On-Line Monitoring Technology for Aging Management and Life Extension of the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory

The Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has a long history of service to the nation and is expected to continue to operate for many more years. Recently, ATR was designated as a user facility, making it accessible to a wider spectrum of researchers, engineers, and scientists from around the globe. In order to preserve this valuable asset, this project will establish the feasibility of implementing modern maintenance technologies at ATR. In particular, the latest in on-line monitoring technologies will be employed to optimize the reliability of ATR and its equipment, especially ATR¿s rotating equipment and instrumentation and control systems. The technologies to be developed under this project will have applications in most research reactors even though the proposed R&D will use the ATR as the test bed. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardeeThe maintenance technologies should have applications in research reactors, commercial nuclear power plants, and industrial processes for improving equipment and process safety, efficiency, and reliability. Over the next 10 years, the market for this technology is estimated to be approximately $50 million.