THE EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OPERATION ON SRE SODIUM SYSTEM COMPONENTS

摘要

Major components from the main heat transfer system of the Sodium Reactor Experiment were subjected to a performance evaluation after seven years of in-system operation.nSelected components were disassembled and/or sectioned for detailed examination and analysis. Retention of fission product in the cold trap and evidence of structural or mechanical weakness in mechanical components as a result of prolonged exposure to sodium were prime areas investigated. A partially saturated cold trap was found to contain fission products and a large number of other impurities in addition to oxides. The main intermediate heat exchanger showed no material defects or weaknesses. Although 24 out of the 316 tubes were found to be blocked by carbonaceous material, no thermal deficiency could be measured.