This report describes efforts to develop a safe, practical method to extinguish fires inside contaminated gloveboxes. Oil, trash, and metal fires were set to test various materials and techniques. Dry chemical extinguishers and MgO sand proved more practical than flooding the boxes with either CO/sub 2/ or argon. Gas replacement techniques pressurized the boxes and greatly increased the risk of outside contamination. 5 figs. (TEM)

This report presents a proposed test program to study the corrosion of aluminum-clad fuel elements under conditions expected at the more severe conditions which will be encountered in operating the present Hanford reactor at higher power levels.

The objective of this test is to evaluate the hypothesis that autoclave film damage is a necessary condition for groove pitting of X-8001 alloy fuel cladding.

The purpose of this memorandum is to transmit revisions to the goal exposure plans of reference (1). The plans, herein, supersede the previous recommendations. Similar to the plans of reference (1), the exposures calculated from these plans are designed to maximize plant return on the basis that the only restraint on metal usage is that imposed by the economics of the plutonium production process and associated uranium cycle, as described and defined in references (2) and (3). When metal throughput is limited by ex-reactor physical capabilities to a level lower than the unrestrained requirements, exposures higher than those recommended in this document would be indicated, as explained in reference (4). In essence then, these plans represent minimum economical exposures for current production fuel types, on the basis of attempting to maximize plant returns. The adjustments recommended herein, stem solely from revised estimates of the metal performance level indices (C{sub R} values) of the various metal types.

The exposures calculated from these plans are designed to maximize plant return on the basis that the only restraint on metal usage is that imposed by the economics of the plutonium production process and associated uranium cycle. When metal throughput in limited by ex-reactor physical capabilities to a level lower than the unrestrained requirements, exposures higher than those recommended in this document would be indicated. In essence then, these plans represent minimum economical exposures for current production fuel types, on the basis of attempting to maximize plant returns. The adjustments recommended herein, stem solely from revised estimates of the metal performance level indicies (C{sub R} values) of the various metal types.

In the past two years a number of process optimization studies have been made with the aid of IBM machine programs. These programs have been designed to calculate optimum power levels and optimum goal exposures so that better insight could be gained for use in resolving plant operating plans. We feel that this approach has been highly successful. In January of 1960, a new program was written for the IBM 709 to incorporate the desirable features of the previous programs and to provide additional output data. This document is a description of the new programs.

It is necessary to provide the option of using either aluminum or zirconium tubes in the C pile 20-tube overbore test. A bumper-type fuel element has been designed to fit a fixed ribbed aluminum tube size; zirconium tube dimensions were then determined which will provide the same flow and pressure drop when the fuel element is changed from bumper type or self-supported without changing other fuel dimensions.

Although a fuel reactor job procedure has not yet been prepared, techniques and equipment used in a current production test are adequate with minor modifications for full reactor Parker fitting reaming. With existing reactor hardware, available flow increases at B, D, and F Reactors would be limited to about 2,500 gpm. The extent of additional rear face piping problems which may be encountered as a result of reaming cannot in several instances be predicted with confidence at this time. It is expected that preliminary answers to currently foreseen problems will be available by April 1, 1961. To some extent, however, this is dependent on production tests under way or proposed, and will require coordination with various Manufacturing Operations. For vibration and flow problems in the downcomer approach piping, conclusive answers may not be available before July, 196l, although there is no positive evidence that the flow increases cannot be absorbed. Increased pressurization of effluent line junction boxes at 105-D has been solved by improved box venting. Increased flows resulting from reaming may require still greater venting capacity, which would be available for capital expenditures on the order of $3,000--$5,000 per area.

The data consists of out and inlet temperatures, and panellit and header pressures, sorted according to date and tube-pile.

None

On 3 March 1960 at 11:30 a.m. a detonation occurred in the 8-inch isostatic press. The press and building were completely destroyed. Operating personnel were protected and no injuries resulted. Adjacent facilities were not affected. The press was housed in a temporary facility located in the southwest portion of Section 26, Site 300. The facility was situated approximately 1000 feet west of the main site road, and 1400 feet north of the county road. The press building was of frangible wood construction and was surrounded by an earth barricade. A remote control building, provided with overhead protection, a mechanical equipment room, and a transportainer magazine were located outside the barricaded press building.