Adaptation of the safety criteria for research reactors in zero power reactors – Application for the RA0 reactor

The main objective is to show, through the application in the RA0 reactor, the challenges associated with the adaptation of safety criteria in zero-power reactors. A zero-power reactor may not require coolant to keep fuel temperature values below safety values. Most of the main guidelines for fundamental safety functions are related with coolant, and are not functional for these reactors. The functions related to the control of reactivity and exposure to radiation, are applicable. In the deterministic analysis of research reactors, a common topic is to avoid core melting. However, in a zero-power reactor the analysis can be focused on the dose received by an operator and the capability to auto shutdown. (author)