ARMY GAS-COOLED REACTOR SYSTEMS PROGRAM. Semiannual Progress Report, July 1 through December 31, 1962
The ML-1 power plant produced electrical power for the first time on September 21, 1962. All objectives of the initial experiment were achieved. In general, plant performance was about as predicted with the exception that unanticipated high temperatures were observed in the upper tube sheet of the reactor calandria. This condition was subsequently attributed, in major part, to energy deposition in the tube sheet from hot gas flow which bypassed the fuel element insulation through imperfect fuel element seats. The shutdown period was devoted to installation of a dynamometer (for load absorption during future testing), installation of the Milletron Computer, installation of the deoxygenation system, and the completion of minor modifications to the plant. The IB-8T-2 (ML-1 first core prototype) in-pile experiment was concluded on October 7 after more than 10,000 hours of satisfactory operation. Investigations of the cause of embrittlement in the IB-8T-1 in-pile test specimen were continued without definite resolution of the phenomenon. Engineering work was completed, hardware procured, and disassembly and reassembly completed for the modification of the TCS-670 to improve performance and eliminate certain mechanical deficiencies. Engineering for the modification of the CSN1 turbine compressor set to improve performance was completed. The assembly of the alternator and start motor was completed and preliminary performance tests of the alternator were initiated. The performance specification of the ML-1A power plant was completed and submitted to the USAEC. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Aerojet-General Nucleonics, San Ramon, Calif.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(10-1)-880
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-017541
- OSTI ID:
- 4719693
- Report Number(s):
- IDO-28602
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-63
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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