Relocation of radial enrichment at the K reactors to decrease enrichment inventory

Technical Report · Wed Mar 28 04:00:00 EST 1962

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10149995· OSTI ID:10149995

Kosmata, A R

The enrichment inventory required in the Hanford reactors is greatly dependent on the location of the radial enrichment ring. Present and past philosophy has dictated that the radial enrichment be located as close to the periphery of the reactors as possible, consistent with total control criteria, to obtain maximum flattening efficiency. As long as individual tube power limits dictate total pile power this philosophy of maximum flattening is consistent with a goal of maximum production. For the past year the total pile power at the K reactors has been restricted by bulk outlet water temperature limit or administrative total power level limits. During this time fuel ruptures have been negligible due to improved metal quality and axial flux shaping. If present operating conditions continue the relocation of the enrichment ring could be desirable to decrease the enrichment inventory. Moving the radial enrichment toward the center of the reactor to decrease the inventory would result in lower flattening efficiency and require higher tube power limits for the same total pile power level.

• Research Organization: General Electric Co., Richland, WA (United States). Hanford Atomic Products Operation
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 10149995
• Report Number(s): HW--73154; ON: DE94011318
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220300
220600
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
FUEL ELEMENTS
INVENTORIES
K REACTOR
NEUTRON DIFFUSION EQUATION
NUCLEAR FUELS
POSITIONING
RESEARCH
TEST
TRAINING
PRODUCTION
IRRADIATION
MATERIALS TESTING REACTORS