HIGH-PRESSURE GAMMA LOOP FOR BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY
A feasibility and hazards study was performed in two phases: first, a preliminary design was made of a process system and equipment for the high- pressure gamma loop, and second, a conceptual design was developed for the test cells and gamma irradiation pool. The object of the proposed high-pressure gamma loop is to provide means of acquiring basic chemical and engineering information necessary for the use of gamma radiation as a standard unit operation. This goal is to be achieved first by study of radiation-induced polymerization of ethylene monomer to polyethylene, then by study of other reactions in the same facility. This facility, adequately housed and provided with the necessary personnel protection from radiation, highpressure equipment and other process facility hazards, could be built for approximately 8,500 (not including test cells or gamma irradiation pool). Of this investment, not be charged directly to the high- pressure gamma loop experiment because these items are usable in other experiments and processes at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Thus, the net capital investment would be 5,300 for the process system and buildings. The test cells, gamma irradiation pool, and associated increased building volume and facilities would add 3,800 for a project total of system. As far as practical, individual equipment items, the process itself, and the building were designed for maximum versatility to simplify conversion to other highpressure radiation systems. The reaction vessel, heat exchangers, product receivers, and piping are suitable for many experiments; and the compressors can be used for many liquid as well as gaseous systems. The facility described is technically feasible. A facility based on the preliminary design described plus some development work on the reaction vessel and product separator is considered to be satisfactory in all respects. The purpose of the three test cells is to provide a facility for small-scale radiation processing and general irradiation experiments. The gamma irradiation pool can be used to store radioactive materials, and to perform standard gamma radiation experiments. The test cells, gamma pool, and related equipment are described. The design presented for the test cells is a manually operated mechanical system with provisions for optional electric operation. This arrangement was chosen because of its low cost and high reliability. The overall system has good versatility, and can be suited to a wide range of experiments. The three test cells, gamma pool, and related equipment will cost approximately ,650, plus engineering and construction supervision charges. This cost does not include the lead shielding over the cells, the control consoles, and the flexible hose for the vent system. These items were not included in the estimate since they are standard equipment which may be used in other experiments and processes at Brookhaven National Laboratory and they will vary from experiiaent to experiment. There are no items in the test cell or gamma pool which would require development before proceeding to final design, since the proposed system is essentially mechanical and is based on accepted design principles. However, areas that would require additional study are the test cell drainage system and the control console. The presented concept for the test cells and gamma pool does not pose any unique design or fabrication problems. The transition from concept to field erection should be smooth, and can be accomplished in a minimum of time. (M.C.G.)
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, N.Y. and Burns and Roe, Inc., New York
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(30-2)-GEN-16
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-030581
- OSTI ID:
- 4703915
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-796 BNL-T-305
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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