Reactor heat transfer chest

Shortly after the valve to the sump was opened and the valve to the hopper was closed, the No. 4 reactor began experiencing erratic pressure problems. The system pressure troubles continued for about 15 minutes. As the supervisor and operator were troubleshooting the problem the relief valve on the reactor heat transfer chest opened with a loud report, signaling real troubles. The two employees started to head out of the unit. About 20 seconds later a large section of a 9 ft. (2.7 m) in diameter expansion joint burst. The initial explosion and the resulting thrust shifted the massive reactor. 

The MHT system transports heat from the fuel rods to the light-water coolant. The two-phase steam-water mixture produced in the reactor core, enters the steam dryer through the steam separator at the upper plenum, see Fig. IX-2. Steam separated from the steam-water mixture in the steam separator and dryer enters the steam dome. Two pipes collect steam from the steam dome and transfer it to the steam chest of the turbine. 

---

See also in sourсe #XX -- [ ]

---