THE OAK RIDGE RESEARCH REACTOR. II. OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS

Following preoperational testing of the ORR, several weeks were spent in shakedown operation at 20 Mw. During this time a number of unsatisfactory conditions were uncovered. The air-cooled main heat exchangers were found to be deficient in cooling capacity by about 25%. All the major water lines imbedded in concrete were found to be wet. A vacuum system was set up to dry them out and has continued in operation as a leak detector. Other problems discussed include control rod dropping, beam hole draining or filling during operation, and gaseous activity in the building. (W.D.M.)