DEVELOPMENT OF SHIM-SAFETY CONTROL ROD FOR THE HALLAM NUCLEAR POWER FACILITY

Technical Report · Wed May 15 04:00:00 EDT 1963

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4681574· OSTI ID:4681574

Copeland, L B

A shim-safety reactor control rod, including actuator mechanism and neutron absorber element, was developed for the Hallam Nuclear Power Facility 240- Mw(t), sodiumcooled, graphite-moderated reactor. Following design and fabrication of prototype components, subcomponent and fullscale deveiopmental testing was performed under ambient and elevated-temperature conditions. Selection of the neutron-absorber element, a mixture of gadolinium and samarium oxides clad by Hastelloy X, was preceded by an extensive developmental effort which included in-pile irradiation tests, materials compatibility tests, and development of fabrication techniques. (auth) As-built specifications for the fuel assemblies for Core I of the Experimental Gas-Cooled Reactor (EGCR) were developed for use in procuring the first core loading. A fuel assembly for the EGCR consists of a cluster of seven cylindrical fuel elements spaced and supported within a graphite sleeve. Each fuel element consists of a stainless steel tube containing a column of hollow UO/sub 2/ pellets with a spacer brazed at the midsection to control the spacing between fuel elements. A master specification for the fuel assembly, a supplementary specification for each of the components, a specification for record keeping during manufacture, a set of drawings, and a list of references are included. (auth)

• Research Organization: Atomics International. Div. of North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, Calif.
• DOE Contract Number: AT(11-1)-GEN-8
• NSA Number: NSA-17-024681
• OSTI ID: 4681574
• Report Number(s): NAA-SR-5947
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ABSORPTION
CANNING
CHROMIUM ALLOYS
CONTROL ELEMENTS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
FABRICATION
GADOLINIUM OXIDES
GRAPHITE MODERATOR
HASTELLOY
HIGH TEMPERATURE
HNPF
IRRADIATION
LIQUID METAL COOLANT
MATERIALS TESTING
MOLYBDENUM ALLOYS
NEUTRONS
NICKEL ALLOYS
PLANNING
POWER PLANTS
REACTOR SAFETY
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
SAMARIUM OXIDES
SHUTDOWN
SODIUM
TESTING