Possibility evaluation of eliminating the saturated control fuel element from Tehran research reactor core

In this study the possibility of safe operation of Tehran research reactor (TRR) providing the elimination of one control rod is evaluated. One of the control fuel elements (CFEs) of TRR has been reached the maximum permissible burn-up and due to the impossibility of fresh fuel assembly provision under current situation, providing an optimum core configuration which satisfies safe operation conditions by applying fuel management calculations is essential. In order to ensure the safe and stable operation of recently proposed configuration for TRR core, neutronic and thermal hydraulic parameters of the new core are calculated and compared with the safety criteria. The results show good compatibility with reactor safety criteria, and provide desired shutdown margin and safety reactivity factor.

► We show safe operation of Tehran research reactor without one of its control rods.
► We propose an optimum new core configuration by fuel management calculations.
► We calculate neutronic and thermal hydraulic parameters of the new core.
► Parameters are consistent with the safety criteria.