Unique radiation protection issues and competition for resources at a midsize university reactor facility

The University of Florida Training Reactor (UFTR) is a 100-kW modified-Argonaut, graphite-and-water-moderated reactor. Originally licensed for 10-kW power level in 1959, its rated power was raised to 100 kW in 1970. The physical arrangement of the reactor core and surrounding moderator and shielding structure is depicted. The power level and nonpool design of this facility together with heightened awareness of as-low-as-reasonably-achievable (ALARA) radiation considerations and the continued evolution of US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements have resulted in some unique radiation protection issues and perspectives at this facility. Relatively low power already limits effective usage, but evolving radiation protection concerns have resulted in additional limitations in recent years. The reasons are twofold: heightened licensee awareness of legal, not technical, vulnerabilities and evolving regulator concerns. From a facility perspective, the basic radiation protection issue is really survival of the facility while meeting all regulatory requirements in an academic climate that is, at best, neutral. 2 refs., 1 fig