High Flux Reactor Review and Reactivity Control Analysis

Abstract

For over 60 years, research reactors have provided the world with a versatile tool to test materials and promote irradiation research, as well as to produce radioisotopes for medical treatments. The High Flux Reactor (HFR), as a water moderated and cooled, beryllium-reflected reactor has awarded more attention in recent years. There is a wide range of designs and applications for HFRs that based on their own situation to meet research requirements. For the purpose of reducing the volume and mass of the reactor, as well as ensuring the safety operation, it is necessary to determine the most effective reactivity control scheme, and analyze the corresponding reactivity insertion accidents. This paper is going to investigate typical high flux reactors within the same type with HFETR, summarize general description and characteristics, the uses of the high flux reactor, and reactivity control mechanisms. In addition, the associated reactivity insertion accidents were presented and analyzed. The analysis result will provide some references to further design and construction of high flux reactor.