The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center conversion from HEU to LEU fuel

[摘要] The 2-MW Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center (RINSC) open pool reactor was converted from 93% UAL-High Enriched Uranium (HEU) fuel to 20% enrichment U3Si2-AL Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel. The conversion included redesign of the core to a more compact size and the addition of beryllium reflectors and a beryllium flux trap. A significant increase in thermal flux level was achieved due to greater neutron leakage in the new compact core configuration. Following the conversion, a second cooling loop and an emergency core cooling system were installed to permit operation at 5 MW. After re-licensing at 2 MW, a power upgrade request will be submitted to the NRC.

[发布日期] 2000-09-27 [发布机构] Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center, Narragansett, RI (United States)

[关键词] Modifications;Eccs;Rinsc Reactor;Rinsc Reactor;Neutron Reflectors