Measurement of Some Reactivity Effects in the Enrico Fermi Reactor.

Abstract

Various nuclear tests are described which followed initial criticality of the Enrico Fermi fast breeder reactor. Measurements were made of the reactivity effects of the perrnanent neutron source, retractable neutron source, temporary instrument thimble, variation in flow rate of the primary coolant, and variation in pressure of cover gas in the primary system. Each test is reported separately and includes tabulated and graphical test data and discussions of purpose, apparatus and equipment, reactor plant conditions, measurements, experimental results and analysis, and conclusions. iii s FOREWORD This is one of a series of reports on the low-pou'cr (up to 1 Mwt) and high-power (up to 200 Mwt) nuclear tests of the Enrico Fermi fast breeder reactor. The Nuclear Test Program is planned, directed, and evaluated by Atomic Power Development Associates, Inc. , (APDA). The tests are conducted by Power Reactor Development Company (PRDC), which owns and operates the reactor. The steam generators and electrical generating facilities are owned by The Detroit Edison Company (DECo), Many individuals have contributed to the nuclear testing of the Enrico Fermi Reactor. Listed below are those, exclusive of the authors, who have made significant contributions to the work described in this report.