Savannah River Laboratory monthly report: {sup 238}Pu fuel form processes
Progress during August 1975 in the development of {sup 238}PuO{sub 2} heat sources is reported. In studies to characterize {sup 238}PuO{sub 2}, the following were concluded: particle size was determined to be the most important characteristic affecting the variation in fabricability of {sup 238}PuO{sub 2}; problem feed consists of smaller particles (2 to 4 {mu}m) than older, acceptable feed (4 to 6 {mu}m). The particle size of new feed has varied from 3 to 10 {mu}m primarily as a result of varying precipitation temperature; equations have been developed from statistically designed precipitation experiments that relate precipitation temperature, nitric acid concentration, and plutonium concentration. to particle size; characteristics of acceptable feed have been defined: a particle size mode of 4.5 to 6.0 $mu$m, with an agglomeration index of 20 to 50 wt percent, and 0 to 15 wt percent of fines (less than 2 $mu$m particles); precipitation temperature is the most important variable affecting particle size; and desired particle characteristics can be achieved by precipitating at 35 +- 5$sup 0$C, 1.2 +- 0.1M nitric acid, and 4 to 7 g/l plutonium in the feed solution. No deleterious effects from ultrasonic decontamination were observed on either fuel form simulants or the iridium containment shells. Helium release studies show that shards can be stored for over a year without producing microstructural damage in hot-pressed products. Temperature gradients of only 50$sup 0$C during shard seasoning can affect product quality. Presintering of cold-pressed pellets before breakup produces shards for the Milliwatt Radioisotopic Thermoelectric Generator Program (Milliwatt) with a minimum of fines. Fines content of these shards compares favorably with the fines associated with the Mound Laboratory hydroxide shards. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Du Pont de Nemours (E.I.) and Co., Aiken, SC. Savannah River Lab.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Sponsor not identified
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(07-2)-1
- NSA Number:
- NSA-33-005659
- OSTI ID:
- 4169592
- Report Number(s):
- DPST-75-128-8; A80043343
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 30-JUN-76
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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