Introduction: Objectives and Method of Approach. High plant efficiencies can be realized without excessively high core temperatures and high coolant pressures by the use of liquid metal coolant. In an attempt to prove the feasibility of liquid sodium as a reactor coolant ALCO Products, Inc., under sponsorship of the Atomic Energy Commission, is undertaking a design study of three vital system components: the intermediate exchanger, the boiler, and the superheater. Since, in the past programs, the nuclear reactor had been the major focus of attention, the development of the sodium cooled reactor and sodium pumps for this application are thought to need the less development than the heat exchanger equipment. Consequently, parallel design studies of the reactor, pumps, and other system components have not yet been initiated.

Introduction: This is a final report on the evaluation of Kanigen electroless nickel plating for surfaces in contact with water and steam i a sodium heated AISI Type 316 stainless steel steam generator. The purpose of the coasting was to afford protection from stress corrosion cracking originating on the water-steam side of the unit. It has been concluded that the kanigen coating does not afford adequate protection for the services condition intended. This work was performed as part of the research and development program for the United States Atomic Energy Commission sodium Components Design Project.

This technical report represents the final design for a sodium to sodium intermediate heat exchanger and a sodium to water steam generator. The intermediate heat exchanger is designed for operation in a nuclear power plant using liquid sodium as the primary and secondary coolant. Since the primary fluid coming fro the reactor is radioactive, the purpose of the IHX is to transfer heat to a nonradioactive fluid which then goes to the steam generator. Because of radioactivity the unit will be enclosed in a concrete pit and will not be accessible during periods of operation. Immediately after shutdown it will be necessary to allow time for radioactive decay before the unit will be accessible to personnel. Because of inaccessibility and possible long periods allowed for decay time, it is imperative that the unit give trouble free operation. During periods of shutdown, the internals should have easy access for inspection and repair if necessary so that down time is held to a minimum. The steam generator is designed to generate superheated steam using liquid sodium from the intermediate heat exchanger as the heat source. Its basic design is a shell and tube unit made up of three difference sections: (1) a …

Introduction: This volume deals principally with the chemical analysis and the stress analysis for a sodium to sodium intermediate heat exchanger and a sodium to water steam generator. The work presented is an extension and modification of the analysis presented in the preliminary design report. The chemical analysis covers the sodium cover gas system and the effects of sodium-water reactions in the event of a leak in the steam generator. Considerable design work was done in an effort to maintain the integrity of the steam generator vessel under maximum leak conditions. The method of sizing relief valves for each unit under varying leak rates is presented in this text and operation of the unit for the various leak rates is resented in the Operation and Maintenance volume. The stress analysis section covers those thermal transients which would be physically possible with this intermediate heat exchanger and steam generator design. Attention has been given to methods of operation which would minimize the magnitude and frequency of thermal shocks. Certain areas have been studied in detail where thermal stresses appear high. This report also includes a structural design basis for handling stress analysis of combined mechanical, hydrostatic and thermal stresses and conditions …

Introduction: Sodium Components Material Specifications. Twenty-three material, inspection and welding specification are presented for the various parts of both the intermediate heat exchanger and steam generator. Tables indicate the applicable parts and assemblies to which these specifications shall apply. For other parts, where the material requirements are not severe, the ASTM or other indicated specifications shall apply.

This technical report contains the operation and maintenance specifications for the intermediate heat exchanger and the steam generator. The report contains eight sections: (1) General Information, (2) Shipping and Installation, (3) Operation Procedures, (4) Scram and Casualty Shutdowns, (5) Leaks, (6) Instrumentation and Control, (7) Maintenance, and (8) four Appendixes (a) Boiler Water Chemistry Recommendations, (b) Final Concept Drawings, (c) Industrial Nucleonics Literature on Liquid Level Detector, and (d) Sodium Purity Control Recommendations.

Introduction: In conjunction with the final design and development of a 70 MW sodium intermediate heat exchanger and a sodium steam generator, an analysis is required which can be used as a basis for a determination to scale up or scale down the designs. Included in this analysis are those considerations leading to the recommendation of the best prototype test unit and to some of the limits imposed on scaling up or down when considering future applications of designs other than those actually tested. In addition, these considerations include aspects required to accurately predict the performance, operation, mechanical reliability, and feasibility of fabrication of the 70 MW design.

The designer's concept of a test program for the 30-Mw prototype intermediate heat exchanger and steam generator designed and fabricated as part of the Sodium Components Development Program is presented. The performance data will serve to verify the thermal design, or allow application of improved techniques to future designs, give an improved basis for stress analysis in design of future units, and demonstrate the capability and limitations of the units in relation to the performance specifications for which they were designed. Welding techniques for type 316 stainless steel are described. The specifications and operating conditions of the units are given along with instrumentation drawings showing test equipment design and arrangement.

Special welding techniques for joining Inconel weld overlays on type 316 stainless steel tubesheets and channels are described. The program for the development of the required welding procedures are divided into three specific programs: overlaying Inconel filler Metal 82 on type 316 stainless steel, welding type 316 stainless steel tubes to a type 316 stainless steel tubesheet, and welding Inconel-type 316 stainless steel composite tubes to Inconel weld overlaid type 316 tubesheets. Shock tests are described which attempt to assimilate the most drastic thermal transient that could occur in both units and to evaluate the effect of the resulting stresses on the Inconel overlay and the tube-to-tubesheet welds. (N.W.R.)

Abstract: The results of activity buildup studies in the SM-1 performed during Core I lifetime (June 3, 1957 to April 28, 1960) are reported. Data are presented on the extent, nature, and mechanism of the buildup of long-lived gamma emitting nuclides in the reactor primary system. Radiation levels after reactor shutdown are presented, as well as mathematical equations used to account for the observed activity levels. The data have shown that Co60 is the major contributor to radiation levels in the SM-1. Co60 activity arises from the cobalt in Haynes 25 alloy flux suppressors, and the cobalt impurity in stainless steel. After 35 months operation at an average power level of 55%, deposited Co60 activity accounted for approximately 83% of the total radiation level (mr/hr) contributed by the long-lived gamma emitting nuclides. The contribution of the primary coolant activity to the total radiation level is insignificant when compared to the contribution of the activity deposited on the walls of the system. The radiation level on the super-heater side of the steam generator was about 1400 mr/hr after 35 months of reactor operation. The percentages of Co60 activity in the coolant and in the deposits were not the same. This indicates …

Abstract: This technical report contains a description of the nuclear analysis performed upon the SM-2 core and vessel for the period September 1, 1958 to December 31, 1959. Calculations are given for core reactivity, power distributions, lifetime, reactor control, kinetics, radiation problems, fuel and poison burn-ups, and the nuclear effects of poisons, temperature, and geometry. Wherever possible, experimental data is included in order to test the validity of the analytical models. The SM-2 nuclear analysis was performed by Alco Products, in. under Tasks 1, 8, and 10 of Contract No. AT(30-2)-326 for the Atomic Energy Commission.

Abstract; SM-1 Reactor Core I Rearranged and Spiked, and Core II with Special Components were analyzed under various off-design conditions to induce nucleate boiling. The steady state code, STDY-3, written for the thermal analysis of pressurized water cores, was employed for the analysis. The code performs a complete steady state parallel channel thermal analysis for both nominal and hot channels. Thermal characteristics of individual elements were investigated while changing the parameters of primary pressure or inlet temperature to introduce the phenomenon of nucleate boiling in the the core. Reduction of system pressures to 1000, 800, and 600 psia and increasing core inlet temperatures to 465 and 500 degree F were studied as the means to induce boiling in the core. This analysis indicates that SM-1 Core I Rearranged and Spiked can be safely operated at the reduced pressure of 910 psia without introducing extensive boiling in the core. SM-1 Core II with Special Components can be operated at 800 psia or at an inlet temperature of 500 degree F at 1200 psia.

Abstract: Test procedures for special tests involving in-core SM-1 temperature and flow instrumentation are described (Task XIV Package Tests). These tests involve in-core steady state flow and temperature measurements, loss of flow transients, load transients, reduced primary system pressure operations and reduced element flow. The thermal and hydraulic conditions prevailing in these tests, including steady state and transient burnout rations, are developed. The effects of reduced system pressure and flow on the burnout ratios are determined as are the expected stuck rod conditions when Task XIV test elements are installed. The effect on the maximum credible accident is included and a recommendation to conduct these Task XIV package tests is made.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic flow studies were conducted on a full scale model of the SM-2 reactor vessel and core. Test fluid was water at 200 psi and 200 degree F. Test facilities, model, and instrumentation design are discussed. Flow distribution in the stationary fuel elements, lattices, and control rods of the second pass was investigated. Pressure losses through the various core components were measured and are compared with calculated values. Observed over-all pressure drop was 71 feet of water at 200 degree F, 31% higher than predicted, part of which was due to presence of instrument leads. Element to element flow distribution varied approximately +-8% from pass average. Channel-to-channel stationary element flow distribution varied approximately +-10% from element average and control rod flow distribution varied from +-8.9% to +-6.4 and -11.6% depending upon rod locations. These variations exceed the original goals of a +-10% and +-12% combined deviation for stationary and control rod elements respectively, but are satisfactory in relation to thermal design. There was no indication of unsatisfactory structural performance of any components under hydrodynamic loadings up to 130% of design values. The test program was terminated after determining flow distribution in the reference core design, omitting any work on …

Abstract; This technical report describes the changes in the SM-1 incurred by the experiment, Core Temperature and Flow Instrumentation (Task XIV), and evaluates the possible hazard involved in these changes. Temperature and flow measurements will be taken on a Task XIV instrumented stationary fuel element, instrumented control rod fuel element and other selected points in the SM-1 core to provide data on the core steady state and transient performance. The hazards evaluation consists of a nuclear evaluation, thermal and hydraulic analysis, description of tests to be performed, and discussion of containment integrity and maximum accident considerations.

Abstract: This technical report describes the as-constructed SM-1 penetrated gasket designed for SM-1 Core and Flow Instrumentation (Task XIV). This report supplements APAE No. 79, The Summary Hazards Report for Task XIV, and evaluates the effects of a postulated failure of this gasket. The effects of failure on the Maximum Credible Accident are determined and conclusions and recommendations for the use of this gasket are made.

Abstract: The removal of both SM-1 Core I high burnup elements from SM-1 Core II and the insertion of the PM-1-M-2 element and the SM-1 Core I spare element in SM-1 Core II is discussed. Nuclear and thermal characteristics of Core II with these changes are presented and conclusions related to the changes in the hazard potential are made. If the core change indicated by this report is made, local peaking factors will be decreased and burnout ratios will be increased. This, of course, in itself leads to a more conservative estimate of core safety. There is no conceivable reason why the perturbation may not be safely made in the SM-1 Core II.

Abstract: The removal of both SM-1 Core I high burnup elements from the SM-1 Core II and the insertion of two SM-1 Core I spare elements i their places are discussed. Nuclear and thermal characteristics of Core II with the change are presented and conclusion related to the change in hazard potential are made. If the core change indicated by this report is made, local peaking factors will be decreased and burnout ratios will be increased. This, of course, in itself leads to a more conservative estimate of core safety. There is no conceivable reason why this perturbation may not be safely made in the SM-1 Core II.

Abstract: This technical report describes the Martin Co. PM-1-M-2 test element and analyzes the potential hazard incurred by its inclusion in the SM-1 Core II. A nuclear analysis develops power distributions and reactivity effects. Hydraulic and thermal analyses develop anticipated burnout heat flux ratios. An evaluation of the risk involved with the inclusion of this element is presented. In view of the narrow margin by which the PM-1-M-2 test element meets the minimum burnout ratios as defined by Alco Products, Inc., it is recommended that if time permits that critical facility design verification be accomplished. The PM-1-M-2 test element meets the minimum requirements for insertion in SM-1 Core II and in view of the importance of this element to the PM-1 and PM-3A program, should be considered for insertion.

Abstract: This technical report describes the changes incurred in the SM-1 by the insertion of the SM-1 Core II and special components. The special components consist of impact specimens, a boron gradient rod, SM-2 elements, a PM-1-M element, and high burnup SM-1 Core I elements. The change in hazards, due to operation of SM-1 with Core II and the special components is evaluated. The analysis indicates there is no change in hazards.

Abstract: This technical report describes the changes incurred in the PM-2A by the planned insertion of PM-2A Core II and the replacement of the startup and check sources. PM-2A Core II components were fabricated to specifications very nearly identical to those of PM-2A Core I. The essential difference in the cores is the boron loading which permits PM-2A Core II to meet a "one-stuck rod criteria" at beginning of life. This core has been subjected to a zero power experiment and loading procedures have been developed at the Alco Critical Facility. The nuclear and thermal and hydraulic characteristics are essentially identical to those of Core I and the replacement of the startup and check sources represent no increase in the potential for or magnitude of a hazardous situation.

Abstract This technical report covers the thermal analysis performed on the SM-1 Core III for both steady state and transient conditions is reported. SM-1 Core III will be used as a test for Type 3 elements in a PM-2A Core. The steady state analysis indicated minimum departure from nucleate boiling ratios (DNBR) for both design and scram conditions above the minimum criteria of 1.5. Local nucleate boiling was noted in the hot internal channels and lattice passage at scram power conditions. Loss of flow transient results indicate DNBR's above 1.5, insuring that the core is safe from burnout. Bulk boiling was noted in the hot channels and lattice passage at scram power condition.

Abstract: Progress is reported on research and development tasks under the Program Plan for Engineering Support and Development of Army Pressurized Water Reactor Power Plants, Contract AT(30-1)-2639, during the six months' period October 1, 1061 to March 31, 1962.

Abstract: This technical report describes the changes incurred in the SM-1 by the insertion of the SM-1 Core II without special components. The SM-1 Core II components were made to specifications very nearly identical to those of SM-1 Core I. The differences consist of europium absorber sections, internal europium flux suppressors in the control rod fuel elements, and low impurity cladding. Each of the SM-1 Core II components with the exception of the five absorber sections new in SM-1 Core I were subjected to a Zero Power Experiment at the Alco Critical Facility. The results of this experiment indicate that the SM-1 Core II will have nuclear characteristics very similar to that of the SM-1 Core I. Since SM-1 Core II will be operated with the same mode of rod control, in the same core support structure, and with the same primary coolant flow conditions, the thermal characteristics should be essentially identical to that of SM-1 Core I. Also, all kinetic characteristics of SM-1 Core II should be identical to those of SM-1 Core I. This report demonstrates that there is no increase in potential for a hazardous situation at SM-1 due to the replacement of SM-1 Core I by …