Speaker
Description
LVR-15 is a 10 MW experimental reactor operated by Centrum výzkumu Řež (CVR), Czech Republic. The LVR-15 reactor is used primarily for irradiation of materials, production of radiopharmaceuticals, and experiments using neutron radiography and other applications of neutron beams. Although the reactor operates at atmospheric pressure and low coolant temperatures, materials can be irradiated under various conditions corresponding to, for example, LWR or Gen IV reactors. These conditions are achieved using insert irradiation rigs. This presentation will introduce an irradiation rig that allows the irradiation of cladding tube materials at temperatures above 300°C and internal pressures up to 25 MPa. The thermal aspects, including thermal design, temperature control, and monitoring of temperatures and other variables, will be primarily discussed. Operational experiences will be presented, and deviations of measured data from design assumptions and simulations will be discussed. Additionally, results from supporting activities on the computational evaluation of gamma heating, whose precise knowledge has proven to be crucial for the design of such a device, will be mentioned. Other selected irradiation rigs with an emphasis on thermal aspects and instrumentation will also be briefly mentioned.
