Analysis of TRIGA 2000 Core Reshuffling Scenario Based on Fuels Burn up and Fuels Density

Abstract

Analysis of the TRIGA 2000 core reshuffling scenario based on fuel burn-up and fuel density has been done. One of the requirements of Bandung TRIGA 2000 Reactor reliability is the implementation of maintenance and surveillance activities with predetermined Operation and Limits Conditions (OLC) so that the safety parameters will be met. Core management is one of the maintenance activities carried out. Safety parameters that are required to be fulfilled in the core management include the shutdown margin and the power peaking factors. The scenario carried out in the core management in this analysis that was doing the core compaction by sorting the fuel position on the core based on the fuel burnup and the fuel density. Each core management method was carried out in 4 scenarios. The purpose of this analysis is of course to compare both methods and also to get the optimal scenario to be applied to the core of the existing Bandung TRIGA 2000 Reactor. From the eight proposed scenarios, obtained two scenarios that meet the requirements of shutdown margin and power peaking factor from the OLC, namely scenario 2 with the k-eff value obtained 1.01243, and scenario D with the k-eff value obtained 1.02031. Therefore, scenarios 2 and D will then be proposed as the existing Bandung TRIGA 2000 Reactor core configuration scenario.

Bandung Triga 2000 Reactor Power Analysis as a Function of the Number of Fuel Elements and the Power Peaking Factor

“…Other input data are listed in Table 1. Resistance coefficient on the output side of the fuel element Length of flow area, cm Loss coefficient due to laminar flow friction The equivalent hydraulic diameter of the reactor core, cm The cross sectional area of the flow at the input side of the reactor pool, cm 2 Sub channel area along the fuel element, cm 2 The cross sectional area of the flow at the output side of the reactor pool, cm 2…”

“…The basic principle of core management, particularly reshuffle and refuel, is to increase the excess reactivity by considering other safety parameters, such as shutdown margins and both axial and radial power peaking factors. The main goal of fuel management is to obtain the most optimal reactivity along with the most economical use of fuel [2]. The reactivity value of the Bandung TRIGA reactor core has decreased over time, so the power generated by the reactor is also getting smaller, despite the control rod position is fully withdrawn.…”

“…The first scenario resulted in core criticality with effective multiplication factor of 1.01243 and radial power peaking factor of 1.655. The second scenario resulted in core criticality with effective multiplication factor of 1.02031 and radial power peaking factor of 1.675935 [2].…”