SNAP I mercury boiler development : January 1957 to June 1959 /

The mercury-boiler development program was undertaken to develop a system that would utilize the heat of radioisotope decay to boil and superheat mercury vapor for use with a small turbine-generator package. Through the use of a Rankine cycle, the mercury vapor can be provided continuously to power a turbine-driven alternator and produce electricity for extended periods of time. This mercury boiler and the related power-conversion system was planned for a satellite that would orbit the earth. This system design and development program was designated as SNAP-I. Development of the mercury boiler is described and a chronological description of the various mercury-boiler concepts is presented. The applicable results of an extensive literature survey of mercury are included. The mercury-boiler experimental-test-program description provides complete coverage of each experimental boiler and its relation to the system design of that period. A summary of all mercury boilers and their final disposition is also given."This report was prepared by the Nuclear Division of The Martin Company under Contract AT(30-3)-217 for the United States Atomic Energy Commission."--P. v."June 1960."Includes bibliographical references (p. 95-96).The mercury-boiler development program was undertaken to develop a system that would utilize the heat of radioisotope decay to boil and superheat mercury vapor for use with a small turbine-generator package. Through the use of a Rankine cycle, the mercury vapor can be provided continuously to power a turbine-driven alternator and produce electricity for extended periods of time. This mercury boiler and the related power-conversion system was planned for a satellite that would orbit the earth. This system design and development program was designated as SNAP-I. Development of the mercury boiler is described and a chronological description of the various mercury-boiler concepts is presented. The applicable results of an extensive literature survey of mercury are included. The mercury-boiler experimental-test-program description provides complete coverage of each experimental boiler and its relation to the system design of that period. A summary of all mercury boilers and their final disposition is also given.U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Contract ;Mode of access: Internet.This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The University of Florida Libraries, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law