DEVELOPMENT OF RING-JOINT FLANGES FOR USE IN THE HRE-2

Technical Report · Thu Dec 21 04:00:00 EST 1961

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4824236· OSTI ID:4824236

Robinson, J. N.; Lundin, M. I.; Spiewak, I.

Ring-joint flanges were studied in thermal-cycle tests as part of the development work associated with Homogeneous Reactor Experiment No. 2 (HRE-2). The purpose of this study was to provide criteria for design, installation, and operation of joints that would remain leaktight under reactor operating temperatures and pressures. Joints ranging from 1/2 in., l500 lb to 4 in., 2500 lb and with various initial bolt loadings were cycled between room temperature and 636 deg F. It was demonstrated that when joints were made up to HRE-2 standards and specifications, leak rates of less than 0.25 x 10/sup -3/ g of water per day per inch of gasket pitch diameter could be routinely- attained. Undamaged gaskets could be reinstalled or new gaskets used with equal probability of achieving acceptable leak rates. The system installed in HRE-2 was provided with a high-pressure buffer system to ensure that the small amount of leakage to the cell would be nonradioactive. (auth)

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn.
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• NSA Number: NSA-16-004247
• OSTI ID: 4824236
• Report Number(s): ORNL-3165
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ENGINEERING AND EQUIPMENT
JOINTS
LEAKS
PLANNING
PRESSURE
REACTORS
STANDARDS
STATISTICS
TEMPERATURE
TESTING
THERMAL STRESSES
WATER