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Title: SLOWPOKE-2 alternative core loading configurations analysis for highly improved reactor performance

Journal Article · · Annals of Nuclear Energy
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Here, a thorough analysis was carried out and is presented here exploring the possibilities for performance improvement of the LEU-fueled SLOWPOKE-2 reactor design, mainly with regard to the fuel pins distribution throughout the core. The chosen performance metric to maximize was the thermal neutron flux at the inner irradiation sites, while the essential constrain was to maintain the same Onset of Nucleate Boiling Ratio (ONBR) at nominal power, established as general safety criterion. MCNP5 and PLTEMP/ANL codes were used for the neutronics and thermal hydraulics simulations respectively, to analyze the reactor behavior under nearly 300 different core configurations or fuel loading patterns. The main proposed configuration, involving 270 fuel pins and minor modifications to the fuel cage, is predicted to allow a performance improvement of about 72.5% while maintaining the same safety margins. Additional or alternative, more complex modifications of the reactor for even further performance increases, involving changes to the fuel, the annular reflector and the control rod, are also suggested and analyzed in some detail. The basis to reduce or recover safety margin to reach higher power and flux levels, with the potential to at least double current performance when combined with suggested modifications, is also briefly examined. Possible effects of the higher reactor power on the reactor operation are considered as well, providing additional potential modifications to extend the maximum continuous operation time and the period between Be shims adjustments. Overall, this work constitutes a solid and detailed reference basis for very substantial potential performance improvements for SLOWPOKE-2 reactors that are pending conversion to LEU and those that may need refueling in the future. It also points out possible, though foreseeable more limited, performance improvements on MNSR reactors.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Material Management and Minimization (NA-23) Reactor Conversion Program
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
1547859
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1491836
Journal Information:
Annals of Nuclear Energy, Journal Name: Annals of Nuclear Energy Vol. 128 Journal Issue: C; ISSN 0306-4549
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 3 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

References (1)

A New Safety Principle For The Slowpoke Reactor journal June 2013

Figures / Tables (7)

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