Operation experience of the research reactor HANARO

Operation experiences and the status of utilization facilities are presented in this paper. Problems in the reactor regulating system, diesel generator, cooling fan, and fuel handling are described, along with their causes and the actions taken. Most of the problems were caused by instrument error but the problem in the cooling fan could be classified as a human error. Such problems are minor but give a lesson in reactor operation and maintenance. More kinds of radioisotopes are being produced every year in parallel with improvements in production technology. The number of neutron activation analyses and neutron radiography tasks done for customers is increasing. In the Hanaro reactor five beam tubes are reserved for neutron beam research and in three of them the beam facilities are already installed or are in installation. Non-fissile material testing using a capsule was performed and fissile material tests are planned for the beginning of 1999. The fuel test loop is expected to hold its first fuel test in the year 2000. Fission molybdenum, cold neutron source, and neutron capture therapy are in the stage of conceptual or basic design. The use of HANARO will be more and more in demand as installation of utilization facilities increases year by year. (author)