Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5478115 | Nuclear Engineering and Technology | 2017 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
The heavy water zero power reactor (HWZPR), which is a critical assembly with a maximum power of 100Â W, can be used in different lattice pitches. The last change of core configuration was from a lattice pitch of 18-20Â cm. Based on regulations, prior to the first operation of the reactor, a new core was simulated with MCNP (Monte Carlo N-Particle)-4C and WIMS (Winfrith Improved Multigroup Scheme)-CITATON codes. To investigate the criticality of this core, the effective multiplication factor (Keff) versus heavy water level, and the critical water level were calculated. Then, for safety considerations, the reactivity worth of D2O, the reactivity worth of safety and control rods, and temperature reactivity coefficients for the fuel and the moderator, were calculated. The results show that the relevant criteria in the safety analysis report were satisfied in the new core. Therefore, with the permission of the reactor safety committee, the first criticality operation was conducted, and important physical parameters were measured experimentally. The results were compared with the corresponding values in the original core.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Energy
Nuclear Energy and Engineering
Authors
Zahra Nasrazadani, Raana Salimi, Afrooz Askari, Jamshid Khorsandi, Mohammad Mirvakili, Mohammad Mashayekh,