Reactor-vessel-sectioning demonstration.

Technical Report · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6463464· OSTI ID:6463464

Lundgren, R A

A successful technical demonstration of simulated reactor vessel sectioning was completed using the combined techniques of air arc gouging and flame cutting. A 4-ft x 3-ft x 9-in. thick sample was fabricated of A36 carbon steel to simulate a reactor vessel wall. A 1/4-in layer of stainless steel (SS) was tungsten inert gas (TIG)-welded to the carbon steel. Several techniques were considered to section the simulated reactor vessel: an air arc gouger was chosen to penetrate the stainless steel, and flame cutting was selected to sever the carbon steel. After the simulated vessel was successfully cut from the SS side, another cut was made, starting from the carbon steel side. This cut was also successful. Cutting from the carbon steel side has the advantages of cost reduction since the air arc gouging step is eliminated and contamination controlled because the molten metal is blown inward.

• Research Organization: Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 6463464
• Report Number(s): PNL-3687; ON: DE81026327
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220900* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
ALLOYS
CARBON STEELS
CHROMIUM ALLOYS
CONTAINERS
CORROSION RESISTANT ALLOYS
CUTTING
DECOMMISSIONING
IRON ALLOYS
IRON BASE ALLOYS
MACHINING
REACTOR DECOMMISSIONING
REACTOR VESSELS
SIMULATION
STAINLESS STEELS
STEELS