Organic Coolant Reactor Program Quarterly Report, January 1-March 31, 1962

The possible effects of a hydrogen atmosphere in reducing film deposition were studied in the large circulating loop and in rocking cell and pyrolytic capsule tests. At H/sub 2/ pressures of 200 to 400 psig no reduction in film weight deposited was observed in the loop tests, and in the pyrolytic tests film deposits were doubled. Heat conductivity of the films was much higher however. ln these high ash films the inorganic constituent was found to be alpha -Fe rather than the usual magnetite, which seems to account for the heat conductivity. Separation of benzene-insoluble material from high boiler and coolant was accomplished by centrifugation and by deposition on glass. The material was closely related to film formation. The nature of the inorganic and organic constituents of this material was examined in several analytical studies. Advances in the techniques of nuclear magnetic resonance, O/sub 2/ analysis, measurement of chromatograms, application of computers, and other methods were made. It was demonstrated by use of Fe5/sup 59/ that irradiated terphenyl under air attacks Fe rapidly and possibly the Fe is in solution as a chelate or other complex. It also was indicated by some tests that such a soluble form of Fe can figure in the formation of film and of the iron percarbide observed. The program of synthesis of pure samples of polyphenyls neared completion, and the attention was shifted to synthesis of new candidate coolants. Fused-ring structures, partially hydrog-enated, such as dihydrophenanthrene were made and proved of interest. Similar studies from the stabilizer investigation indicate the same thing. Other groups in which synthetic activity was initiated are the substituted triazines, pyridines, and other heterocyclic nonbenzenoid types. The industrial coolant candidates from petroleum and coal tar were found to be lacking in thermal stability above 700 deg F. Only the hydrodealkylated decant oil appeared to have promise for future development. The study of hydrocracking high boiler neared completion. Very good results were obtained using unfractionated coolants. and with the most recent high boiler produced at OMRE. An economic survey of processing high boiler to reclaim coolant is nearing completion. Close technical liaison continued throughout the quarter with AEC- IDO and Fluor Corp on the Title ll design of the Coolant Technology Loop (CTL) and the Fuel Technology Loop (FTL). Title I review of the loop handling equipment was completed. The scheduled completion date for the loops is currently being revised. However, procurement of material and equipment is progressing adequately to meet the required dates for field installation. Construction of the Component Development Test Loop (CDTL) was completed and operational shakedown of the loop started. Successful operation at 550 deg F was realized. lnitial operation and testing of a single-stage Chempump in the CDTL showed a high mass transfer of the hot (up to 550 deg F) pumped fluid from the pump discharge, through the rotor chamber, and back to the pump suction. The necessary parts were returned to the manufacturer for modification. lnitial testing of the ball valve has shown acceptable results. A report, IDO16675, containing complete details of the EOCR control rod latch reliability test was issued. A conceptual design of the FTL nuclear mockup was completed. This mockup will duplicate the nuclear characteristics of the in-pile tube containing a fuel-follower sample for the A-3 core loading. Detailed design of the approach-to-power samples is nearing completion. The eight driver elements being instrumented are D-4, D-6, D-9, D-10, D-11, D-12, D-16, and P-12. These elements were chosen on the basis of coolant flow, flux distribution, core symmetry, and rod programming. A successful run was made demonstrating displacement of Santowax OMP with ethylene glycol from a small model fuel element