HFIR [High-Flux Isotope Reactor] irradiation facilities improvements: Completion of the HIFI [High Irradiation Facilities Improvements] project

The HFIR Irradiation Facilities Improvements (HIFI) Project has now been completed. In August 1986, Phase I of the project was completed, providing the capability to perform instrumented irradiation experiments in the target region of the HFIR. In June 1987, Phase II of the project was completed with the assembly in the reactor mockup of all the components necessary to operate up to eight 46-mm-diam instrumented experiments in the removable beryllium region of the HFIR. In conjuntion with the installation of Phase I components, the first instrumented target capsule was installed to determine more accurately the probable temperature in the uninstrumented target capsules previously irradiated as part of the Japan/US fusion materials program. Data from this experiment indicate close agreement with expected temperatures in all positions except those at the extreme ends of the capsule. These data provide a more accurate axial gamma heating rate profile that will allow for better design of future HFIR target irradiation capsules