Extrusion of I and E `O` size tubing to evaluate reduction in extruded O.D. and the use of pressed salt follower blocks: Experiment Number U-21

The object of this experiment was to extrude normal uranium hollow billets to I and E `O` size tubing with reduced extruded O.D. and also to evaluate the use of pressed salt follower blocks. Pressed salt (NaCl) follower blocks under various conditions of pre-heat temperature were compared with the standard graphite at 800 F. Even though some yield reduction results, it was concluded that pressed salt follower blocks at 300 F represent a substantial cost reduction due to the extreme price differential of the two perishable items. Extruded O.D.`s of .020 inch and .040 inch less than the standard (nominal) 1.50 inch represent no gain in yield due to the sharp increase in machined slug rejects for O.D. defects