Cost-Effective Light Water Reactor In-Pile Testing

Monitoring of nuclear power reactor material degradation caused by radiation requires specialized tools that can duplicate the environments of operating reactors at a reasonable cost. Few tools to do so are operated by the government and more supply is needed to augment existing capabilities of the government and address future growth in the nuclear energy sector. This Proposal is related to design, construct and operate a Ĺflow loopĺ (a pipe that allows water recirculation at the right chemistry, pressure, temperature) using a university research reactor. This approach lowers the cost to do work, at low exposure, because of the lower operating costs associated with a university research reactor, use of automation technology in the Ĺflow loopĺ system and the adoption of pre-existing sensors and detectors technology available by the government. Phase I work will be directed toward all analyses and concept development of all equipment needed. This includes thermal-hydraulic simulations, pipe stress analysis, digital so􀅌ware and hardware system design, safety system concept design and sample holder design. Materials, components and other equipment will be identified to be used in the design. Modifications to the university reactor systems may be needed to adapt. Access to government experience and existing technologies needed to accomplish this Project. Providing lower-cost research tools to a growing industry will lower the cost of that research effort and drive further acceleration. Adding a new private industry in nuclear irradiation testing can help market forces control prices and provide cost-efficient options for researchers that can use them. This expansion will increase employment, add valuable industry to the economy in the US, and grow domestic sources of nuclear industry tools. Phase II and III support will allow the US to meet those challenges to assist the government and the industry in these important energy technologies.