DescriptionAEC-70-8794 Nuclear energy is being used to power an experimental cardiac pacer that is designed to relieve heart block sufferers on an extended basis. The design objective of the nuclear-powered device is to operate for a minimum of ten years without any maintenance or other service. To insure this longevity as well as protect the user in the event of mishaps, the energy source, a plutonium—238 capsule, is encased in a series of noncorrodible, high impact-resistant encapsulates. Hastelloy alloy C, a high-performance, nickel-base alloy, is used as one of the encapsulating materials because of its high strength end excellent corrosion resistance. A capsule (in the technician's left hand) is shorn being inserted into an encapsulat made of alloy C during a pacer assembly operation. Credit: Union Carbide Corporation, Materials Systems Division
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