HOT CELLS FOR PLUTONIUM REACTOR FUEL RESEARCH

Technical Report · Fri Oct 31 04:00:00 EST 1958

OSTI ID:4309504

Peterson, P J; Thomas, R L; Green, J L

The structure consists of four 6 ft. by 6 ft. by 10 ft. high cells in a line backed by a common corridor 11 ft, by 30 ft. long. Shielding is accomplished with a combination of magnetite and ordinary concrete. One pair of Argonne Model No. 8 manipularotrs are used in each cell and a General Mills Mechanical Arm, in the corridor. The former will be used for actual experimentation and the latter to transfer material into and out of the cells. Because of the types an quantity of plutomium to be handled the material will be processed closure is designed for versatility. The Model No. 8 of the enclosure through contamination-tight plastic booting developed at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory and can be remotely introduced and withdrawn. Their function is to perform the lighter tasks recuired and to service the mechanical aids used for heavier work. Services to the enclosure can be remotely disconnected and the enclosure can be remotely remove. Special services are ventilation. negative-pressure circulating water system, and induction heating facility. Plutonium is transferred to and from the enclosure in an alpha container by the Mechanical Arm. The container is attachable to the enclosure and the plutonium removed by remote operation without spread of contamination. (auth) The analytical laboratories at Los Alamos equipped with dry and glove boxes are described and the philosophy of handlig plutonium is presented. The boxes are so designed that all required operations in chemical - analysis can be safely performed without room contamination and with minimum risk to the analyst. These boxes are fabricated of stainless steel, with windows of lucite or safety glass, All metal exposed on the inside is painted with a striipable plastic base paint. Glove ports at a convenient height permit easy use of rubber gloves, Experience has shown that plutonium in solution can be safely handled in these enclosures without rubber gloves on the ports, but for handling plutonium in solid form, rubber gloves must be attached to the glove ports, These enclosures are equipped with all the usual laboratory services. Doors between boxes are of an unusual design vertically operated by compressed air. Provisions exist for operation of equipment such as contrifuges and pH meters within the boxes yet permitting removal in an uncontaminated condition. Ventilation is provided through filters for all gloved boxes and is regulated so as not to interfere with operations by means of boxes, a minimum face velocity of 100 feet per minute is maintained. Polyvinyl plastic was used for exhaust duct installations and was found to be quite satisfactory. (auth)

• Research Organization: Los Alamos Scientific Lab., N. Mex.
• NSA Number: NSA-12-014640
• OSTI ID: 4309504
• Report Number(s): A/CONF.15/P/532
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

AIR
ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY
CHEMISTRY
CONCRETES
CONFIGURATION
CONTAMINATION
DECONTAMINATION
FUELS
HEATING
HOT CELLS
INDUCTION
IRON OXIDES
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
LIQUID FLOW
LOS ALAMOS SCIENTIFIC LAB
MAGNETITE
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
MINERALS
PLANNING
PLUTONIUM
POLYMERS
RADIATION PROTECTION
REMOTE HANDLING
SHIELDING
TESTING
TRANSPORT
VESSELS
WATER