Preparation of rack assembly

Ten coupons preassembled on rack 2 were received from the IAEA. This rack was disassembled and all the coupons, the rack and the insulators were degreased ultrasonically using alcohol, rinsed with water and dried. The two sides of the coupons were photographed. All the coupons were weighed in a single pan digital balance (0.0001 g accuracy). All the dimensions of the coupons were measured with vernier callipers. The coupons were reassembled in the rack in the same sequence. 

Photographs of the rack and the coupons were taken at different stages — as-received, the individual coupons, and rack and coupons after reassembly. 

A nylon cord was used to suspend the rack in the basin pool. The rack was lowered into the pool on 1998-10-15. This rack was allowed to remain immersed for one year. 

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