PRR1 REHABILITATION AND THE CURRENT AND FUTURE NEUTRON BEAM UTILIZATION PROGRAM

摘要

The PRR1 research reactor is the center for nuclear science R & D in the Philippines. It is located in Metro Manila inside the campus of the University of the Philippines. It is a General Electric designed reactor and was commissioned in 1963 with a rated thermal power of 1 MW. It was operated for 20 years enabling the Institute to pursue activities in radioisotope production, neutron scattering, activation analyses and other R& D activities requiring neutron beam. In 1984 it was converted to a 3 MW TRIGA Type reactor. Conversion was completed and test run was successfully accomplished in 1988(1). In the same year the reactor was shut down due to a leak in the aluminum liner of the reactor pool. During the repair deterioration of the other parts of the reactor was discovered that could affect the safety of its operation. A rehabilitation program is made that include the reactor core box and all the other peripherals that could affect its safety operation and to address present regulatory concerns (2). Modification of the core box and its position in the pool opens opportunities and possibilities to suit specific neutron beam application for the users. Plans for this will be presented as well as the strategy of the Institute to satisfy the current need for reactor based facility to enhanced implementation of the Country's S & T Program.