APDAS - applied physics division analytical services: reactor-based services

Abstract

Applied Physics Division Analytical Services (APDAS) is a new initiative within the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. This government-funded organisation, ANSTO, is fully committed to building and maintaining strong links with industry through the provision of a range of scientific and technical goods and services. Because of its background and achievements in high-tech research, APDAS can provide solutions to many of the problems that arise in Australian industries. APDAS operates the 100kW nuclear reactor MOATA which commenced neutron production in 1961 and has since been used for a wide variety of nuclear research and applications. The operating characteristics of the reactor are well known and the reactor is managed by experienced scientific and technical staff. The reactor provides steady thermal neutron fluxes between 10(7) and 10(12) n cm-2 s-1 for periods of a few minutes to several hours. Neutron irradiation stations are readily accessible. Thermal neutron beams may be used for radiography or controlled low neutron dose irradiations with beam intensities on target between 10(3) and 10(8) n cm-2 s-1. It is permissible to irradiate most solid materials in either polyethylene or aluminium cans.