DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF AN IMPROVED AGITATOR FOR THE REDOX AND PUREX SEPARATIONS PLANTS

Technical Report · Thu Dec 24 04:00:00 EST 1959

OSTI ID:4149003

Dunn, J; Sloat, R J

A simplified, low-speed, direct drive agitator was constructed and tested under conditions simulating those to be encountered in both the Redox and Purex Plants. All gear-reduction drives were eliminated by employing a special hollow-shaft 300 RPM electric motor and the probability of metallic futigue was eliminated or reduced by using a 4 inch diameter hollow shaft. The unit was evaluated with the four different shaft lengths of interest in both plants and has proven to be free from critical speed difficulties. Agitation and uniform blending of the contents of a 10-ft diameter by 10-ft deep tank were accomplished in approximately one minute. Durability was demonstrated by over 21,000 hours of operation of a similar agitrtor and by approximately 2500 hours of operation . of this interchangeable unit. The operation has been vibrating free and satisfuctory agithtion of process solution has been obtained. On the basis of the satisfactory testing the hollow shaft agitator is recommended for use as required within the separations plants. Its adoption will eventually provide a single agitator design for universal use in either the Redox or Purex Plants. (auth)

• Research Organization: General Electric Co. Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash.
• DOE Contract Number: AT(45-1)-1350
• NSA Number: NSA-14-017924
• OSTI ID: 4149003
• Report Number(s): HW-63175
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CHEMISTRY
INSTRUMENTS
MIXING
OPERATION
PLANNING
PUREX PROCESS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
TESTING