The use of new irradiation instrument in a pool type research reactor

Abstract

Abstract Radioisotope production is one of the main purposes of medium power research reactors. Responsible units are obligated for ongoing modifications in procedures and equipment towards providing more safe and efficient reactor. The object of this work is to design an Irradiation Instrument (II) for samples irradiation in Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) which leads to considerable increase in irradiation samples capability of this reactor. After simulation of former and proposed IIs as closely as possible using MCNPX 2.6.0 code in cold condition, the former design results are validated by experimental data. Neutronic parameters optimization is done for new II to have the best neutronic and safe design. This design gives rise to an increase in the irradiation capacity about 48% more than the former plan and a slight improvement in quantity and distribution of neutron flux. Also, this proposed plan improves the operating procedures and nuclear safety as well as neutronic parameters in accordance to the ALARA principle.