Failure of latch mechanism for motion control of safety rods

Technical Report · Thu Jan 16 00:00:00 EST 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5029243· OSTI ID:5029243

Yau, W W.F.; Leader, D R

During safety rod tests in K-reactor prior to startup, one safety rod could not be lifted because the button'' broke off and became lodged in the mechanism. Examination of the failed latch assembly along with other assemblies from both K-Area and L-Area revealed several missing buttons as well as severely deformed jaw hanger extensions.'' We participated in the investigation of the damage by request of the Reactor Restart Section. Based on our study of the latch mechanism, the modifications to the safety rod extension,'' and the operating history of the machine, this memorandum describes the causes of the observed damage with experimental evidence and calculations to support the findings. 3 refs.

• Research Organization: Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• OSTI ID: 5029243
• Report Number(s): WSRC-RP-92-112; ON: DE92018132
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
K REACTOR
SCRAM RODS
ROD DROP ACCIDENTS
DAMAGE
INVESTIGATIONS
REACTOR SAFETY
REACTOR START-UP
ACCIDENTS
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
CONTROL ELEMENTS
HEAVY WATER MODERATED REACTORS
OPERATION
PRODUCTION REACTORS
REACTIVITY INSERTIONS
REACTOR ACCIDENTS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR OPERATION
REACTORS
SAFETY
SPECIAL PRODUCTION REACTORS
START-UP
220900* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Reactor Safety
220600 - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Research
Test & Experimental Reactors