-congress-proceedings Scholarly Commons Citation Carney, H. C., "An Undersea Radioisotope Power Supply" (1967). The Space Congress® Proceedings. 4. https://commons.erau.edu/space-congress-proceedings/proceedings-1967-4th/session-18/4 This Event is brought to you for free and open access by the Conferences at Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Space Congress® Proceedings by an authorized administrator of Scholarly Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. AN UNDERSEA RADIOISOTOPE POWER SUPPLY H. C . Carney Aerojet-General Corporation San Ramon, California St.mnnary The results and current status of an Aerojet­ cable repeaters, etc to support expanding ocean sponsored program to develop a product line of low­ engineering activities . The first lead shield, power radioisotope thermoelectric generators for radioisotope-fueled URIPS has been fabricated and marine applications are discussed . A 1-watt( e) tested, and was publicly exhibited at the Off­ Undersea Radioisotope Power Supply ( URIPS) has been shore Exploration Conference (OECON ) at Long designed, fabricated, and tested . Ex tensive para­ Beach, California in February of this year . A metric studies were performed to select optimum de­ second lead shield URIPS has been purchased by sign characteristics; typical parameters investi­ the Navy and, following qualification testing, gated wer e : r adioisotope and chemical fuel form, will be delivered to the Naval Civil Engineering thermoel ectr ic material, fuel capsule L/D ratio, Laboratory at Port Hueneme, California this s h iel d materia l and geometry , and operating condi­ sununer. A compact, lightweight uranium-shield tions . The design emphasizes high reliability and URIPS is currently in the final fabrication stage, low cost, but considerable emphasis was placed on and will be subjected to long term endurance test­ adaptability to meet a wide spectrum of user re­ ing at Aeroj et. quirements . URIPS is designed to provide a steady power output for a minimum of five years at ocean Design Considerations depths up to 20 , 000 feet . An RTG consists, basically , of an encapsu­ Introduction lated radioisotope heat source, thermal insulation, biological shielding, a thermoelectric converter, In 1965 , Aerojet-General Corporation initiated a power conditioner, and various structural com­ a company-sponsored program to develop a product ponents. line of low -power radioisotope thermoelectric gener­ a tors (RTG) for marine applications . The initial Thermal energy from the radioi sotope heat objective of this Undersea Radioisotope Power Supply source is converted into low voltage d -c electri­ Program was to design , fabricate, and test a highly cal power by the thermoelectric module . Thermal reliable power supply capable of providing a continu­ insulation is required to minimize parasitic heat ous output of 1 watt(e) for a minimum of 5 years in loss. Radiation originating from the radioactive ocean depths up to 20,000 feet . decay process requires the provision of a biologi­ cal shield. A power conditioning sub-system is Conventional primary chemical batteries, al­ required to transform the low voltage, low current though less costly than an RTG have an endurance output of the thermoelectric module to the higher limit of sev eral y ears; RTG systems have demonstra­ potential required by the load . Other functions ted the capability for 5 years of operating life of the power conditioner are to regulate the out­ and show promise of satisfying 10 to 20 year re­ put voltage and power, by compensating for the quirements . Optimum use of an RTG is in missions fluctuation over the mission lifetime associated requiring a long-term unattended electrical power with the decay of the radioisotope and with the supply . For example , the longer life of the RTG degradation in performance of the thermoelectric more than offsets the lower capital cost of con­ module. The electrical power can be used to ventional bat teries in cases where: charge a secondary battery system , or, alternate­ ly, an energy storage capacitor can be used , if 1 . Costs associated with battery replace- required, to provide a low impedance source for a ment are high, as in remote areas where access is pulsing lamp or transducer load. difficult . The interrelationship between the design 2 . A complete battery-powered system must variables associated with each of the components be periodically replaced because the system is not discussed above must be defined and systematical­ recoverable, resulting in high capital costs . ly evaluated within the framework of established design goals and criteria to arrive at an optimum 3 . Power interruptions or physical dis- RTG design. The major URIPS design goals were low turbance during periodic replacement operations cost, and high reliability . The design criteria, are unacceptable . while of similar importance but which are in some cases subject to overriding constraints. imposed URIPS was developed to satisfy the indicated by the design goals, were: requirement for small , economical radioisotope t hermoelectric generators suitable for powering scientific instrumentation, acoustic transponders, 18-33 60 1. Minimum size and weight. shield thickness required for Co is approximate­ ly twice that for sr90 for this low power system, 2. Optimum design for a power range capa- which results in a considerably heavier shield and bility from 150 milliwatts to 5 watts. more costly system. The titanate fuel form of strontium (SrTi03) was selected because of its ad­ 3. Adaptable to a wide variety of appli- vanced development status, availability in suffi­ cations with minimum design modifications. cient quantity, and relatively low solubility in water, which is advantageous from the hazards 4. Minimum unattended lifetime of 5 years standpoint. and potential capability of 10 to 20 years. Thermoelectric Material 5. Capable of immersion in sea water at depths up to 20,000 feet. A large number of thermoelectric materials were evaluated for DRIPS application (see Table 1). 6. Capable of withstanding all forseeable System electrical efficiency, ~E' which includes environmental conditions during storage, transpor­ both the thermoelectric module and power condition­ tation, handling, and operation without mechanical er efficiency, was approximated to provide a tem­ or electrical damage or degradation in rated per­ perature-dependent analytic function for the TEHE- formance. 3 code by using an effective (psuedo) thermo­ electric figure of merit, ZE, in the basic thermo­ 7. Capable of complying with all safety electric efficiency equation for matched load con­ regulations specified in applicable local, state ditions: and federal ordinances, laws, and codes concerning manufacture, transportation, handling, testing, operation, and disposal. ~E T -T 2T + ~ - H c Design Selection H ZE -2- An extensive parametric analysis of RTG de­ where : sign characteristics and operating parameters was performed during the conceptual design phase of hot junction temperature (°K) . the DRIPS program, to select optimum design cold junction temperature (°K) features consistent with the previously described 0 1 goals and criteria. The results of the studies effective figure of merit ( c- ) concerned with fuel, shielding, thermoelectric selection, and materials, and thermal insulation The effective figure of merit characteristic of are sununarized be­ overall RTG system optimization each thermoelectric material ( see Table 2) was were performed using low. The parametric analyses determined by computing detailed performance maps by Aerojet an Im-1 7094 computer program developed relating electrical efficiency to thermoelectric Large Milliwatt under the AEC sponsored Advanced operating parameters and design characteristics. Program.l This Thermoelectric Heater Generator These computer programs are also described in (TEHE-3) code optimiz;s the pe;formance ~aluation Reference 1. Typical results, showing the system of an RTG and calculates the corresponding physi­ diameter, weight, and efficiency as a function of and associated costs. cal characteristics ZE for a 1-watt(e) and 150 milliwatt(e) RTG are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Radioisotope Fuel TABLE 1 All radioisotopes currently under develop­ ment by the AEC for heat source applications were CANDIDATE THERMOELECTRIC MATERIALS evaluated. In consideration of the design cri­ FOR DRIPS APPLICATIONS a minimum unattended lifetime of teria requiring Bismuth Telluride, N/P-Type (Asarco) 5 years (and the capability for as long as 20 years), the candidate radioisotopes were restric ­ Lead Telluride, N-Type (MMM -T EGS-3N) with half-lives in excess of 5 years; ted to those Lead-Tin-Telluride, P-Type (MMM-TEGS-3P) these included Co60, sr90, csl37, Pu238, and Cm244 Cobalt-60 and strontium-90 proved to be Lead Telluride (MMM-TEGS-2N/2P) for DRIPS application on the the most competitive MCC 40, N/P-Type (Monsanto) basis of fuel cost and availability. Strontium-90 was selected since it results in the lowest over­ Silicon Germanilllll Alloy, N/P-Type (RCA) weight, and size. Most of the all system cost, Cupron Special (Wilbur B. Driver) Co-60 decay energy is released as gamma photons, and since these are penetrating radiations, much Tophel Special (Wilbur B.
Recommended publications
  • FT/P3-20 Physics and Engineering Basis of Multi-Functional Compact Tokamak Reactor Concept R.M.O
    FT/P3-20 Physics and Engineering Basis of Multi-functional Compact Tokamak Reactor Concept R.M.O. Galvão1, G.O. Ludwig2, E. Del Bosco2, M.C.R. Andrade2, Jiangang Li3, Yuanxi Wan3 Yican Wu3, B. McNamara4, P. Edmonds, M. Gryaznevich5, R. Khairutdinov6, V. Lukash6, A. Danilov7, A. Dnestrovskij7 1CBPF/IFUSP, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2Associated Plasma Laboratory, National Space Research Institute, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil, 3Institute of Plasma Physics, CAS, Hefei, 230031, P.R. China, 4Leabrook Computing, Bournemouth, UK, 5EURATOM/UKAEA Fusion Association, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, UK, 6TRINITI, Troitsk, RF, 7RRC “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, RF [email protected] Abstract An important milestone on the Fast Track path to Fusion Power is to demonstrate reliable commercial application of Fusion as soon as possible. Many applications of fusion, other than electricity production, have already been studied in some depth for ITER class facilities. We show that these applications might be usefully realized on a small scale, in a Multi-Functional Compact Tokamak Reactor based on a Spherical Tokamak with similar size, but higher fields and currents than the present experiments NSTX and MAST, where performance has already exceeded expectations. The small power outputs, 20-40MW, permit existing materials and technologies to be used. The analysis of the performance of the compact reactor is based on the solution of the global power balance using empirical scaling laws considering requirements for the minimum necessary fusion power (which is determined by the optimized efficiency of the blanket design), positive power gain and constraints on the wall load. In addition, ASTRA and DINA simulations have been performed for the range of the design parameters.
    [Show full text]
  • 小型飛翔体/海外 [Format 2] Technical Catalog Category
    小型飛翔体/海外 [Format 2] Technical Catalog Category Airborne contamination sensor Title Depth Evaluation of Entrained Products (DEEP) Proposed by Create Technologies Ltd & Costain Group PLC 1.DEEP is a sensor analysis software for analysing contamination. DEEP can distinguish between surface contamination and internal / absorbed contamination. The software measures contamination depth by analysing distortions in the gamma spectrum. The method can be applied to data gathered using any spectrometer. Because DEEP provides a means of discriminating surface contamination from other radiation sources, DEEP can be used to provide an estimate of surface contamination without physical sampling. DEEP is a real-time method which enables the user to generate a large number of rapid contamination assessments- this data is complementary to physical samples, providing a sound basis for extrapolation from point samples. It also helps identify anomalies enabling targeted sampling startegies. DEEP is compatible with small airborne spectrometer/ processor combinations, such as that proposed by the ARM-U project – please refer to the ARM-U proposal for more details of the air vehicle. Figure 1: DEEP system core components are small, light, low power and can be integrated via USB, serial or Ethernet interfaces. 小型飛翔体/海外 Figure 2: DEEP prototype software 2.Past experience (plants in Japan, overseas plant, applications in other industries, etc) Create technologies is a specialist R&D firm with a focus on imaging and sensing in the nuclear industry. Createc has developed and delivered several novel nuclear technologies, including the N-Visage gamma camera system. Costainis a leading UK construction and civil engineering firm with almost 150 years of history.
    [Show full text]
  • Depleted Uranium Technical Brief
    Disclaimer - For assistance accessing this document or additional information,please contact [email protected]. Depleted Uranium Technical Brief United States Office of Air and Radiation EPA-402-R-06-011 Environmental Protection Agency Washington, DC 20460 December 2006 Depleted Uranium Technical Brief EPA 402-R-06-011 December 2006 Project Officer Brian Littleton U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Radiation and Indoor Air Radiation Protection Division ii iii FOREWARD The Depleted Uranium Technical Brief is designed to convey available information and knowledge about depleted uranium to EPA Remedial Project Managers, On-Scene Coordinators, contractors, and other Agency managers involved with the remediation of sites contaminated with this material. It addresses relative questions regarding the chemical and radiological health concerns involved with depleted uranium in the environment. This technical brief was developed to address the common misconception that depleted uranium represents only a radiological health hazard. It provides accepted data and references to additional sources for both the radiological and chemical characteristics, health risk as well as references for both the monitoring and measurement and applicable treatment techniques for depleted uranium. Please Note: This document has been changed from the original publication dated December 2006. This version corrects references in Appendix 1 that improperly identified the content of Appendix 3 and Appendix 4. The document also clarifies the content of Appendix 4. iv Acknowledgments This technical bulletin is based, in part, on an engineering bulletin that was prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA), with the assistance of Trinity Engineering Associates, Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • Radiation Safety Evidence Table
    Guideline for Radiation Safety Evidence Table Citation Conclusion(s) Evidence Type Population Reference# Sample Sample size Intervention Comparision Concensus Concensus score Outcome measure Outcome 1 Chaffins JA. Radiation protection and procedures in Describes radiation protection Expert oninion VB N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A the OR. Radiol Technol . 2008;79(5): 415-428. measures and procedures for radiation protection in the OR. 2 Bindal RK, Glaze S, Ognoskie M, Tunner V, Malone The amount of radiation received by Descriptive IIIC 1 surgeon, N/A N/A 1 surgeon, 24 Radiaiton dose R, Ghosh S. Surgeon and patient radiation patients and physicians is low during 24 patients patients exposure in minimally invasive transforaminal minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. J Neurosurg Spine. lumbar interbody fusion. 2008;9(6):570–573. 3 Cattani F, Vavassori A, Polo Aet al. Radiation A visitor should stay 1 meter away Descriptive, IIIC Patients N/A N/A 216 patients Radiation dose exposure after permanent prostate brachytherapy. from the patient who has radioactive retrospective Radiother Oncol. 2006;79(1):65–69. seeds implanted for a period of time equal to the half life of the radionuclide to achieve a radiation does as low as reasonably/readily achievable. 4 Brown KR, Rzucidlo E. Acute and chronic radiation Suggestions for patient education and Literature review VB N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A injury. J Vasc Surg. 2011;53(1 Suppl):15S–21S. tips to avoid injury, description of injuries from radiation, patient risk factors for injury. 5 Miller DL. Efforts to optimize radiation protection Historical review of all aspects of Literature review VA N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A in interventional fluoroscopy.
    [Show full text]
  • Radiation Quick Reference Guide Recommend Contacting Your State Fusion Center
    Domestic Nuclear Detection Office If you encounter something suspicious follow your specific local protocols. Radiation Quick Reference Guide Recommend contacting your state fusion center. DNDO is available 24/7 to assist at 1-877-DNDO-JAC / 1-877-363-6522 JAC Information Line 202-254-7179 Email: [email protected] Nuclear Concerns/ Threats 1. Nuclear Weapon - a device that releases nuclear energy in an ex- Isotopes of Concern for use in RDDs - with common uses plosive manner. Uses Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) and/or 1. Cobalt-60 – cancer treatment, level/ Plutonium. density gauge, teletherapy, radiography, 2. Improvised Nuclear Device (IND) - a nuclear weapon fabricated food sterilization/irradiation, by a terrorist organization or rogue nation. brachytherapy 2. Iridium-192 – Radiography/non- destructive testing, flaw detection, brachy- therapy “cancer seed”, skin cancer Cobalt 60 sources Uranium “superficial” brachytherapy Plutonium 3. Uranium a. Uranium exists naturally in the earth’s crust. Of the different “isotopes” of uranium, U-235 is the one required to produce a Iridium sentinel and nuclear weapon. gamma camera b. Natural uranium contains a small amount of U-235 (<1%) which Cesium Seeds must be separated in complex extraction processes to create HEU. The predominant uranium isotope is U-238. 3. Cesium-137 - Gauge/level gauge, industrial radiography, brachyther- c. Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) refers to uranium usable in weap- apy/teletherapy, well logging/density gauges ons due to its enrichment in U-235. 4. Strontium-90 – Radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), fis- d. Approximately 25 kg of HEU is required for a nuclear weapon. sion product, industrial gauges, medical treatment e.
    [Show full text]
  • Shielding for Radiation Scattered Dose Distribution to the Outside Fields in Patients Treated with High Energy Radiotherapy Beams
    IAEA-CN-85-70 SHIELDING FOR RADIATION SCATTERED DOSE DISTRIBUTION TO THE OUTSIDE FIELDS IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH HIGH ENERGY RADIOTHERAPY BEAMS SungSilChu XA0101718 Department of radiation Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea Abstract Scattered dose of therapeutic high energy radiation beams are contributed significan t unwanted dose to the patient. Measurement of radiation scattered dose outside fields and critical organs, like fetus position and testicle region, from chest or pelvic irradiation by large field of high energy radiation beam was performed using an ionization chamber and film dosimetry. The scattered doses outside field were measured 5 - 10% of maximum doses in fields and exponentially decrease from field margins. The scattered photon dose received the uterus from thorax field irradiation was measured about lmGy/Gy of photon treatment dose Shielding construction to reduce this scattered dose was investigated using lead sheet and blocks About 6 cm lead block shield reduced the scatter photon dose under lOmGy for 60Gy on abdomen field and reduced almost electron contamination. 1. Introduction High energy photon beams from medical linear accelerators produce large scattered radiation by various components of the treatment head, collimator and walls or objects in the treatment room including the patient. These scattered radiation do not provide therapeutic dose and are considered a hazard from the radiation safety perspective. The scattered photon dose received the fetus from thorax field irradiation was measured about lmGy/Gy of photon treatment dose and typical therapeutic doses of photon radiation lie in the range 40 -70Gy. Thus, without additional shielding, the scattered photon dose received by the fetus might be several hundred mGy.
    [Show full text]
  • Disposal of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators; Problems, and How to Solve Them
    DISPOSAL OF RADIOISOTOPE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS; PROBLEMS, AND HOW TO SOLVE THEM N.R. Kuzelev, Ye.N. Kroschkin, A.G. Kataschov - FSUE “VNIITFA”. 1. The work carried out at “VNIITFA” in 2007 The following work for disposal of RTGs was carried out at “VNIITFA” in 2007: USA - For the money allocated by the US we completed the work on developing of the database of all the RTGs located on the territory of the Russian Federation. 21 RTGs were tested in the Far East and in Kamchatka. Besides, the US coordinated the work financed by the Canadian side on decommissioning of 10 RTGs from the Tiksi Bay, as well as installation of 9 alternative power sources in the Strait of Yugorsky Schar. Canada - in accordance with the Executive Agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada 17 transportation containers for transporting RHSes were fabricated, as well as 16 sets of secure containers for transporting RTGs. The above equipment is currently being used to transport RTGs and RHSes for disposal. Norway - removal of RTGs from the coast of the Barents Sea continued with the technical assistance of Norway. Totally 21 RTGs were removed and disassembled due to the money of Norway. Currently there are no RTGs on the Kola Peninsula. Russia - for the money of the Russian Federation the work was carried out to eliminate radiation accident with the RTG at Navarin lighthouse, as well as 3 RTGs from the Baltic region were disposed of with a certain preliminary work. Inspection of 10 RTGs was carried out in Yakutia (Peleduy).
    [Show full text]
  • The Efficacy of Shielding Systems for Reducing Operator Exposure During Neurointerventional Procedures
    ORIGINAL RESEARCH PATIENT SAFETY The Efficacy of Shielding Systems for Reducing Operator Exposure during Neurointerventional Procedures: A Real-World Prospective Study X T.R. Miller, X J. Zhuo, X G. Jindal, X R. Shivashankar, X N. Beaty, and X D. Gandhi ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neurointerventional surgery may expose patients and physician operators to substantial amounts of ionizing radiation. Although strategies for reducing patient exposure have been explored in the medical literature, there has been relatively little published in regards to decreasing operator exposure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of shielding systems in reducing physician exposure in a modern neurointerventional practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Informed consent was obtained from operators for this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–compliant, institutional review board–approved study. Operator radiation exposure was prospectively measured during 60 consec- utive neurointerventional procedures from October to November 2013 using a 3-part lead shielding system. Exposure was then evaluated without lead shielding in a second 60-procedure block from April to May 2014. A radiation protection drape was randomly selected for use in half of the cases in each block. Two-way analysis of covariance was performed to test the effect of shielding systems on operator exposure while controlling for other covariates, including procedure dose-area product. RESULTS: Mean operator procedure dose was 20.6 ␮Sv for the entire cohort and 17.7 ␮Sv when using some type of shielding. Operator exposure significantly correlated with procedure dose-area product, but not with other covariates. After we adjusted for procedure dose-area product, the use of lead shielding or a radiation protection drape significantly reduced operator exposure by 45% (F ϭ 12.54, P Ͻ .0001) and 29% (F ϭ 7.02, P ϭ .009), respectively.
    [Show full text]
  • Depleted Uranium in Bosnia and Herzegovina Revised Edition: May 2003
    First published in Switzerland in 2003 by the United Nations Environment Programme. Copyright © 2003, United Nations Environment Programme. ISBN 92-1-158619-4 This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes without special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. UNEP would appreciate receiving a copy of any publication that uses this publication as a source. No use of this publication may be made for resale or for any other commercial purpose whatsoever without prior permission in writing from the United Nations Environment Programme. United Nations Environment Programme PO Box 30552 This report by the United Nations Environment Programme was made possible Nairobi by the generous contributions of the Governments of Italy and Switzerland. Kenya Tel: +254 2 621234 Fax: +254 2 624489/90 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.unep.org Further information DISCLAIMER Copies of this report may be ordered from: This revised edition includes three chapters translated into the local language. SMI (Distribution Services) Limited The contents of this volume do not necessarily reflect the views of UNEP, or contributory organizations. The P. O . B o x 1 1 9 designations employed and the presentations do not imply the expressions of any opinion whatsoever on the Stevenage part of UNEP or contributory organizations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or Hertfordshire SG1 4TP, UK its authority, or concerning the
    [Show full text]
  • The Tokamak As a Neutron Source
    PREPARED FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, UNDER CONTRACT DE-AC02-76-CHO-3073 PPPL-2656 PPPL-2656 UC-420 THE TOKAMAK AS A NEUTRON SOURCE BY H.W. HENDEL AND D.L JASSBY November 1989 PMNCITON PLASMA PHYSICS LASOffATORY PRINCETON UNIVERSITY, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY NOTICE Available from: National Technical Information Service U.S. Department of Commerce 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield. Virginia 22161 703-487-4650 Use the following price codes when ordering: Price: Printed Copy A04 Microfiche A01 THE TOKAMAK AS A NEUTRON SOURCE by H.W. Hendel and D.L. Jassby PPPL—2656 DE90 001821 Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Princeton University Princeton, N.J. 08543 ABSTRACT This paper describes the tokamak in its role as a neutron source, with emphasis on experimental results for D-D neutron production. The sections summarize tokamak operation, sources of fusion and non-fusion neutrons, principal nsutron detection methods and their calibration, neutron energy spectra and fluxes outside the tokamak plasma chamber, history of neutron production in tokamaks, neutron emission and fusion power gain from JET and TFTR (the largest present-day tokamaks), and D-T neutron production from burnup of D-D tritons. This paper also discusses the prospects for future tokamak neutron production and potential applications of tokamak neutron sources. DISCLAIMER This report was prepared as JH account or work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsi­ bility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or repre^r-s that its use would not infringe privately owned rights.
    [Show full text]
  • Highly Enriched Uranium: Striking a Balance
    OFFICIAL USE ONLY - DRAFT GLOSSARY OF TERMS APPENDIX F GLOSSARY OF TERMS Accountability: That part of the safeguards and security program that encompasses the measurement and inventory verification systems, records, and reports to account for nuclear materials. Assay: Measurement that establishes the total quantity of the isotope of an element and the total quantity of that element. Atom: The basic component of all matter. Atoms are the smallest part of an element that have all of the chemical properties of that element. Atoms consist of a nucleus of protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons. Atomic energy: All forms of energy released in the course of nuclear fission or nuclear transformation. Atomic weapon: Any device utilizing atomic energy, exclusive of the means for transportation or propelling the device (where such means is a separable and divisible part of the device), the principal purpose of which is for use as, or for development of, a weapon, a weapon prototype, or a weapon test device. Blending: The intentional mixing of two different assays of the same material in order to achieve a desired third assay. Book inventory: The quantity of nuclear material present at a given time as reflected by accounting records. Burnup: A measure of consumption of fissionable material in reactor fuel. Burnup can be expressed as (a) the percentage of fissionable atoms that have undergone fission or capture, or (b) the amount of energy produced per unit weight of fuel in the reactor. Chain reaction: A self-sustaining series of nuclear fission reactions. Neutrons produced by fission cause more fission. Chain reactions are essential to the functioning of nuclear reactors and weapons.
    [Show full text]
  • Beneficial Uses of Depleted Uranium
    BENEFICIAL USES OF DEPLETED URANIUM Colette Brown U.S. Department of Energy Germantown, Maryland 20871 Allen G. Croff and M. Jonathan Haire Chemical Technology Division Oak Ridge National Laboratory* Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6180 Prepared for the Beneficial Re-Use ‘97 Conference Knoxville, Tennessee August 5–7, 1997 _________________________ *Managed by Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp., under contract DE-AC05-96OR22464 for the U.S. Department of Energy. BENEFICIAL USES OF DEPLETED URANIUM1 Colette Brown Allen G. Croff and M. Jonathan Haire U.S. Department of Energy Oak Ridge National Laboratory2 19901 Germantown Rd. P.O. Box 2008 Germantown, Maryland 20871 Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6180 (301) 903-5512 (423) 574-7141 INTRODUCTION Naturally occurring uranium contains 0.71 wt % 235U. In order for the uranium to be useful in most fission reactors, it must be enriched—the concentration of the fissile isotope 235U must be increased. Depleted uranium (DU) is a co-product of the processing of natural uranium to produce enriched uranium, and DU has a 235U concentration of <0.71 wt %. In the United States, essentially all of the DU inventory is in the chemical form of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) and is stored in large cylinders above ground. If this co-product material were to be declared surplus, converted to a stable oxide form, and disposed, the costs are estimated to be several billion dollars. Only small amounts of DU have at this time been beneficially reused. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has begun the Beneficial Uses of DU Project to identify large-scale uses of DU and encourage its reuse for the primary purpose of potentially reducing the cost and expediting the disposition of the DU inventory.
    [Show full text]