and U-233, which is intermediate between Pu-239 and U-235, can't do
anything funny in a bomb,
|
|
There was some discussion, contributed to by Dr. Hall and Dr,
Impurity
Froman, about the neutron background,
Impurity. specifications would
Specificabe about 5 times more rigorous than for production erade U-255.
tions
for U-233
On”
the basis of U-233 in. hand, which had been purified by the standard
production processes, it appeared that the specifications could readily| -
be met, Even if the impurity levels were 50 times those specified,
the predetonation probability would be about 10%,
Dr. Rabi asked what would be the effects year by year if the
program were started in the immediate future.
Mr. Quinn replied that: |
next January one Savannah reactor would be put on U-233 production,
nine months later a second, and then a third,
Operations would continue
with three reactors on U-233 and two on low g/T plutonium, as controlled
by the separations capacity,
:
|
Two years from now the thermonuclear requirement will be met by
either schedule A or schedule B,
andhigh g/T Pu,
The main differences are in U-235
The present steps would be to approve duPont ‘planning
and to commit $35 million late in the fiscal year for plant modifications and construction,
culties.
The duPontpeople anticipate no great diffi- _
Dr. Rabi asked how upsetting it would be if one had to |
reverse the program later. Mr, Quinn indicated the main thing would
be the conversion of the Purex plant back to its original functions,
dicated that the amount nowavailable is sufficient for three years;
ee
Supply
in- ee
Dr. Habi asked about the supply of thorium ores. Mr. Quinn
Pp eapeaunets
to Ne et
we
Thorium
Ore