Utilization related design features of research reactors: A compendium

For more than 50 years, research reactors have played an important role in the development of nuclear science and technology. They have made significant contributions to a large number of disciplines, as well as to the educational and research programmes of about 70 countries worldwide. In the recent past, however, the utilization patterns of research reactors have changed remarkably. At present, new and upgraded research reactors are either facilities specialized in education, materials research and radioisotope production, or state of the art machines designed and equipped to carry out cutting edge research involving neutrons. A significant number of operating research reactors have become service-for-fee facilities producing radioisotopes, and performing neutron radiography, semiconductor doping and neutron activation analysis for a wide range of users while continuing their traditional role in education and training. At the same time, high quality basic research is the driving force for the few new, state of the art and high performance research reactors. There are significant utilization issues being faced by the research reactor community, one being the selection, design and operation of various types of devices in research reactors. Early in 2002, in order to facilitate the exchange of ideas, concepts and experience, the IAEA decided to prepare a publication on facilities and associated devices for selected fields of utilization of research reactors, including constraints and restrictions imposed on design and operation. Pursuing that objective, in December 2002 the IAEA convened a meeting to consider updating the existing documentation on multipurpose research reactors, which was produced in 1988. It was agreed at that meeting that updating the original material, and preserving its organization and contents was not the best response to the actual needs of the research reactor community worldwide. Instead, the recommendation was to prepare a guide on the utilization of research reactors. This publication was designed to focus on the wide variety of facilities that exist at research reactors to carry out research, education and the production of goods and services. The IAEA convened a technical meeting in July 2003 to prepare this compendium by integrating current information in the design, construction and operation of research reactor facilities and their associated devices. The information presented at that meeting formed the basis of this publication. The meeting also identified gaps in the information presented and suggested approaching other experts in the research reactor community to supply written contributions on purpose designed features which were not covered in the meeting