Test-fuel power-coupling dependence on TREAT control-rod positions

Conference · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:5756862

Harrison, L J; Klotzkin, G; Hart, P R; Swanson, R W

The Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) is a graphite moderated, UO/sub 2/ fueled test reactor located at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory and operated by Argonne National Laboratory. Test fuel is placed in containment vessels in the center of the reactor and subjected to computer-controlled transient irradiations which can result in experimental fuel melting or even vaporizing. The reactor was designed to have a strong negative temperature coefficient and to operate adiabatically. Consequently large reactivity insertions, up to 6.2% ..delta..k/k, may be required during a transient as the core temperature increases as much as 570/sup 0/C. This reactivity insertion is accomplished typically over 10 to 20 seconds by hydraulically actuated transient control rods. Evaluation of empirical data has indicated that control-rod-position changes cause power-coupling changes during a transient and usually are the primary factor in determining the ratio of the transient-averaged to steady-state test-fuel power coupling.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 5756862
• Report Number(s): CONF-831012-2; ON: DE83014313
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
220600* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Research
Test & Experimental Reactors
AIR COOLED REACTORS
CONFIGURATION
CONTROL ELEMENTS
CONTROL ROD WORTHS
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
EXPERIMENTAL REACTORS
GAS COOLED REACTORS
GRAPHITE MODERATED REACTORS
HOMOGENEOUS REACTORS
KINETICS
REACTIVITY COEFFICIENTS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR CORES
REACTOR KINETICS
REACTORS
RESEARCH AND TEST REACTORS
SOLID HOMOGENEOUS REACTORS
TEST REACTORS
THERMAL REACTORS
TREAT REACTOR