Method to seal reactive materials under vacuum

    公开(公告)号:US20080040907A1

    公开(公告)日:2008-02-21

    申请号:US11585595

    申请日:2006-10-24

    申请人: Thomas Wiencek

    发明人: Thomas Wiencek

    IPC分类号: B23P11/00 B65B31/00

    摘要: A method of sealing a low enriched uranium (LEU) foil in a vacuum is provided. The LEU foil is inserted into a stainless steel foil pouch. Sealing components are assembled with the stainless steel foil pouch with a vacuum pump connection extending through an opening in the pouch. Then an open end of the pouch is folded over and welded to form a vacuum tight bond. A vacuum pump is attached to the connection outside the pouch and the stainless steel foil pouch is evacuated. Then the stainless steel foil pouch is folded and welded to seal the LEU foil within a welded pouch portion. The remaining pouch portion including the vacuum sealing components is cut and separated from the welded pouch portion containing the LEU foil. The method uses on inexpensive readily available equipment, eliminating the need for electron beam welding equipment.