DESIGN MODIFICATIONS TO THE SRE DURING FY 1960

Technical Report · Wed Feb 15 04:00:00 EST 1961

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4054677· OSTI ID:4054677

Deegan, G E; Dermer, M D; Flanagan, J S; Gower, G C; Hall, R J; Hinze, R B; Johnson, D H; Keaten, R W; Olson, W H

The means used to prevent the recurrence of tetralin leakage into the SRE sodium systems are discussed. Included is a description of the redssign of system components to utilize alteraate coolants such as nitrogen, air, and NaK. The use of kerosene to replace tetralin, where double containment is provided, is discussed. The physical properties are compared, and kerosene is shown to be free of the undesirable characteristics of tetralin. The fuelelement cleaning systsm was redesigned for steam washing, followed by a water rinse and vacuum drying. Hydrogen gas evolved during washing is oxidized with copper oxide to eliminate the possibility of a hydrogen-oxygen explosion if air should accidentally enter the vent system. The fuel element was changed from a seven- to a five-rod cluster to provide additional clearance in the channel. Element hardware was modified to provide an orifice location which will permit more precise flow calculations; a redesigned hanger assembly which will minimize sodium holdup; and filter screene at the channel entrance to prevent in-cluster plugging. Diagnostic instrumentation was provided for the reactor to monitor: fission-product activity in the reactor cover gas; rapidly varying reactor parameters during a reactor scram; internnl and aheath fuel temperatures; and fuinctions being performed whioh wiIl indicate the mode of operation. The data wiIl provide additionul information to the reactor operator, as well as provide a more comprehereive coverage for reaotor analysis. (auth)

• Research Organization: Atomics International. Div. of North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, Calif.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AT(11-1)-GEN-8
• NSA Number: NSA-15-013984
• OSTI ID: 4054677
• Report Number(s): NAA-SR-5348(Rev.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

AIR
AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
AROMATICS
CLEANING
COOLANTS
FILTERS
FISSION PRODUCTS
FUEL ELEMENTS
LEAKS
LIQUID METAL COOLANT
MONITORING
NITROGEN
POTASSIUM
REACTIVITY
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
SHUTDOWN
SODIUM
SRE
STEAM