Lot 390
390 •(NUCLEAR AGE--SL-1 REACTOR DISASTER) A U.S. Atomic Energy Commssion album with 40 photographs documenting the aftermath and radioactive cleanup of the disastrous reactor meltdown at SL-1, Idaho Falls.
Comprising images of the SL-1 interior and exterior prior to the accident; shots of the health physicist response team clad in gas masks and protective suits surveying the area, vehicles, and infrastructure with radiation detectors; barren views of the roadblocked Highway 20 and the surrounding Great Basin Desert in which all radioactive materials were eventually buried; scenes of the temporary control station, storage for contaminated evidence, and a decontamination chamber for those exposed to radiation. Silver (32) and chromogenic dye coupler prints (8), the images measuring 8x10 inches (20.3x25.4 cm.), each with a National Reactor Testing Station inventory number and "not reviewed for publication" hand stamps, on verso. 4to, black leatherette; 3-ring binding. 1961
[1,400/1,800]
After technician John A. Byrnes abruptly removed the central control rod beyond its point of safety the reactor went "prompt critical" in a matter of milliseconds, instantly reaching a core power of 20 gigawatts. This caused dramatic vaporization followed by a violent steam explosion and water hammer which pounded the top of the reactor dome at a speed of 160 f/s. All three reactor technicians were killed, one of whom was impaled to the ceiling with the removed control rod. It is unknown whether Byrnes accidentally removed the rod or was committing murder-suicide after finding out only two hours prior that his wife wanted a divorce.
