ORGANIC MODERATED REACTOR CRITICAL EXPERIMENT HAZARDS SUMMARY

Technical Report · Mon Dec 15 00:00:00 EST 1958

OSTI ID:4725404

Zwetzig, G B

A series of experiments was planned utilizing a critical assembly mock- up with slightiy enriched fuel in a heterogeneous, organic-moderated lattice. The fuel elements are uranium metal fabricated into flat plate, box-type fuel elements and other elements of special design. The moderator and reflector are Santowax-R. The critical assembly vessel is designed of mild steel, about 6 ft in diameter and 81/2 ft high. The moderator is maintained in a liquid state by means of electrical heating. The temperature range for the experiments is 325 to 600 deg F in an unpressurized system. Boron carbide-filled shim and safety rods, actuated by cables, are used for control. The laboratory consists of a concrete- shielded high-bay critical assembly cell, an adjoining control room, and supporting facilities. The laboratory design includes provisions for filtering the critical assembly room effluent air as required, and for holdup of any liquid radioactive waste generated. Various operating and equipment failures are postulated and analyzed, including the case of complete safety system failure. It was concluded that the maximum credible accident could not constitute a significant hazard to the public. (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-17-019673
• OSTI ID: 4725404
• Report Number(s): NAA-SR-3220
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-63
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
ACCIDENTS
AIR
BORON CARBIDES
CLEANING
CONCRETES
CONTROL ELEMENTS
CRITICAL ASSEMBLIES
CRITICALITY
FAILURES
FILTERS
FUEL ELEMENTS
HEATING
HIGH TEMPERATURE
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
MEASURED VALUES
METALS
MIXING
OPERATION
ORGANIC MODERATOR
PLANNING
PLATES
POLYPHENYLS
REACTOR SAFETY
REACTORS
REFLECTORS
SHIELDING
SHIELDING MATERIALS
STEELS
STORAGE
URANIUM
VESSELS
WASTE DISPOSAL