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Title: Decontamination and decommissioning of the EBR-I complex. Topical report No. 3. NAK disposal pilot plant test

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4152570· OSTI ID:4152570

Decontamination and decommissioning of the Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 1 (EBR-I) requires processing of the primary coolant, an eutectic solution of sodium and potassium (NaK), remaining in the EBR-I primary and secondary coolant systems. While developing design criteria for the NaK processing system, reasonable justification was provided for the development of a pilot test plant for field testing some of the process concepts and proposed hardware. The objective of this activity was to prove the process concept on a low-cost, small- scale test bed. The pilot test plant criteria provided a general description of the test including: the purpose, location, description of test equipment available, waste disposal requirements, and a flow diagram and conceptual equipment layout. The pilot plant test operations procedure provided a detailed step-by-step procedure for operation of the pilot plant to obtain the desired test data and operational experience. It also spelled out the safety precautions to be used by operating personnel, including the requirement for alkali metals training certification, use of protective clothing, availability of fire protection equipment, and caustic handling procedures. The pilot plant test was performed on May 16, 1974. During the test, 32.5 gallons or 240 lb of NaK was successfully converted to caustic by reaction with water in a caustic solution. (auth)

Research Organization:
Aerojet Nuclear Co., Idaho Falls, Idaho (USA). Idaho National Engineering Lab.
Sponsoring Organization:
US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
DOE Contract Number:
E(10-1)-1375
NSA Number:
NSA-33-004703
OSTI ID:
4152570
Report Number(s):
ANCR-1170
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 30-JUN-76
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English