Reactor TRIGA PUSPATI: Pool water chemistry

The nuclear reactor at Nuclear Malaysia in Bangi is 1 megawatt TRIGA (training, research isotope, General Atomic) reactor. It has been operating since June 1982 and various types of research had been conducted using the reactor. This is in line with Nuclear Malaysia mission to be excellence in research and applications of nuclear technology for sustainable development. The reactor and experimental facilities are surrounded by a concrete shield structure and the reactor core and reflector assemble is located at the bottom of a 2 m diameter aluminum tank. Approximately 5 m of water above the core provides vertical shielding. This paper discusses the research that had been made on water chemistry of TRIGA-PUSPATI pool water. The objectives of the research are to identify the ions, element or particle that may threaten the integrity of reactors parts; to determine the concentration of selected ions, element or particle; to acquire information and data, for us to establish water quality monitoring and controlling program; and to build fundamental basis on water chemistry of nuclear power plant. The research concludes that the TRIGA pool water satisfy the standard recommended by General Atomic (GA). The cation and anion tests that had been conducted show that the concentrations of selected ions are well below 1 ppm, which is good for water quality. However, continuous monitoring program and reassessment on water quality are necessary to continuously protect the integrity of reactor's parts. (author)