Cryogenic system for the MYRRHA superconducting linear accelerator

Journal Article · Wed Jan 29 04:00:00 EST 2014 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4860717· OSTI ID:22263941

Chevalier, Nicolas R.; Junquera, Tomas ^[1]; Thermeau, Jean-Pierre ^[2]; Romão, Luis Medeiros; Vandeplassche, Dirk ^[3]

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1. Accelerators and Cryogenic Systems, 86, rue de Paris, 91400 Orsay (France)
2. Institut de Physique Nucléaire, Université Paris Sud, 91400 Orsay (France)
3. SCK-CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol (Belgium)

SCK⋅CEN, the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, is designing MYRRHA, a flexible fast spectrum research reactor (80 MW{sub th}), conceived as an accelerator driven system (ADS), able to operate in sub-critical and critical modes. It contains a continuous-wave (CW) superconducting (SC) proton accelerator of 600 MeV, a spallation target and a multiplying core with MOX fuel, cooled by liquid lead-bismuth (Pb-Bi). From 17 MeV onward, the SC accelerator will consist of 48 β=0.36 spoke-loaded cavities (352 MHz), 34 β=0.47 elliptical cavities (704 MHz) and 60 β=0.65 elliptical cavities (704 MHz). We present an analysis of the thermal loads and of the optimal operating temperature of the cryogenic system. In particular, the low operating frequency of spoke cavities makes their operation in CW mode possible both at 4.2 K or at 2 K. Our analysis outlines the main factors that determine at what temperature the spoke cavities should be operated. We then present different cryogenic fluid distribution schemes, important characteristics (storage, transfer line, etc.) and the main challenges offered by MYRRHA in terms of cryogenics.

• OSTI ID: 22263941
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 1573; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BISMUTH
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
CRYOGENICS
DESIGN
LINEAR ACCELERATORS
LIQUIDS
RESEARCH REACTORS
SPECTRA