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

安大略理工学院最近从加拿大的另一所大学获得了亚临界组件的三个主要部分中的两个。这是能源和核工程部门历史上最重要的一笔收购，虽然该机构现在拥有核燃料和伴随的石墨慢化剂，用于这种本质安全的特殊类型的零功率反应堆，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的放射性同位素中子源，但由于亚临界组件中的中子通量与其驱动中子源的强度成正比，因此这些中子源产生的通量太低，无法用于大多数实验，因此更强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，但它们价格昂贵，而且由于它们是基于放射性衰变的，它们的活动呈现出无法关闭的重大辐射危害。一种合适的中子源替代品被称为中子发生器，这是一种静电加速器，在通电时只发射中子，已经确定，如果得到资助，将成为将亚临界组件作为支持整个大学研究的研究设施投入主流使用所需的最后一块拼图，以及申请人的特定需求。在亚临界桩中使用中子发生器可能产生的研究成果是不可估量的。为了满足CNSC的许可时间表，必须在2023年夏季之前批准中子发生器的资金，否则可能会导致五年的延迟。中子发生器安装在组件下方用于屏蔽目的，对于实现加拿大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与开发，并且主要由石墨制成，将有助于解决目前核数据的不足。考虑到亚临界组件的本质安全性，安大略理工学院打算开创一个多层次的学生培训计划，其中本科生和研究生都可以申请亚临界操作员和辐射防护角色。预计每年将有多达20名本科生和10名研究生参加该计划。在所有情况下，学生将接受结构化的培训包，包括完成cnsc批准的微证书和实践培训，包括中子发生器的安全使用培训。该培训计划将与中子发生器所必需的研究成果并行并提供支持。当不用于研究时，该设施将用于教学和外展活动。

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.