THE APPLICATION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AS MODERATOR-COOLANTS IN MARINE PROPULSION REACTORS

The application of petroleum products as moderator-coolants in marine propulsion reactors is examined. The organic moderated nuclear reactor appears attractive for maritime propulsion because it offers the advantages of low capital costs and low maintenance and operating charges. The feasibility of using an organic fluid for neutron moderation and reactor heat transfer has been demonstrated and would be even more favorable with increased cost reductions. This could be achieved by using petroleum fractions as moderator coolants in place of the terphenyl mixture currently employed. Data suggests that petroleum fractions composed principally of condensed ring aromatic compounds should approach the terphenyls in radiation and thermal stability. An improved purification technique may also result in lower coolant replacement cost through reduction in the amount of material discarded as residue.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document is available for review at the Department of Commerce Library, Main Commerce Building, Washington, D.C., under reference number ESSO-MA-3.
• Corporate Authors:

  Esso Research and Engineering Company

  Products Research Division, PO Box 51
  Linden, NJ  United States 
• Authors:
  • Baxter Jr, E F
  • Black, J F
• Publication Date: 1959-8-1

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 12 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cost control; Heat transfer; Nuclear reactor coolants; Spent reactor fuels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Cost reduction
• Subject Areas: Energy; Finance; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00026202
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Maritime Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: ESSO-MA-3
• Contract Numbers: MA-1814
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Apr 13 1973 12:00AM