Californium-252 production at the High Flux Isotope Reactor - II: Comparison between the highly enriched uranium and a proposed low-enriched uranium core

Journal Article · 27 September 2024 · Annals of Nuclear Energy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2024.110920 · OSTI ID:2472717

Chandler, David  ^[1]; Hartanto, Donny  ^[1]; Whan Bae, Jin  ^[1]; Burg, Kevin M.  ^[1]; Robert, Yves  ^[1]; Sizemore, Carol  ^[1]

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1. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

This is the second paper on a ²⁵²Cf production study performed in support of efforts to convert the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) from highly enriched uranium (HEU) to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. The first paper primarily focuses on validating computational tools and nuclear data. This companion paper evaluates another critical aspect: the ²⁵²Cf production capability with a proposed LEU core. HFIR must maintain its world-class performance and missions following conversion and because ²⁵²Cf is a vital, multipurpose neutron-emitting radioisotope, the ability to efficiently produce ²⁵²Cf must be preserved. In this study, the HFIRCON transport and depletion tool, several nuclear data libraries, and Campaign 78 data were used to compute ²⁵²Cf production, sensitivity, and safety metrics. Further, results indicate the ²⁵²Cf production and production rates are slightly higher with a 95MW_th LEU core compared with those obtained with the 85MW_th HEU core. Additionally, the target peak fission rate densities, discharge cumulative fission densities, and heat deposition rates with the LEU core are within a few percent of those calculated with the HEU core. The findings suggest HFIR’s ²⁵²Cf production capability can be effectively maintained with an LEU core without adversely affecting the safety metrics.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 2472717
• Journal Information: Annals of Nuclear Energy, Journal Name: Annals of Nuclear Energy Vol. 211; ISSN 0306-4549
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English