The design of electro-mechanical auxiliaries directly associated with power-producing reactors

The paper deals with the novel problems encountered in the design and construction of the electro-mechanical plant directly associated with the reactor in a base-load nuclear power station of the gas-cooled graphite-moderated natural-uranium type. The problems arise from the fact that the plant must operate in radioactive areas and certain parts of it are immersed in the reactor coolant. Two distinct features are considered, namely the materials of construction and the control of the plant. The materials are required to resist the effects of radiation and temperature and must be compatible with the coolant. The features required by the operator for controlling the plant from a remote point and the need for the highest possible reliability are considered.