PLASMA TORCH DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT FOR NUCLEAR SAFETY PILOT PLANT OPERATION
A plasma torch was developed to effect the nonnuclear heating, oxidation, meltdown, and vaporization of irradiated fuel material. The irradiated fuel material to be melted is placed in a tantalum-lined boat and inserted by remotely controlled operations into a water-cooled furnace within a model containment vessel. Within the furnace, the fuel material is passed through the plasma arc produced by a torch unit installed on the top of the furnace. The rate of traverse of the fuel material through the arc and the torch current and gas flow can be controlled to achieve partial or complete melting during specified time intervals. The melting is optically observed via an Omniscope and television transmission to the control room. A modified torch is available with which to melt fuel material by powderinjection techniques. Use of this torch eliminates the need for the furnace and permits direct release of fission products into the model containment vessel. The torch can be installed at the wall of the vessel or in a simulated reactor core within the vessel. Other possible applications of the plasma-arc torch are suggested. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- NSA Number:
- NSA-18-005417
- OSTI ID:
- 4157032
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL-TM-687
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Microwave plasma torch continuous emissions monitor
Plasma arc torch with coaxial wire feed
Related Subjects
ACIDITY
BURNUP
CALCIUM CARBONATES
CALCIUM CHLORIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
COOLING
CURRENTS
DECOMPOSITION
DEPOSITS
ELECTRIC ARCS
EVAPORATION
FUEL ELEMENTS
FURNACES
GAS FLOW
GRAIN SIZE
HEATING
HYDROCHLORIC ACID
LEACHING
MELTING
ORE PROCESSING
OXIDATION
PLASMA
RECOVERY
REMOTE CONTROL
SLURRIES
SOLVENT EXTRACTION
TANTALUM
TELEVISION
URANIUM
USES
VESSELS
WATER