Mr. Murray observed that the Monsante and
Westinghouse centracts expire on Nevemter 30,
and December 15, 1956, and said he had understsod
that con'~acts such as these were to be subrnitted
to the Commission for consideration well in advance
of their expiration date. Mr. Fields indicateé that
he would clarify procedures for the Commission
review of contract matters. (See AEC 181/83)
The Commissioners next discussed the
difficulties that have developed with the nuclear
propulsion unit in the SEAWOLF, Mr. Murray
remarked that in view of the experience with the
SEAWOLFreactor, it might be desirable for the
Commission to re-evaluate all work on liquid metal
cooled reactors, He also suggested that other groups
which are engaged in liquid metal reactor development
be informed of the problems encountered with the
SEAWOLFreactor, Mr. Davis said that the Naval
Branch of the Division of Reactor Development is
preparing a report on this matter, for distribution
to all groups participating in liquid metal reactor
development work, Mr, Strauss noted that the
difficulties in using stainless steel for containment
of liquid sodium had been realized in Reactor
Development Division as early as 1953. Mr. Davis
reviewed efforts being made to develop improved
heat exchangers. Mr. Strauss observed, and
Mr, Murray agreed, that the difficulties now being
encountered should not discourage efforts to
perfect such a reactor. Mr. Libby referred to the
apparent disadvantages in using stainless steel for
the piping and boiler material of sodium reactors,
and said he believed that nickel might prove to be a
more satisfactory metal for this purposs. Mr. Davis
said that nickel would be extremely difficult to
fabricate.
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