Theoretical verification of test results for self-powered radiation detectors; Comparison of Co gamma irradiation test results with calculated results

Takeda, Ryoma; Shibata, Hiroshi; Takeuchi, Tomoaki; Nakano, Hiroko; Seki, Misaki; Ide, Hiroshi

JAEA-Testing 2024-007, 33 Pages, 2025/03

JAEA-Testing-2024-007.pdf:1.63MB

Japan Materials Testing Reactor (JMTR) in Oarai Research and Development Institute of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has been developing various reactor materials, irradiation techniques and instruments for more than 30 years. Among them, the development of self-powered neutron detectors (SPNDs) and gamma detectors (SPGDs) has been carried out, and several research results have been reported. In this report, we compare and verify these test results with the theoretical output results obtained by the calculation code created in the JAEA report (JAEA-Data/Code 2021-018). The comparison was made with the irradiation test results of SPGD, a cobalt-60 gamma irradiation facility. As a result, it was found that the calculation results reproduced the test results well when the emitter diameter was relatively small compared to the range of Compton scattered electrons by the gamma rays. On the other hand, when the emitter diameter is relatively large, the output current in the test results is only about half of the calculated output current. The self-shielding effect of the emitter may be one of the reasons for the difference in the emitter diameter, and a new formulation, such as incorporating the effect of self-shielding caused by a larger emitter diameter or a non-isotropic -ray field as a change in the mean electron range or mean minimum energy in the calculation code, is necessary. The new formulation is necessary.

Establishment and test operation of irradiation facility for LWR water environment simulation tests

Sayato, Natsuki; Otsuka, Kaoru; Fuyushima, Takumi; Endo, Yasuichi; Otsuka, Noriaki; Kitagishi, Shigeru; Tobita, Masahiro*; Isozaki, Futoshi*; Matsumoto, Satoshi*; Takemoto, Noriyuki

JAEA-Technology 2024-016, 247 Pages, 2025/02

JAEA-Technology-2024-016.pdf:28.43MB

Japan Materials Testing Reactor (JMTR, 50MW) was selected as a project to be subsidized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for the "Establishment of an International Research and Development Center through Advanced Utilization of the World's Most Advanced Research Reactor". As part of this project, JMTR has installed "LWR Water Environment Simulation Tests" since 2010. This facility can control temperature, pressure, and water quality (dissolved oxygen, dissolved hydrogen, etc.) to simulate the water environment of light water reactors (BWR and PWR) and perform neutron irradiation of in-core structural materials, etc. In addition, this facility is also designed for PWR conditions. Chemical injection system for adding boron and lithium was added to the facility for PWR conditions. After the equipment was installed, test operation was carried out to confirm the performance of the facility. This report summarizes the establishment and test operation of LWR Water Environment Simulation Tests after the establishment.

Training using JMTR and related facilities in FY2021 and FY2022

Nakano, Hiroko; Fujinami, Kyoko; Yamaura, Takayuki; Kawakami, Jun; Hanakawa, Hiroki

JAEA-Review 2023-036, 33 Pages, 2024/03

JAEA-Review-2023-036.pdf:2.47MB

A practical training course using the JMTR (Japan Materials Testing Reactor) and other research infrastructures was held from November 29 to December 2 in 2021 for Asian young researchers and engineers. This course was adopted as International Youth Exchange Program in Science (SAKURA SCIENCE Exchange Program) which is the project of the Japan Science and Technology Agency, and this course aims to enlarge the number of high-level nuclear researchers/engineers in Asian countries which are planning to introduce a nuclear power plant, and to promote the use of facilities in future. In this year, from the viewpoint of preventing the spread of COVID-19 infection, it was decided to hold the event online. 53 young researchers and engineers joined the course from 6 countries. In FY2022, training programs with invitations were held due to the easing of restrictions on entry into Japan from overseas. 7 young researchers and engineers from4 Asian countries participated in the training from February 1 to 10, 2023. The common curriculum in the training course of FY2021 and FY2022 included lectures on nuclear energy, irradiation testing, safety management, JMTR decommissioning plan, etc. In the online session, conducted in FY2021, information exchange on the energy situation in each country was conducted. On-site training conducted in FY2022, included practical training on operation using simulations, environmental monitoring, etc. and facility tours of the JMTR, etc. Many participants could join the online training course, they created a diversity of expertise and made lively discussions during the information exchange. On-site training, while limited in number of participants, provided a good opportunity for personnel exchange through practical training and face-face communication. It is desirable to hold on-site training as long as circumstances permit. This report summarizes the training conducted in FY2021 and FY2022.

Neutron flux estimation and neutronics characteristics calculation in post-JMTR conceptual study

Oizumi, Akito; Akie, Hiroshi

JAEA-Technology 2023-017, 93 Pages, 2023/12

JAEA-Technology-2023-017.pdf:8.45MB

After the decision of decommissioning JMTR (Japan Materials Testing Reactor), Japan Atomic Energy Agency investigated the possibility to construct a new irradiation test reactor to succeed JMTR (post-JMTR), and the final report of the investigated result was submitted to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology on March 30th 2021. This investigation was carried out in 4 steps of (1) selection of reactor type, (2) reactor core plans studies, (3) neutronic studies, (4) thermal studies, and was finally (5) considered and evaluated. This JAEA-Technology report summarizes the process and the results of (3) neutronic studies. Neutron fluxes were calculated at irradiation sample positions in the investigated cores, the standard core and the compact core, and the calculated fluxes satisfied the required irradiation capability. It was also evaluated the two investigated cores' continuous reactor operation time in days in one refueling cycle, and the results guaranteed an operation days equality with that of existing JMTR. In addition, neutronic characteristics of the cores were estimated, such as power distribution in the core, control rod reactivity worth, reactivity coefficients, distribution of fuel burnup rate of each fuel element, and kinetics parameters. The evaluated neutronic characteristics were used in the post-JMTR final investigation report to confirm the neutronic feasibility by comparing with the neutronic limiting values of existing JMTR, and to estimate the cooling capability to make the core thermally feasible.

Irradiation test using foreign reactor, 1; Study of irradiation test with capsule temperature control system (Joint research)

Takabe, Yugo; Otsuka, Noriaki; Fuyushima, Takumi; Sayato, Natsuki; Inoue, Shuichi; Morita, Hisashi; Jaroszewicz, J.*; Migdal, M.*; Onuma, Yuichi; Tobita, Masahiro*; et al.

JAEA-Technology 2022-040, 45 Pages, 2023/03

JAEA-Technology-2022-040.pdf:6.61MB

Because of the decommission of the Japan Materials Testing Reactor (JMTR), the domestic neutron irradiation facility, which had played a central role in the development of innovative nuclear reactors and the development of technologies to further improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of light water reactors, was lost. Therefore, it has become difficult to pass on the operation techniques of the irradiation test reactors and irradiation technologies, and to train human resources. In order to cope with these issues, we conducted a study on the implementation of irradiation tests using overseas reactors as neutron irradiation sites as an alternative method. Based on the "Arrangement between the National Centre for Nuclear Research and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency for Cooperation in Research and Development on Testing Reactor," the feasibility of conducting an irradiation test at the MARIA reactor (30 MW) owned by the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) using the temperature control system, which is one of the JMTR irradiation technologies, was examined. As a result, it was found that the irradiation test was possible by modifying the ready-made capsule manufactured in accordance with the design and manufacturing standards of the JMTR. After the modification, a penetration test, an insulation continuity test, and an operation test in the range of room temperature to 300C, which is the operating temperature of the capsule, were conducted and favorable results were obtained. We have completed the preparations prior to transport to the MARIA reactor.

LASSO reconstruction scheme to predict radioactive source distributions inside reactor building rooms; Practical applications

Machida, Masahiko; Shi, W.*; Yamada, Susumu; Miyamura, Hiroko; Yoshida, Toru*; Hasegawa, Yukihiro*; Okamoto, Koji; Aoki, Yuto; Ito, Rintaro; Yamaguchi, Takashi; et al.

Proceedings of Waste Management Symposia 2023 (WM2023) (Internet), 11 Pages, 2023/02

Evaluation on activation activity of radioactive materials remaining in JMTR Reactor Facility

Nagata, Hiroshi; Otsuka, Kaoru; Omori, Takazumi; Ide, Hiroshi

JAEA-Technology 2022-017, 113 Pages, 2022/08

JAEA-Technology-2022-017.pdf:6.17MB

Japan Materials Testing Reactor (JMTR) was decided as a one of decommission facilities in April 2017. The activation activity of radioactive materials remaining in the reactor facility was evaluated in order to submit the decommissioning plan to the Nuclear Regulation Authority. Total activation activity was 9.310 Bq after the permanent shutdown of reactor, 2.710 Bq after 21 years, 1.010 Bq after 40 years and 2.410 Bq after 100 years. The structure with high activation activity was the core structural materials in JMTR such as beryllium frame, aluminum reflector, etc., and the material was stainless steel, beryllium, etc. The ratio of nuclides to the total amount of activated radioactivity was highest in H-3 until about 40 years after the reactor shutdown, and then in Ni-63. For reference, the radioactivity level was classified based on the results of the obtained radioactivity concentration. The ratio of the weight of each radioactivity level to the total weight was 0.3-0.4% (10-13t) for L1, 0.0-0.4% (0-14t) for L2, 1.0-1.2% (32-39t) for L3 and 98.0-98.7% (about 3200t) for CL until 100 years after the reactor shutdown. It was found that those classified as CL account for more than 90% of the total. When treating and disposing of radioactive waste, evaluation will be carried out based on appropriate methods, including evaluation results of secondary pollutants.

Design and production of the valve used in Radioactive Liquid Disposal Facility

Nishimura, Arashi; Okada, Yuji; Sugaya, Naoto; Sonobe, Hiroshi; Kimura, Nobuaki; Kimura, Akihiro; Hanawa, Yoshio; Nemoto, Hiroyoshi

JAEA-Technology 2021-003, 51 Pages, 2021/05

JAEA-Technology-2021-003.pdf:5.55MB

In the Japan Materials Testing Reactor (JMTR), the leakage accidents of radioactive waste liquid were occurred from the tanks and pipes of the liquid waste disposal facility in the JMTR tank-yard building in JFY2014. In order to respond to the accident, obtain the approval of the JAEA to the design and construction method from JFY2016, the tanks and pipes were replaced from JFY2016 to 2019. In the replaced, the production of the tanks and pipes of the liquid waste disposal facility applied Japanese technical standards correspondingly. On the other hand, the valve did not fall under the category of Japanese technical standards. The manufacturing specifications when replacing the valve were decided based on the including the selecting the standards of production and inspection for valves, Fluid properties, experience in JMTR. The production proceeded while carrying out the decided inspection. The valves that passed all the inspections were installed together with the tanks and pipes of the liquid waste, and the finished inspection was performed as a systems. The construction was completed with those inspection passed. This report is summarized valve Design, production and installation.

Seismic evaluation of canal underwater equipment for hydraulic rabbit No. 1 irradiation facility

Magome, Hirokatsu; Iimura, Koichi; Matsui, Yoshinori

JAEA-Technology 2020-022, 32 Pages, 2021/02

JAEA-Technology-2020-022.pdf:4.04MB

Among the canal underwater equipment of HR-1, seismic evaluations of the canal side wall parts and the canal bottom surface parts were carried out for the insertion device, take-out device and decay tank. As a result, it was confirmed that the equipments have sufficient seismic resistances because the maximum stress of the canal side wall joint, the bolt portion of the canal bottom joint, and the fillet weld are within the allowable stress.

Soundness survey of cooling tower of Utility Cooling Loop (UCL Cooling Tower) in JMTR

Oto, Tsutomu; Asano, Norikazu; Kawamata, Takanori; Yanai, Tomohiro; Nishimura, Arashi; Araki, Daisuke; Otsuka, Kaoru; Takabe, Yugo; Otsuka, Noriaki; Kojima, Keidai; et al.

JAEA-Review 2020-018, 66 Pages, 2020/11

JAEA-Review-2020-018.pdf:8.87MB

A collapse event of the cooling tower of secondary cooling system in the JMTR (Japan Materials Testing Reactor) was caused by the strong wind of Typhoon No.15 on September 9, 2019. The cause of the collapse of the cooling tower was investigated and analyzed. As the result, it was identified that four causes occurred in combination. Thus, the soundness of the cooling tower of Utility Cooling Loop (UCL cooling tower), which is a wooden cooling tower installed at the same period as the cooling tower of secondary cooling system, was investigated. The items of soundness survey are to grasp the operation conditions of the UCL cooling tower, to confirm the degradation of structural materials, the inspection items and inspection status of the UCL cooling tower, and to investigate the past meteorological data. As the results of soundness survey of the UCL cooling tower, the improvement of inspection items of the UCL cooling tower was carried out and the replacement and repair of the structural materials of the UCL cooling tower were planned for safe maintenance and management of this facility. And the renewal plan of new cooling tower was created to replace the existing UCL cooling tower. This report is summarized the soundness survey of the UCL cooling tower.