RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCE BOILER FOR POWER GENERATORS

摘要

The boiler essentially comprises a vessel of revolution having an external heat-insulating covering and a radioisotope source which is housed within the vessel. The source is constituted on the one hand by two blocks of revolution formed of material which is capable of providing a good biological shield. A peripheral recess is formed in each block in order to accommodate a tightly-fitting annular member, said member being constructed of material having a radioactive absorption coefficient which is higher than that of the blocks. The source is constituted on the other hand by a charge of radioelements formed by a series of clad radioactive plates arranged in stacks. The complete radioisotope source unit is immersed in a cooling liquid. The top end-wall of the boiler proper constitutes the hermetic cover of the vessel. A safety member which is welded to the upper block and to the cover ensures falling of the vessel and of the radioisotope source in the event of dangerous overheating.