N-Reactor-WPPSS Complex Operating Performance

The N-Reactor complex, which was started up early in 1964 and modified to permit use of the by-product steam for electrical generation in April of 1966, has now operated for almost three years as a dual-purpose reactor. N Reactor has demonstrated itself as a versatile production reactor in the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission complex by operating at thermal power levels up to 4800 MW and operating under a coproduct mode of operation (plutonium - tritium production) in conjunction with providing steam to Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS) for electrical generation. This paper identifies N-management's solution to a few of its problems. A program of retubing the N-Reactor steam generators is now being completed without an extended shutdown of the reactor. The exposure to personnel when doing charge-discharge and maintenance work on the reactor is being minimized by decontaminating portions of the primary-system piping prior to extended maintenance.