Encapsulation of UC--PuC mixture for calorimetric study

Tantalum capsules lined with tantalum carbide were loaded with a mixture of uranium carbide-20 wt% plutonium carbide and sealed with an electron beam weld for use in Argonne National Laboratory calorimetric studies of reactor fuels. Experimental welding tests were made to determine optimum welding parameters. Special equipment available only at LLL was used and techniques were developed to perform the loading and welding operations without exposure to moisture or oxygen and with complete containment of the radioactive particles. Three capsules were successfully loaded, welded, tested, and delivered to ANL