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Title: LOFT Monthly Progress Report for December 1980

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1024797· OSTI ID:1024797

On December 10, 1980, LOFT conducted its fifth nuclear test in the L3 Series (small break) as well as the first in the L8 Series (core uncovery). The tests, designated L3-6/L8-1, were run in series with each experiment designated to address specific safety questions. Test L3-6 simulated a four-inch break in a commercial pressurized water reactor. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the influence of main coolant pump operation on the quantity of fluid which leaves the system and the quantity of fluid in the reactor core region during the experiment. The results of L3-6 are being compared with the results of a previous LOFT test, designated L3-5, which was performed on September 29, 1980. On December 9 and 10, a special review group committee, commissioned by the NRC, visited LOFT. The purpose of the committee's presence here was to study and evaluate the LOFT project, and then report recommendations to the NRC. The NRC would then use this information to help determine how the resources of the project could best be utilized, and which kind and how many tests should be conducted over how long a time period. Recommendations of this committee are expected to be announced early in February. The Quick Look Report on experiment L3-6/L8-1, reviewing initial conditions and limited experimental results, was published during the month. More extensive data analysis will continue for the next several months. The current planned LOFT test schedule and target dates were rescheduled in December which resulted in a major budget revision to the baseline. Successful completion and approval is anticapted by mid-January 1981. Overall current costs are in good agreement with budgets and authorized funding levels.

Research Organization:
Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
DE-AC07-76ID01570
OSTI ID:
1024797
Report Number(s):
EGG-LOFT-5336; TRN: US201122%%431
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English