atw International Journal for Nuclear Power | 04.2020

atw Vol. 65 (2020) | Issue 4 ı April
| Fig. 13.
Large scale prototype Pt30Rh encapsulation (left side) and dye penetrant test of weld (right side).
material engineering and handling.
JRC supports the development of a
European radioisotope heater unit
and radioisotope thermoelectric generator.
These activities are focussed
on investigating methods to stabilize
americium in the oxide form and
to establish a safe and reliable pelletizing
process. Safety relevant properties
and behaviour of americium
oxide, as well as the compatibility to
the cladding material, are assessed in
collaboration with the University of
Leicester. Prototype pellets of stabilized
americium oxide were synthesized
in the Minor Actinide Lab of
JRC Karlsruhe, and their stability
under a broad range of conditions
was shown. A welding methodology
for the safety encapsulation was
developed and demonstrated.
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Authors
Daniel Freis,
Jean-François Vigier,
Karin Popa,
Rudy J.M. Konings
European Commission,
Joint Research Centre – JRC,
Directorate G – Nuclear Safety &
Security
PO Box 2340,
76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
SERIAL | MAJOR TRENDS IN ENERGY POLICY AND NUCLEAR POWER 205
Serial | Major Trends in Energy Policy and Nuclear Power
Research in Support of European Radio isotope Power System Development at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre in Karlsruhe ı Daniel Freis, Jean-François Vigier, Karin Popa and Rudy J.M. Konings