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U.S. Department of Energy
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Radiation Effects Resulting from Fuel Cladding Failure in the 45.5 Mw (Thermal) Organic Moderated Reactor

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4242888· OSTI ID:4242888
 [1]
  1. North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, CA (United States). Atomics International Div.
Effects of fuel cladding failure on the radioactivity in the coolant of the proposed 45.5 Mw Organic Moderated Reactor (OMR) were studied. Calculated equilibrium values of the dose rate of the surface of an unshielded 16-inch schedule 40 pipe for continued full power operation of this reactor are graphically shown. Calculations were based on a cladding failure area of 1 mm2. Since the half lives of many fission products that emit gamma rays are briefer than the coolant cycle time, the curve shows that the dose rate decreases as coolant travels farther from the core. Dose rates, two hours after shutdown, for four different operating conditions of the purification system are tabulated. Equations for the buildup of this coolant activity are derived in the text. Also shown ls the method of calculating the indicated results. To validate certain assumptions, experiments should be conducted on: l) corrosion rate of uranium under reactor operating conditions; 2) diffusion of fission products through uranium and cladding; 3) adsorption of fission products from the coolant by system surfaces.
Research Organization:
North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, CA (United States). Atomics International Div.
Sponsoring Organization:
US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
DOE Contract Number:
AT(11-1)-GEN-8
NSA Number:
NSA-13-015774
OSTI ID:
4242888
Report Number(s):
NAA-SR--3151
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English