ML20126B975
| ML20126B975 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/14/1980 |
| From: | Budnitz R NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REGULATORY RESEARCH (RES) |
| To: | Barbat W AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8003240266 | |
| Download: ML20126B975 (1) | |
Text
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i Mr. William N. Barbat F. O. tor 367 g-Wilson,ntroming 83014
Dear Mr. Barbat:
With respect to your letter of February 1.1980, to Chairman Ahearse regarding possible dry meltdown tests, I as pleased to tell you that preparation of such tests is underway as part of the core melt researth sponsored by the Office of Reclear Regulatory Research.
4 A large induction furnace has been built at the U. 5. Department of Energy's Sandia Laboratories in Albuquerque to melt up to 200 kg. of The furnace capacity can be expanded to 700 kg. After the U0, U0.
is melted, the liquid will be poured into a variety of crucibles anB 2
data recorded on the interaction between the UO2 and the crucible.
such irradiatio$ will mot have been 1; radiated, the major effect of Although the U0 decay heat--can be simulated through induction heating of the crucible. The furnace will receive its ff rst operational checkout in a for weeks and the first large pour is scheduled for later this year.
Before scheduling such large tests, we have carried out an extensive program of small-scale work and have also benefited from an information We exchange with a similar program in the Federal Republic of Gennany.
now have some codes to predict melt behavior and we will check the codes' accuracy with the large-scale tests.
Thank you for your interest in the Commission's program.
Sincere 1y.
Robert J. Budnitz. Director Office of Muclear Regulatory Research 6
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