Radioisotope Production Target Insertion Design and Target Harvest Method for Long-Term Irradiation in Commercial Reactors

摘要

Specimens to be converted to radioisotopes can be inserted into the extended recoverable thimbles of the reactor-operated core detector system and harvested after irradiation during reactor operation or during fuel reloading without damaging the recoverable thimbles. Apparatus and methods are provided for making such an arrangement. The test piece is enclosed inside the front portion of the tubular member with a closed tip and configured to move within a recoverable thimble. The tubular member is sized to extend from a position near the desired core height to which the specimen is to be irradiated from a position above the seal table through which the recoverable thimble extends. Specimens are inserted and withdrawn from the core by inserting or withdrawing tubular members from the seal table. Preferably, the front end of the tubular member is divided into several specimen compartments.