Preliminary Report on Results of MSRE Zero-Power Experiments
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
The MSRE first attained criticality on June 1, 1965 with a 235U concentration within 1% of the predicted value. Initial critical conditions were 1181 °F, fuel circulation stopped, one control rod inserted 0.03 of its worth and 65.4 kg of 235U in the loop (plus 4.2 kg in a drain tank). Subsequently the reactor was held at 1200° F while the 235UF4 concentration was increased by the addition of 79 enriching capsules containing 6.6 kg 235U. During these additions, experiments were done to measure rod sensitivity and total worth, 235U concentration coefficient of reactivity, temperature coefficient, pressure coefficient, and effect of circulation on reactivity. Dynamics experiments gave information on system transfer functions and separated prompt (fuel) and delayed (graphite) temperature coefficients. Nuclear power was restricted to a nominal 10 watts, except during transients, when 10 kw was permitted. The experiment was concluded on July 3 and the salt was drained to permit preparations for high-power operation. There were no mechanical difficulties of any consequence during the experiment. Salt analyses showed practically no corrosion. Analysis of the reactor physics data, although incomplete, has shown that all the observed parameters are in good agreement with predicted values.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-00OR22725
- OSTI ID:
- 1524574
- Report Number(s):
- CF-65-8-32
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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