Aluminium Corrosion in High Purity Water (open access)

Aluminium Corrosion in High Purity Water

Summary: "A corrosion test of aluminum components in a 4-ft. section of a fuel tube has been tested under conditions simulating plant geometry and, as nearly as possible, the operating conditions of water purity, temperature, and flow rate. Results: 1. None of the aluminum components, 63S fuel tube, 2S solid fillers and 43S spacers showed any corrosion effects beyond normal oxide film formation. This was carried out in flowing water, maintained at a specific resistivity greater than 1 x 10(6) ohm-cm, for four weeks. 2. No corrosion pitting was observed on any of the aluminum surfaces; all became covered with a uniform film of Al2O3.H2O. On the boat tails, where type 304 stainless steel fins were in galvanic contact with 2S aluminum, no pitting or preferential attack occurred."
Date: May 1952
Creator: Nielsen, N. A.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Eddy-Current Inspection Methods : Trip Report - The Dr. Förster Institute, Reutlingen, Germany (open access)

Eddy-Current Inspection Methods : Trip Report - The Dr. Förster Institute, Reutlingen, Germany

Abstract; Test instruments developed at the Dr. Förster Institute, Reutlingen, Germany, were considered for possible application to Savannah River nondestructive inspection problems involving stainless steel and aluminum tubing. None of the equipment can solve these problems without modifications. Several instruments are recommended for further study in connection with their use with aluminum tubing. None will be considered for use with stainless steel at this time."
Date: November 1953
Creator: McMillen, R. C.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Sigma Plug Welding of Spun-Over Fuel Cans (open access)

Sigma Plug Welding of Spun-Over Fuel Cans

Summary: Purpose of the investigation is to improve the peripheral welding of the brazed joint at the top of aluminum-sheathed fuel slugs by forming the can over the top of the cap and welding the resulting center opening. This investigation looked at the applicability of the inert-gas-shielded, consumable electrode process, using commercially available equipment, for producing a weld closure in spun-over fuel cans. Using commercially available sigma welding equipment, no practical combination of welding conditions was found which resulted in satisfactory leak-tight closures in spun-over canned fuel slugs. It is recommended that plug welding of spun-over closures by the sigma welding process be dismissed from consideration for start-up at the Savannah River Plant.
Date: 1952
Creator: Winsor, F. J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
TNX Evaporator Incident January 12, 1953 (open access)

TNX Evaporator Incident January 12, 1953

From abstract: "The circumstances are described pertaining to an explosion in a TNX evaporator during the concentration of a uranyl nitrate-nitric acid solution. TBP and Amsco diluent were probably present in the evaporator charge. A laboratory program involving small-scale atmospheric and closed-vessel distillations of various mixtures of UNH, HNO3, Amsco, TBP, and water indicate that an exothermic reaction between TBP and UNH, or between TBP and HNO3, or both, was responsible for the explosion. The danger areas of temperature, TBP concentration, pressure, and heating rate are defined and recommendations are made for safe evaporator operation.
Date: May 15, 1953
Creator: Colven, T. J.; Nichols, G. M. & Siddall, T. H.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Initial Operation of the Standard Pile (open access)

Initial Operation of the Standard Pile

From abstract: "The Standard Pile was first brought to criticality on July 25, 1953. The first two months of operation permitted calibration of the reactor and preparation of it for use as a neutron source in exponential experiments."
Date: December 1953
Creator: Axtmann, Robert C.; Heinrich, L. A.; Robinson, R. C.; Towler, O. A. & Wade, J. W.
System: The UNT Digital Library
A Monitor for Surface Adsorbed Tritium (open access)

A Monitor for Surface Adsorbed Tritium

From abstract: "A monitor for detection of surface-adsorbed tritium beta particles has been developed. The detecting element is a windowless Geiger tube with the counting gas flowing through it. The normal limit of detection of a single-tube probe is 800 d/m of tritium, while a three-tube probe is probably limited to about 2000 d/m. Both probes have a counting efficiency of about 10% for tritium."
Date: December 1953
Creator: Karraker, D. G.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Thermocouples and Cables for Nuclear Reactors (open access)

Thermocouples and Cables for Nuclear Reactors

From abstract: "The development, design, specification, and manufacture of special-purpose thermocouples sheathed in stainless steel for use in nuclear reactors are described. In connection with this work, a three element cable for transmitting the signal from neutron-flux measuring devices was developed."
Date: October 1953
Creator: Stone, J. M.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Transformation and Non-Bond Tester for Flat Elements (open access)

Transformation and Non-Bond Tester for Flat Elements

From abstract: "A composite ultrasonic unit was developed to indicate the size and location of non-bonded areas and the presence of non-transformed regions in flat uranium fuel elements clad with aluminum. A two-dimensional recorder was developed to yield instantaneous, permanent records of the non-bonded areas on electrosensitive paper. Panel lights indicate the presence of non-transformed regions that have not received proper heat treatment. Defects 1/8" in diameter are consistently detected at an inspection rate of approximately 50 sq. in./min."
Date: November 1954
Creator: Blucke, W. L.
System: The UNT Digital Library
A Detector for Sub-Surface Cracks (open access)

A Detector for Sub-Surface Cracks

From abstract: "An instrument was developed to detect cracks within 1/8 inch of the surface of cylindrical uranium fuel slugs. The instrument measures changes in eddy currents that are induced at a frequency of 2 KC."
Date: August 1954
Creator: Goodwin, L. E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Operation of TNX Evaporator (open access)

Operation of TNX Evaporator

From abstract: "Performance data were obtained for the TNX replacement evaporator when operated within the limits imposed by a new control system. This system was designed to avoid conditions which might lead to a repetition of an earlier explosion due to inclusion of organic material in the uranyl nitrate-nitric acid system, which was heated to elevated temperature. The true heat transfer coefficient was found to be 280 BUT/hr-ft2-ÂșF for all concentrations of solutions to be evaporated in the plant, and will allow operation at design capacities."
Date: October 1954
Creator: Nichols, G. S. & Occhipinti, E. S.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Radioactivity in the Environs of the Savannah River Plant January to July - 1954. (open access)

Radioactivity in the Environs of the Savannah River Plant January to July - 1954.

From abstract: "There were significant increases in radioactivity in the environs of the Savanna River Plant during the period from January 1954 to July 1954. All of these increases were relatively small as compared to the maximum permissible concentration. Although fallout from Pacific tests was the main contributor to the increased activity, some of the increase was due to normal Plant operations."
Date: November 1954
Creator: Horton, J. H., (J. Henry)
System: The UNT Digital Library
Corrosion in Hydrogen Sulfide - Water Systems (open access)

Corrosion in Hydrogen Sulfide - Water Systems

From abstract: "This report gives a detailed account of the corrosion test work carried out by the Engineering Research Laboratory on the behavior of materials of construction in the hydrogen sulfide-water system. Results developed during the period from October 1950 through November 1954 are included."
Date: October 1955
Creator: Snyder, J. A. & Warren, D.
System: The UNT Digital Library
A Safety Rod Actuator (open access)

A Safety Rod Actuator

From abstract: "A windlass that operates a safety rod for a nuclear reactor was developed to decelerate the rod after it drops under emergency conditions into the reactor. The windlass is designed to convert the kinetic energy of the falling rod as it nears its limit of travel to rotational energy in the windlass. The conversion is accomplished without the aid of an external power source or an auxiliary snubbing mechanism."
Date: December 1954
Creator: Baker, D.; Llewellyn, W. E. & Maloney, J. P.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Ion-Chamber Water Monitor (open access)

Ion-Chamber Water Monitor

From abstract: "An instrument capable of detecting fission-product contamination in the moderator has been developed. It consists of a thin-walled ion chamber and associated electronic equipment for automatically detecting deviations from normal moderator decay rate. Indication of fission-product activity is independent of power level, flowrate, and other ambient conditions. Tests show the sensitivity and long-term stability to be good."
Date: February 1955
Creator: McCarthy, R. L.
System: The UNT Digital Library
MTR Test Equipment (open access)

MTR Test Equipment

From abstract: "Sample holders and monitoring equipment were designed and fabricated for use in the irradiation of experimental shapes of fuel and target materials in the beryllium reflector of the Materials Testing Reactor. The samples were held in aluminum cases designed to replace certain beryllium blocks of the reflector. Sample holders of alternate designs were made to permit irradiation of samples in the reflector at locations where the shape or position of the reflector blocks would not permit the use of the original design."
Date: January 1956
Creator: Bell, W. F.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Stress Analysis of the SRP Reactor Tank (open access)

Stress Analysis of the SRP Reactor Tank

From abstract: "Equations are derived from the discontinuity stress in a cylindrical tank that is mounted vertically on a header and is open at the top. The analysis includes a derivation of equations for the prediction of the deflection and slope of the header by relating the strain energy in bending a circular plate to the strain energy in bending the header. The stresses that result from pressure and temperature are included in the analysis."
Date: October 1955
Creator: Walker, J. W.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Nondestructive Measurement of the Uranium Content Uranium-Aluminum Alloys (open access)

Nondestructive Measurement of the Uranium Content Uranium-Aluminum Alloys

From abstract: "An instrument is described which measures the uranium content of a 0.080-inch thick plate of uranium-aluminum alloy. The content is measured by gamma-ray transmission to an accuracy of +/- 0.0006 gram per square centimeter over the range of 0.085 to 0.115 gram per square centimeter of contained uranium."
Date: October 1955
Creator: Goodwin, L. E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Mixer-Settler Development: Operation Characteristics of a Large-Scale Mixer-Settler (open access)

Mixer-Settler Development: Operation Characteristics of a Large-Scale Mixer-Settler

From abstract: "A pump-mix mixer-settler was demonstrated to have an overall efficiency greater than 90 per cent for the extraction of uranyl nitrate from tributyl phosphate at total flow rates up to 45 gallons per minute. Phase separation was satisfactory at 45 gallons per minute, at which flow rate the residence time in the settlers was 1-1/2 minutes. It appeared possible that a throughput approaching 60 gallons per minute would be operable although at an over-all efficiency of less than 90 per cent. The tests were made on a three-stage unit, but the data can be extrapolated to multistage units. The effects of design of the impeller and mixing section, impeller speed, flow rates and ratios, and operating temperatures were studied. The mechanical performance and dependability of the unit were excellent."
Date: October 1956
Creator: Colven, Thomas J., Jr.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Nuclear Test Gauge (open access)

The Nuclear Test Gauge

From abstract: "The 'Nuclear Test Gauge', a slightly subcritical assembly for quality control of reactor components, was designed, constructed, and placed in operation. calibration experiments demonstrated that the sensitivity of the unit is adequate, and that the speed of testing is increased y a factor of ten over that of a critical test pile."
Date: June 1956
Creator: Parkinson, Thomas F.; Goosey, Malcolm H.; Heston, William M. & Hollberg, Herbert J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Irradiation of Thorium Slugs (open access)

Irradiation of Thorium Slugs

From abstract: "Ninety-two thorium slugs were irradiated in the Hanford piles to study the dimensional stability of the metal. The burnups that were incurred covered the range from 300 to 2800 ppm of the Th232. Slugs with burnups as high as 800 ppm were examined for visual and dimensional changes. The dimensional stability of these slugs was excellent, and no significant corrosion occurred on the aluminum cans. A cursory examination of slugs with burnups of greater than 800 ppm showed no gross dimensional instability."
Date: May 1956
Creator: Marshall, Robert P.
System: The UNT Digital Library
A Nonbound Detector for Hollow Slugs (open access)

A Nonbound Detector for Hollow Slugs

From abstract: "A tester was developed to detect nonbonded areas between the cladding and the core of hollow slugs. These slugs are one inch in diameter and eight inches long, and have a 3/8 inch axial hole. The tester employs an ultrasonic detector previously developed at the Savannah River Laboratory. A transducer 5/16 inch in diameter was developed to pass down the inside of the slug and a mechanical feeder was constructed to provide an automatic inspection cycle."
Date: October 1956
Creator: Ross, John D. & Leep, Richard W.
System: The UNT Digital Library
An Automatic Flaw Detector for Aluminum Cans (open access)

An Automatic Flaw Detector for Aluminum Cans

From abstract: "A tester, utilizing eddy currents, was developed to detect inclusions and voids in aluminum cans. The sensing element is a small probe that does not touch the can under inspection. An experimental feeder, developed along with the tester, permits the automatic inspection of one can per minute."
Date: October 1956
Creator: Ross, John D.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Shearing Irradiated Uranium Plates (open access)

Shearing Irradiated Uranium Plates

From abstract: "Natural uranium plates that were irradiated to 600 and 1500 MWD/T were cut under water by a guillotine-type shear. Irradiation reduced the force required for shearing to 50 per cent of that required for unirradiated uranium. Measurements were made of radioactivity released to treated and untreated water in which the cut sections were stored."
Date: November 1956
Creator: Delicate, W. Scott; Osterman, Edmund J.; Zeh, Carl W. & Wither, W. T.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Concentration of Plutonium by Cation Exchange Part I - New Elutriants (open access)

Concentration of Plutonium by Cation Exchange Part I - New Elutriants

From summary: "The concentration of plutonium by cation exchange was significantly improved by using a solution of ammonium lactate and sulfamate as the elutriant instead of nitric and sulfamic acids. The new elutriant permitted essentially complete elution of the plutonium and also avoided formation of gases in the resin bed during elution. At 45ÂșC, 2.8M ammonium lactate plus 0.15M ammonium sulfamate eluted 99.3 per cent of the total plutonium at an average concentration of 43.8 grams per liter. It was found necessary to elute hydrogen and hydroxylammonium ions from the resin beds before elution of plutonium. The hydroxylammonium ions decompose to form gases in the resin bed at the desired temperature for plutonium elution. The hydrogen ions exchange with ammonium ions of the elutriant and decrease the concentration of plutonium in the eluate."
Date: December 1956
Creator: Bonner, Oscar D.; Burney, Glenn A. & Tober, Frank W., 1919-1995
System: The UNT Digital Library