Rectification of the OPAL cold neutron source cryogenic system
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Date
2013-10-13
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Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Group On Research Reactors
Abstract
The Cold Neutron Source (CNS) at ANSTO’s OPAL Reactor had experienced repeated outages since 2009 due to failures in the cryogenic system. An extensive root cause analysis was initiated in May 2012, led by an ANSTO team that also involved knowledgeable external experts. At the conclusion of the investigation, a set of recommendations was released to address the identified contributing causes. A rectification program was established to implement the solutions. Cryogenic operation of the CNS, providing end users with cold
neutrons, successfully returned to service in July 2013. Thanks to the unique stand-by operation mode of the CNS, irradiation activities at the reactor, as well as thermal neutron availability, had not been affected during the year-long investigation/rectification process. Some technical and operational aspects of the investigation, testing and engineering modifications are discussed in this presentation.
Description
Keywords
Cold neutrons, Cryogenics, OPAL Reactor, Recommendations, Thermal neutrons, ANSTO, Australia, Investigations
Citation
Lu, W. (2013). Rectification of the OPAL cold neutron source cryogenic system. Paper presented at the 15th Meeting of the International Group on Research Reactors, "IGORR 15", Daejeon, South Korea, 13-18 Oct 2013. Retrieved from: https://www.igorr.com/Documents/2013-DAEJEON/07_1002.pdf