A neutron generator driver source for the subcritical assembly at Ontario Tech University

安大略理工大学亚临界组件的中子发生器驱动源

• 批准号: RTI-2023-00558
• 负责人: Atkinson, Kirk
• 金额: $ 9.75万
• 依托单位: University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Research Tools and Instruments
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=752682
• 关键词: neutron; generator; driver; source; subcritical

Ontario Tech was recently gifted two of the three main parts of a subcritical assembly by another university in Canada. The single most important acquisition in the history of the Department of Energy and Nuclear Engineering, whilst the institution now has the nuclear fuel and accompanying graphite moderator for this intrinsically safe, special type of zero power reactor, it lacks a suitable external fast neutron source to drive it. Whilst the university has several small radioisotope neutron sources, as the neutron flux in a subcritical assembly is proportional to the strength of its driver neutron source, the resulting flux from these is too low to be useful for most experiments and hence a stronger neutron source is essential. Whilst stronger radioisotope neutron sources can be procured, they are expensive and given they are based on radioactive decay, their activity presents a significant radiation hazard that cannot be switched off. A suitable neutron source alternative known as a neutron generator, a type of electrostatic accelerator that only emits neutrons when powered on, has been identified and, if funded, will be the final puzzle piece needed to bring the subcritical assembly into mainstream use as a research facility supporting research across the university, as well as the specific needs of the applicant. The research outputs possible through use of a neutron generator in the subcritical pile are immeasurable. To satisfy the CNSC licensing timeframe, it is essential that funding for a neutron generator be approved before Summer 2023 else a five-year delay could result. Installed beneath the assembly for shielding purposes, the neutron generator is essential to realizing the full potential of what will be a unique in Canada nuclear energy research facility. It will support both fundamental and small modular reactor research and development and, being predominantly made of graphite, will help address current shortfalls in nuclear data. Given the intrinsically safe nature of subcritical assemblies, Ontario Tech intends to pioneer a multi-level student training scheme wherein both undergraduate and graduate students will be able to apply for subcritical operator and radiation protection roles. It is anticipated that up to 20 undergraduate and 10 graduate students will be accommodated on this scheme per annum. In all cases, students will undergo a structured training package involving completion of a suite of CNSC-approved micro credentials and hands on training, including training on the safe use of the neutron generator. This training program will exist in parallel to, and support, the research outputs for which the neutron generator is necessary. When not being used for research, the facility will be used for teaching and outreach activities.

安大略省理工学院最近被加拿大另一所大学赠送了次临界组件的三个主要部件中的两个。这是能源和核工程部历史上最重要的一笔收购，虽然该机构现在拥有用于这种本质安全的特殊类型零功率反应堆的核燃料和配套的石墨慢化剂，但它缺乏合适的外部快中子源来驱动它。虽然该大学有几个小型放射性同位素中子源，但由于亚临界组件中的中子通量与驱动中子源的强度成正比，这些中子源产生的通量太低，对大多数实验都没有用，因此更强大的中子源是必不可少的。虽然可以获得更强的放射性同位素中子源，但它们很昂贵，而且由于它们是基于放射性衰变，它们的活动构成了无法关闭的重大辐射危险。一种被称为中子发电机的合适的中子源替代品已经被确定，这是一种只在通电时才会发出中子的静电加速器，如果得到资助，它将是将亚临界组件作为支持整个大学的研究的研究设施投入主流所需的最后一块拼图，以及申请者的特定需求。通过在亚临界堆中使用中子发生器可能产生的研究产出是不可估量的。为了满足CNSC的许可时间表，至关重要的是，中子发电机的资金必须在2023年夏季之前获得批准，否则可能导致五年的延迟。安装在组件下方的中子发生器用于屏蔽目的，对于实现加拿大独一无二的核能研究设施的全部潜力至关重要。它将支持基础和小型模块化反应堆的研究和开发，并将主要由石墨制成，将有助于解决目前核数据的不足。鉴于亚临界组件的本质安全特性，安大略省理工学院打算开创一个多层次的学生培训计划，在该计划中，本科生和研究生都可以申请亚临界操作员和辐射防护职位。预计每年将有多达20名本科生和10名研究生参加这项计划。在所有情况下，学生都将接受一套系统的培训方案，包括完成CNSC批准的一套微型证书和动手培训，包括安全使用中子发生器的培训。这一培训计划将与中子发生器所必需的研究成果并行存在，并为其提供支持。当不用于研究时，该设施将用于教学和外展活动。