Analyses Supporting Conversion of Research Reactors from High Enriched Uranium Fuel to Low Enriched Uranium Fuel. The Case of the Miniature Neutron Source Reactors

This publication was developed based on the results of an IAEA coordinated research project (CRP) and will serve as a reference to those potentially involved in conversion of research reactors from high enriched uranium (HEU) to low enriched uranium (LEU). The publication contains comprehensive design and safety analyses for the conversion of miniature neutron source reactors (MNSRs) and includes analyses that were performed by MNSR operating organizations participating in the CRP using data specific to their MNSR. Performance and safety analyses of generic and reactor - specific HEU and LEU MNSR cores located in China, Ghana, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Syrian Arab Republic are reported. Information concerning the design and performance of each reactor is used to analyse the effects of a conversion from an HEU to an LEU core, particularly relating to the neutron flux, core lifetime and required level of fuel enrichment. Neutronic, thermal-hydraulic, and radiological consequence analyses for each