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Title: LOFT shield tank steady state temperatures with addition of gamma and neutron shielding

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5241562· OSTI ID:5241562

The effect of introducing a neutron and gamma shield into the annulus between the reactor vessel and the shield tank is analyzed. This addition has been proposed in order to intercept neutron streaming up the annulus during nuclear operations. Its installation will require removal of approximately 20-/sup 1///sub 2/ inches of stainless steel foil insulation at the top of the annulus. The resulting conduction path is believed to result in increased water temperatures within the shield tank, possibly beyond the 150/sup 0/F limit, and/or cooling of the reactor vessel nozzles such that adverse thermal stresses would be generated. A two dimensional thermal analysis using the finite element code COUPLE/MOD2 was done for the shield tank system illustrated in the figure (1). The reactor was assumed to be at full power, 55 MW (th), with a loop flow rate of 2.15 x 10/sup 6/ lbm/hr (268.4 kg/s) at 2250 psi (15.51 MPa). Calculations indicate a steady state shield tank water temperature of 140/sup 0/F (60/sup 0/C). This is below the 150/sup 0/F (65.56/sup 0/C) limit. Also, no significant changes in thermal gradients within the nozzle or reactor vessel wall are generated. A spacer between the gamma shield and the shield tank is recommended, however, in order to ensure free air circulation through the annulus.

Research Organization:
Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-07-1570
OSTI ID:
5241562
Report Number(s):
LTR-129-11; RE-A-77-098; TRN: 78-007445
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions of document are illegible
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English