Security devices and experiment facilities at ENEA TRIGA RC-1 reactor

RC-1 TRIGA operating exercise staff has produced some auxiliary security devices. These are the neutron source automatic handling device, irradiated samples rabbit connection rotating rack, and auxiliary equipment for transferring hot fuel elements. The reactor electronic control instrumentation system includes various instrumentation channels, the operating capability of which must be verified by the licensee as per Italian regulations. In order to obtain automatic and repeatable operations, TEMAV designed and constructed a remotely-driven source transfer device, based on requirements, performance specifications and technical data supplied by ENEA-TIB. The pneumatic irradiating system for short lived materials allows extraction of radiated samples in a time no longer than 4 seconds. To optimize the system, both as to operability and health protection, a specific rotating rack for the connection of irradiated samples with pneumatic transfer (RABBIT) was produced. To permit 1 MW hot fuel element storage in pits it is necessary to remove hot 100 KW fuel elements and transfer them to a re-treatment plant. Feasibility studies showed the impossibility of using heavy trucks inside the reactor hall. To avoid problems trucks are left outside the reactor hall and only the PEGASO container is removed with a special device that runs on rails. Movement from Rail truck is assured by an electromotor driving pull device and security cable