Reactor-vessel-sectioning demonstration.
A successful technical demonstration of simulated reactor vessel sectioning was completed using the combined techniques of air arc gouging and flame cutting. A 4-ft x 3-ft x 9-in. thick sample was fabricated of A36 carbon steel to simulate a reactor vessel wall. A 1/4-in layer of stainless steel (SS) was tungsten inert gas (TIG)-welded to the carbon steel. Several techniques were considered to section the simulated reactor vessel: an air arc gouger was chosen to penetrate the stainless steel, and flame cutting was selected to sever the carbon steel. After the simulated vessel was successfully cut from the SS side, another cut was made, starting from the carbon steel side. This cut was also successful. Cutting from the carbon steel side has the advantages of cost reduction since the air arc gouging step is eliminated and contamination controlled because the molten metal is blown inward.
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 6463464
- Report Number(s):
- PNL-3687; ON: DE81026327; TRN: 81-012167
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
REACTOR DECOMMISSIONING
REACTOR VESSELS
CUTTING
CARBON STEELS
SIMULATION
STAINLESS STEELS
ALLOYS
CHROMIUM ALLOYS
CONTAINERS
CORROSION RESISTANT ALLOYS
DECOMMISSIONING
IRON ALLOYS
IRON BASE ALLOYS
MACHINING
STEELS
220900* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Reactor Safety