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.

安大略理工学院最近由加拿大另一所大学的亚临界集会的三个主要部分中的两个部分赠予。能源和核工程系历史上最重要的收购是，该机构现在拥有核燃料和伴随的石墨主持人，用于这种本质上安全，特殊类型的零电力反应堆，它缺乏适合的外部快速中子源来驱动它。尽管大学有几个小的放射性同位素中子来源，但由于亚临界组装中的中子通量与其驱动器中子源的强度成正比，因此它们的驱动器中子的强度太低，无法对大多数实验有用，因此更强的中子源是必不可少的。尽管可以采购更强大的放射性同位素中子来源，但它们很昂贵，并且鉴于它们是基于放射性衰减的，因此它们的活动带来了无法关闭的重大辐射危险。已经确定了一种仅在启动时发出中子的静电加速器的合适的中子源替代方案，它已被鉴定出来，如果资助，将是将亚临界装配物用于主流使用的最终拼图件，作为支持整个大学研究的研究设施，以及申请人的特定需求。通过在亚临界桩中使用中子发电机的研究可能会输出。为了满足CNSC许可时间范围，至关重要的是，在2023年夏季之前批准中子发电机的资金可能会导致五年延迟。中子发生器安装在装配下方，以实现加拿大核能研究机构的独特性的全部潜力至关重要。它将支持基本和小型模块化反应堆研究和开发，并且主要由石墨制成，有助于解决核数据中当前的短缺。鉴于亚临界集会的本质安全性，安大略省技术打算先驱一项多级学生培训计划，其中本科生和研究生都可以申请亚临界操作员和辐射保护角色。预计每年将为这一计划提供多达20名本科生和10名研究生。在所有情况下，学生将接受结构化的培训计划，涉及完成一套由CNSC批准的微观证书和动手培训，包括有关安全使用中子生成器的培训。该培训计划将与中子发电机的研究输出并联和支持相关。当不用于研究时，该设施将用于教学和推广活动。