ORGANIC COOLANT REACTOR PROGRAM. Quarterly Report, September 1-December 31, 1960

Technical Report · Tue Oct 31 04:00:00 EST 1961

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4009877· OSTI ID:4009877

Programs for development of organic reactor technology are discussed. One phase of this work is a broad basic study of the fundamentals of radiolytic breakdown of or ganic materials leading eventually into the selection of new more resistant coolants, stabilization against radiation damage, and reclamation of deteriorated coolants. The other phase of the work is concerned with the operation and experimental program of the Experimental Organic Cooled Reactor (EOCR) now being constructed at the National Reactor Testing Station. In the work on organic coolant technology, equipment was readied and techniques devel- oped. A 4-kw electron linear accelerator is being used for a source of high radiation dose rates (3 x 10/sup 10/ r/hr) to screen organic samples. A calorimetric dosimeter and accompanying standard radiation cells were fabricated. A dynamic loop to provide simulated reactor temperature, pressure and flow conditions in the radiation cell is in operation. A similar loop is provided to study pyrolytic decomposition. Other static radiation cells for use on the accelerator were built to study the effect of additives on coolant stability. Two continuous flow high pressure catalytic hydrocracking units were put into operation in a study of reclamation of OMRE high boilers. In the study of fouling of heat transfer surfaces, irradiation of terphenyl samples containing iron particles gave indications of catalyzed polymer and film formation. Pyrolytic decomposition of Santowax on a hot filament was largely of the ortho- and meta-terphenyls forming high boilers in the quinquephenyl range. A group of typical aromatic heavy oils was assembled from petroleum refineries to be tested as suitable coolants. Some sixty possible radiation stabilizers against radiation damage were selected for testing. The synthesis of selected isomers of tetra-, quinque- and hexaphenyls was started. In connection with the EOCR, liaison assistance during construction was provided. A mechanical test facility was erected to test prototypes of the control rods snd their drives which are being designed for the EOCR. It is expected to be in operation in March 1961. This facility will be valuable throughout the operation of the EOCR to proof-test hydraulically and mechanically standard and new fuel elements and control rods before insertion. Pre-operational tests, startup manuals, and operating procedures are being developed. Material is being assembled and calculations are underway for a final Hazards Summary Report which must be submitted 90 days before startup. Conceptual designs of an Organic Technology Loop and a Fuel Technology Loop for the EOCR were submitted. Detailed design of the former is underway. Development of in-pile experimental components was started. (auth)

• Research Organization: Phillips Petroleum Co. Atomic Energy Div., Idaho Falls, Idaho
• Sponsoring Organization: US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
• DOE Contract Number: AT(10-1)-205
• NSA Number: NSA-15-019030
• OSTI ID: 4009877
• Report Number(s): IDO-16675
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ACCELERATORS
CALORIMETERS
CATALYSIS
CONTROL ELEMENTS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
COOLANT LOOPS
DECOMPOSITION
DOSEMETERS
EOCR
FLUID FLOW
FOULING
FUEL ELEMENTS
HEAT TRANSFER
IN PILE LOOPS
IRRADIATION
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
OMRE
OPERATION
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COOLANT
ORGANIC MODERATOR
PARTICLES
PLANNING
POLYMERIZATION
POLYMERS
POWER PLANTS
PRESSURE
PYROLYSIS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
REACTOR SAFETY
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
STABILITY
STANDARDS
STARTUP
TEMPERATURE
TESTING