Remote Repair and Modification of the HRE-2 Core Vessel

This is an old US Atomic Energy Commission video about the Homogeneous Reactor Experiment-2, an early fluid fueled aqueous homogeneous rector, being repaired. More info: https://whatisnuclear.com/news/2023-07-05-film-about-hre2-vessel-leak-and-repair.html

Illustrates the remote repair and modification of the HRE-2 core vessel, following the formation of two holes which permitted transfer of fuel to the blanket side of the reactor. Shows how special equipment had to be designed for repairing the HRE-2, and the problems involved in working with the reactor where the radiation level in the vessel was greater than 100,000 Roentgen per hour.

Digitized in 4K by whatisnuclear.com
Courtesy of the National Archives

00:00 Intro
01:14 Description of HRE-2 systems
03:09 Description of core vessel and first hole
04:22 Remote viewing and diagnostics
05:02 This is the hole
05:18 Full-scale mockup flow tests
07:14 Repair and modification plans
08:17 Access options and hazards
09:10 Development and testing of repair tools
10:59 Blanket viewing device
11:34 Articulated TV camera
12:23 Underwater cutting of diffuser plates
14:48 Cleaning tools
15:21 Thermoplastic hole impression device
16:30 Specimen removal saw
17:55 Patch placement tool and patching
19:23 Upper hole patch with dissolvable head
20:06 Tool contamination precautions
20:35 The actual repair
21:28 Resuming operation at low power

Видео Remote Repair and Modification of the HRE-2 Core Vessel канала What is Nuclear?