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U.S. Department of Energy
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Diamond Ordinance Radiation Facility (DORF) reactor operating experiences

Conference ·
OSTI ID:21154370
 [1]
  1. Harry Diamond Laboratories, Washington, DC (United States)
The Diamond Ordnance Radiation Facility Mark F Reactor is described and some of the problems encountered with its operation are discussed. In a period from reactor startup in September 1961 to June 1964, when the aluminum-clad core was changed to a stainless-steel clad core, a total of 30 fuel elements were removed from reactor service because of excessive growth. One leaking fuel element was detected during the lifetime of the aluminum- clad core. In June 1964, the core was changed to the stainless-steel-clad high hydride fuel elements. Since the installation of the stainless-steel-clad fuel element core, there has been a gradual decline of excess reactivity. Various theories were discussed as the cause but the investigations have resulted in no definitive conclusion that could account for the total reactivity loss.
Research Organization:
Gulf General Atomic Inc., San Diego, CA (United States)
OSTI ID:
21154370
Report Number(s):
INIS-US--09N0246; T--117
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English