Reactor Workshop
Sessions 8 & 9

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Student Training Subcritical Reactor Model 9000.
C. Papastefanou
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,
Atomic and Nuclear Physics Laboratory
Thessaloniki 54124, Greece

Abstract
A student training (subcritical) reactor model 9000 Nuclear Chicago is installed and operating since 1971 at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in the Atomic and Nuclear Physics Laboratory, at Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. The fuel is natural uranium metal (U3O8) about 5500 lbs, the moderator is light water, H2O about 3600 lbs and the reflector is also light water, H2O. The lattice core is hexagonal, 42 inches high and 35 inches maximum diameter. The neutron source at the core is 241Am-Be 5 curies, 1.1x107 n/sec. The reactor is used by the students of the Department of Physics for the activation of various materials, e.g. Indium, by neutrons, the determination of the half-life of the relatively short-lived radioisotopes, such as 116In (T1/2 = 54.0 min) as well as the determination of the thermal neutrons flux, the horizontal and the vertical distribution of neutrons flux, the material buckling, B2m and the geometric buckling, B2g, the parameters of the reactor.


 

The Potentials of the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor in the Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria.
I.M. Umar
Centre for Energy Research and Training
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract
The Chinese Miniature Neutron Source reactor is a 30kW low power reactor. It provides a maximum neutron flux of 1012ncm-2s-1 at the inner irradiation position. The capabilities of this reactor for the analysis of geological materials has been tested by the irradiation of Chinese in-house geological standards in which thirty-three elements were determined. This shows that the reactor can be effectively utilized for soil fertility studies and geochemical mapping that will play a very important role in the socio-economic development of a country.


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The Colombian TRIGA Reactor
J. Duque and Gloria Prieto,
INGEOMINAS, Colombia

Abstract
INGEOMINAS is the Institute for Research and Information on Geosciences, Mining and Environment and more recently nuclear issues in Colombia. INGEOMINAS is performing geochemical mapping of Colombia on the national, regional and more detailed scales for application in environmental studies and other studies. In recent times INGEOMINAS has had to use commercial laboratories outside of Colombia which has several disadvantages including an increased need for scarce resources.

The Colombian TRIGA IAN-R1 Reactor, although having earlier demonstrated its utility in research has been shutdown since August of 1997, when the Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Alternative Energy (INEA) was suppressed, and is now under the custody of INGEOMINAS; this provides the opportunity to develop the use of multi-element neutron activation analysis to contribute to the Institute's programmes.

The reactor has a nominal power of 100 kW and a thermal neutron flux of 1 x 1012n/cm2s. It was used in the past, mainly for multi-element quantification by Neutron Activation Analysis, and for production of some radioisotopes of industrial use: Br-82, La-140, Hg-197, Au-198, P-32.

The Reactor posses several facilities for irradiation: six positions in the elements of the graphite reflector, and one inside the core for radioisotopes production. Facilities for conventional multi-element neutron activation analysis and uranium analysis by delayed neutrons are available. There are two horizontal beam ports which allow for Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis, Neutron Radiography, and Fission Track Dating.  Additionally, there is an in-pool sample holder placed on one of the lateral faces of the core allows simultaneous irradiation of several samples especially with  using radio-nuclides of long and medium half-life (weeks, days).

The reactor could be a powerful and versatile analytical tool contributing greatly to INGEOMINAS' targets and the development of its institutional programs. Technically the reactor is ready for operation to run, and INGEOMINAS, if the necessary budget is supplied by the government, plans to operate the reactor as soon as possible.


 

An Overview of the Defuelling and Decommissioning of the University of Toronto SLOWPOKE Critical Research Reactor.
J. W. Smith1, Jack Richman2, Sandu Sonoc2, M. G. Lee2, Raymond Ilson1.
1 University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 1E1, Canada

2 Merlin General Corporation, P. O. Box 272, 1475 5th Concession, Kincardine ON, Canada N27 2Y7)

Abstract
In 1997, the University of Toronto began planning to decommission their  SLOWPOKE 2 research reactor. The project was completed successfully without accidents, reportable exposures to radiation to workers or members of the public or legislative non-compliance.  This overview of the process will comprise reviews of:

  • Documents to be prepared for Decommissioning and Abandonment Licences according to the new Canadian Nuclear Safety Control Act and its supporting regulations
  • The structure of decommissioning budget (documents writing, licence applications, physical work, legal advise, administrative expenses, etc.)
  • The Quality Assurance, process, including: descriptions of management structures inside the university and decommissioning team members and their correlation, a project management system including check sheets, hold points, analyses and decision points, training and certification of workers, etc.
  • The application of ALARA principles, U of T health and safety policies, relations with key Unions
  • The public consultation process and public perception of risks
  • Interactions with a large number of Canadian and foreign agencies (the CNSC, Transport Canada, police forces, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Departments of Energy and Transportation, etc. and companies (Merlin, BNFL, AECL, SRC, TLI, RSI etc.)
  • Scientific and technological challenges and solutions
  • Shipment and storage of radioactive materials
  • Lessons learned


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10/01/03