DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSORS

Coolant flow for gas-cooled in-pile loops must be supplied during irradiation test runs. A centrifugal compressor has been designed and developed for circulating helium at volume flows from 75 to 250 acfm at compressor suction conditions of 400 psi and 600 deg F. The compressor using grease-lubricated ball bearings has operated satnksfactorily for a total of 3500 hr. (auth

DEVELOPMENT OF REGENERATIVE COMPRESSOR FOR HELIUM CIRCULATION

Compressors were required to circulate helium coolant in an in-pile loop at moderately high heads (6000--8000 ft), at low volumetric flows (30--40 acfm), at 600 deg F and 385 psig. A regenerative type of gas compressor, using greaselubricated ball bearings enclosed in a special water-cooled casing, was designed and tested. The design objectives were achieved, and a number of these compressors have been built and are in operation. (auth

INVESTIGATION OF MECHANICAL METHODS OF SCALE REMOVAL FROM HRT HEAT EXCHANGERS

Tests were conducted to determine methods of removing scale deposits from the HRT heat exchangers. A mockup of the heat exchanger header was cleared of a deposit of iron rust by reverse flushing at a flow rate below 75 gpm. A tube bundle consisting of 109 1/4 in OD X 0.049 in. wall tubes was plugged with rust. Approximately 80% of these tubes were unplugged by using a 70 psi water pressure differential in combination with vibration from a pneumatic rivet gun. No mechanical method was employed in the tests which could clear the remaining tubes. (auth