Planning for final operation of the HIFAR Reactor
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Date
2005-09-12
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Volume Title
Publisher
International Group On Research Reactors
Abstract
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has operated the HIFAR research reactor since 1958. Construction of the new OPAL research reactor commenced in 2002 and commissioning is due to commence in late 2005. ANSTO faces a number of challenges during the final year of HIFAR operation and dual operation of HIFAR and the OPAL reactor. These challenges include plant staffing for the dual operation phase, regulatory expectations, HIFAR’s ageing plant and fuel supplies. HIFAR operation has been extended by the procurement of a number of LEU silicide fuel elements purchased from RISO, Denmark, and the implementation of a program to convert to a LEU fuelled core. This will enable continuing operation of HIFAR during the commissioning and early operation phases of the OPAL reactor. A decommissioning plan will be implemented following the final shutdown of HIFAR. This paper discusses the challenges that face ANSTO during the operational transition from HIFAR to the OPAL reactor.
Description
Keywords
ANSTO, HIFAR Reactor, Aging, OPAL Reactor, Reactor commissioning, Fuel supplies, Fuel elements, Reactor shutdown
Citation
Vittorio, D., & Hall, R. (2005). Planning for final operation of the HIFAR Reactor. Paper presented to TRTR-IGORR 2005, Joint Meeting of The National Organizations of Test, Research, and Training Reactors and The International Group on Research Reactors, Holiday Inn, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, September 12-16 2005 . Retrieved from: https://www.igorr.com/Documents/2005-WASHINGTON/Vittorio%20-%20HIFAR%20Status.pdf