Evaluation of Low Assay Pu-238 Oxide for Use in Fabrication of Plasma-Fired Microspheres

摘要

The desirability of evaluating low assay plutonium-238 ((approximately) 23% Pu-238) oxide was discussed with AEC personnel during a meeting at Germantown on July 6, 1967. In September, 1967 a sample of this material was furnished to Mound for evaluation. This evaluation was to be completed on a schedule which would not interfere with production of material for the SNAP programs, and was to include characterization of the oxide feed, and preparation and subsequent characterization of plasma-fired microspheres according to SNAP-27 procedures. Authorization to perform this work was received from DAO on September 1, 1967.