Research and Development Program for an OMR Power Plant for Propulsion of a 38,000-DWT Tanker

Technical Report · Mon Mar 18 04:00:00 EST 1957

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4301284· OSTI ID:4301284

Before the engineering and nuclear design of a maritime OMR can begin, it is necessary to perform a coordinated research and development program. A research and development program is at present being performed by Atomics International under contract with the U.S.A.E.C. , in connection with the application of an OMR for central station power. Atomics International is also constructing the Organic Moderated Reactor Experiment in conjunction with the U.S.A.E.C. at the National Reactor Testing Station. The OMRE is expected to be in operation by mid-1957. Much information will be obtained from these programs which is pertinent to the maritime OMR. However, the operating requirements associated with the maritime application require that a supplemental research and development program directed specifically toward this application be performed. A schedule (refer to Fig. 1) and costs for such a program have been estimated. The estimated total cost for this research and development program is $4,600,000. The research and development program requires 22 months to accomplish, although portions of the program can be completed sooner. The program as proposed is based on development of a flat flux OMR core. A steam generator development project has not been included in this program because correspondence with heat exchanger manufacturers indicates that an adequate steam generator unit can be purchased with suitable guarantees. If, for any reason, suitable guarantees cannot be obtained, a development project will be necessary for steam generating units. This project would utilize a scale model of the steam generating units for testing. The entire project is estimated to cost $150,000.

• 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-12-015845
• OSTI ID: 4301284
• Report Number(s): NAA-SR--1880
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
42 ENGINEERING
ECONOMICS
MATERIALS TESTING
OMR
OPERATION
ORGANIC MODERATOR
PERFORMANCE
PLANNING
POWER PLANTS
PROPULSION
SHIPS