Update on the use of Neutron Absorbers for Storage Applications at Y-12
- Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
The Y-12 National Security Complex has a high density enriched uranium storage system at the Highly Enriched Uranium Materials Facility (HEUMF) that has been deployed for nearly 10 years. A robust neutron absorber system is provided through the design of Rackable Can Storage Boxes (RCSBs) and their configuration into storage racks. The requirements from ANSI/ANS-8.21, Use of Fixed Neutron Absorbers in Nuclear Facilities outside Reactors, are met with the RCSB and rack system at HEUMF through various design aspects, verification criteria, functional testing, and simulation modeling. Previous publications on a neutron absorber storage system at Y-12 were present at ANS in 2001 and 2002, when the RCSBs were still in a conceptual phase. The publications focused on ongoing studies at the time of what materials worked best for storage applications and how to test those materials, as well the practical design of the unit. The RCSBs have proven to provide a safe, static, and low maintenance storage system, with some minor design issues and several opportunities for future improvement.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant (Y-12), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-NA0001942
- OSTI ID:
- 1477013
- Report Number(s):
- IROS5610
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
NCS design and evaluation of new high-density storage containers
Technical Basis for the Uranium Processing Facility Criticality Accident Alarm System