Thermalhydraulics Analysis and Current Status of Bandung TRIGA Research Reactor

Bandung TRIGA reactor is the first nuclear reactor in Indonesia and reached first criticality in year 1964. In the first time, the reactor was operated at a power of 250 kW. The reactor was upgraded to 1000 kW power level in 1971, and to 2000 kW in 2000. The Bandung TRIGA research reactor completed a commissioning program for 2000 kW power and receives an operating license at 2000 kW in the year 2000. During the commissioning tests, bubbly flow phenomena at the reactor core were observed. Due to some safety problems relating to heat transfer in the core, both innovative numerical and experimental methods have been applied as the approach to solve the thermal-hydraulic problems occur in the reactor core. Numerical approach for three-dimensional analysis using CFD software was applied in the finite volume method. The results of this research showed that the coolant flow in the reactor core is not purely induced by the force due to the density difference of the coolant, but also affected by the flow coming in from the primary cooling system. However, since September 2011, the Bandung TRIGA research reactor operating license has been suspended by the Indonesian Regulatory Body because of technical issues related to fuel burn-up. The government of Indonesia (BATAN) expects the Bandung TRIGA research reactor can be operated more safely and strongly supports the continued operation of the Bandung TRIGA research reactor. Recently, we are planning several options for operating reactors again such as procurement of fuel element standard TRIGA, utilize the existing TRIGA fuel and create a new control rod by BATAN and conversion of the standard TRIGA fuel into the plate type fuel. (author)