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| OPAL Pool. |
This is a good time for nuclear research in Australia. Substantial work has been undertaken to enhance the reactor’s capabilities, including the installation of new in-pile components for the new CG-2 split guide which will supply neutron beams to new cold-beam instruments to be located in the Neutron Guide Hall.
The TAIPAN and SIKA 3-axis spectrometers are also now resuming activities, however, the other instruments will remain closed while the new out-of-pile guides CG-2A and CG-2B are installed and major work is undertaken on the existing guides. This is expected to be complete by March 2013. Below if a snapshot of the great progress being made in developing the OPAL reactor facility and to expand our capabilities. Please don’t hesitate to contact ANSTO for more information.
What the long shutdown has achieved
The long shutdown has included the installation of a third cold neutron guide called CG2. The CG2 is a split guide that will feed the Bilby small-angle neutron-scattering (SANS) instrument and allow for future expansion on the western side of the guide hall for an additional 2-3 instruments.
In brief, the work undertaken included:
- Replacement of the CG1-3 front cover and first 1/2m guide section (including guide jackets and guide window).
- Replacement of the CG1-3 in-pile assembly.
- Replacement of the CG1-3 primary shutter and shutter cassette.
- Introduction of the third cold neutron guide called (CG2). The CG2 is a split guide that will feed the Bilby SANS instrument and allow for future expansion on the western side of the guide hall for an additional 2-3 instruments.
OPAL in-core flux measurement campaign
The OPAL in-core flux measurement campaign was completed during the shutdown through a collaboration between the French Nuclear Agency, CEA and ANSTO. The aim was to test the use of miniature fission counters (1.5 mm in diameter) to detect and measure the neutron flux within the core of an operating reactor. This involved a number of technical and operational challenges. Despite this the device was safely located within the fuel coolant channels and measurements successfully taken. The data and experience gathered during the week will make a significant contribution to the safe and optimal operation of research reactors.
Reactor maintenance
A large number of reactor maintenance activities were performed over the shutdown, including work on electrical, instrumentation, utilisation and safety systems. All work was completed safely and the reactor was returned to high power a day and half before scheduled.
To all customers, stakeholders and supporters of the OPAL Research Reactor: please accept our best wishes for the festive season. We are looking forward to a highly productive year in 2013.
Published: 24/12/2012