Irradiation pneumatic system fine-tuning using accelerometers

Abstract

The OPAL research reactor is fitted with short-residence pneumatic irradiation systems to facilitate neutron activation analysis using short-lived isotopes. Irradiation timing information as reported by the control system was found to be inaccurate. Two independent methods were employed to understand the behaviour of the system, the first using activation methods while the second method involved sending irradiation cans fitted with self-contained logging accelerometers in and out of the reactor. Results from these tests were used to correct errors in the control system parameters and enable further process optimisation of the pneumatic system.