The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center conversion from HEU to LEU fuel

Tehan, Terry

Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center, Narragansett, RI (United States)

关键词: Modifications;    Eccs;    Rinsc Reactor;    Rinsc Reactor;    Neutron Reflectors;   

DOI  :  10.2172/808133
RP-ID  :  NONE
RP-ID  :  FG02-86ER75270
RP-ID  :  808133

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

The 2-MW Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center (RINSC) open pool reactor was converted from 93% UAL-High Enriched Uranium (HEU) fuel to 20% enrichment U3Si2-AL Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel. The conversion included redesign of the core to a more compact size and the addition of beryllium reflectors and a beryllium flux trap. A significant increase in thermal flux level was achieved due to greater neutron leakage in the new compact core configuration. Following the conversion, a second cooling loop and an emergency core cooling system were installed to permit operation at 5 MW. After re-licensing at 2 MW, a power upgrade request will be submitted to the NRC.