ORNL-2106 - the Molten Salt Energy Technologies Web Site

ANP PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT
EXAMINATION OF THE DISASSEMBLED MTR
IN-PILE LOOP NO. 3
A. E. Richt
C. Ellis W. B. Parsley
E. J. Monthos R. N. Ramsey
E. D. Sims
Metallographic examination of MTR in-pi le loop
No. 3 has been completed except for the straight
sections of the fuel line. Disassembly of the fuel-
circulating pump was found to be more difficult
than had been anticipated. The first operation
was the removal of the water jacket from the pump
bulkhead. The pump was then sectioned by sawing
through the bulkhead. During this cutting operation
the oil finger below the forward bellows was
exposed, and no evidence of oil was seen in the
finger. The pump shaft rotated freely and showed
no signs of binding after it was freed from the
impeller. The pump shaft, forward bellows, bear-
ings, and seals were removed from the bearing
housing. The forward bellows was partially filled
with oil. The bellows, bearings, and seals were
cleaned ultrasonically in perchloroethylene to re-
move any traces of oil. The face and inside of
the forward bellows contained a brittle, amber-
colored, amorphous deposit, as shown in Figs.
Fig. 4.2.1. Front Face of Forward Bellows of
Fuel Pump from MTR In-Pile Loop No. 3. 1/2X.
(F
2 34
4.2. RADIAI ‘ION DAMAGE
G. W. K Lei lholtz
4.2.1 and 4.2.2. The rear bearings,
appeared to be in excellent condition.
The neck of the pump, between the pump sump
and the heat exchanger, was partially filled with
oil; however, no evidences of fue
Fig. 4.2.2. Enlargement of Deposit Shown in
Fig. 4.2.1. 2X. Reduced 25.5%.
Fig. 4.2.3. Rear Bearing fromMTR In-Pile Loop
No. 3 Fuel Pump. 2X. Reduced 14%. (Secret wih
caption)
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