Remote replacement of proton beam window and inner reflector plug at SNS

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The Spallation Neutron Source provides the world's most intense pulsed neutron beams for scientific research and industrial development. The pulsed neutrons are generated by directing a high-energy proton beam onto a liquid mercury target. The Proton Beam Window (PBW) in the SNS facility serves as the boundary between the high vacuum of the accelerator and the helium atmosphere of the Core Vessel. Due to the passage of the proton beam directly through the PBW, radiation-induced material degradation necessitates periodic replacement approximately every 1.5 MW-years. To date, two PBW modules have been replaced. The Inner Reflector Plug (IRP) in the SNS facility is housed in the Core Vessel and includes moderators and reflectors to direct pulsed neutrons to the eighteen individual instruments. The IRP has a life-expectancy of approximately 30,000 MW-hours which will necessitate replacement in the next few years at current beam power levels. Due to the hazardous nature of these operations, replacement of the PBW and the IRP is performed using remote handling methods. Replacements are completed in a high bay environment utilizing a combination of shielded casks and specialized long-reach tooling. The details of the completed PBW replacement operations will be discussed along with the design and development of the IRP replacement tooling and operational procedures.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication3rd Int. Joint Topical Meeting on Emerg. Preparedness and Response and Robotics and Remote Syst. 2011, EPRRSD, 13th Robotics and Remote Syst. for Hazardous Environ. and 11th Emerg. Prep. and Response
Pages607-618
Number of pages12
StatePublished - 2011
Event3rd Int. Joint Topical Meeting on Emergency Preparedness and Response and Robotics and Remote Systems 2011, EPRRSD, 13th Robotics and Remote Systems for Hazardous Environments and 11th Emergency Preparedness and Response - Knoxville, TN, United States
Duration: Aug 7 2011Aug 10 2011

Publication series

Name3rd Int. Joint Topical Meeting on Emergency Preparedness and Response and Robotics and Remote Systems 2011, EPRRSD, and 13th Robotics and Remote Systems for Hazardous Environments

Conference

Conference3rd Int. Joint Topical Meeting on Emergency Preparedness and Response and Robotics and Remote Systems 2011, EPRRSD, 13th Robotics and Remote Systems for Hazardous Environments and 11th Emergency Preparedness and Response
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityKnoxville, TN
Period08/7/1108/10/11

Keywords

  • Inner reflector plug
  • Proton beam window
  • Remote handling

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