Selected studies of past operations at the ORNL high flux isotope reactor

David Chandler, R. T. Primm

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

Abstract

In response to on-going programs at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, two topics related to past operations of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) are being reviewed and include determining whether HFIR fuel can be converted from high enriched uranium (HEU) to low enriched uranium (LEU) and determining whether HFIR beryllium reflectors are discharged as transuranic (TRU) waste. The LEU conversion and TRU waste studies are being performed in accordance with the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors program and the Integrated Facility Disposition Project, respectively. While assessing data/analysis needs for LEU conversion such as the fuel cycle length and power needed to maintain the current level of reactor performance, a reduction of about 8% (∼200 MWD) in the end-of-cycle exposure for HFIR fuel was observed over the lifetime of the reactor (43 years). Potential causes for the decline are examined. In a second study, the SCALE 6.0 computational system was used to evaluate discharged beryllium reflectors and it was discovered if the reflectors are procured according to the current HFIR standard, discharged reflectors would not be TRU waste, but the removable reflector (closest to core) would become TRU waste approximately 40 years after discharge. However, beryllium reflectors have been fabricated with a greater uranium content than that stipulated in the standard and these reflectors would be discharged as TRU waste.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Conference on the Physics of Reactors 2010, PHYSOR 2010
PublisherAmerican Nuclear Society
Pages2782-2792
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)9781617820014
StatePublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Conference on the Physics of Reactors 2010, PHYSOR 2010 - Pittsburgh, United States
Duration: May 9 2010May 14 2010

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on the Physics of Reactors 2010, PHYSOR 2010
Volume4

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on the Physics of Reactors 2010, PHYSOR 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPittsburgh
Period05/9/1005/14/10

Keywords

  • Beryllium reflector
  • Burnup
  • Cycle length
  • Exposure
  • HFIR
  • TRU waste

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