Design and development of a device for the opening of irradiated aluminum capsules in the IPEN IEA-R1 nuclear reactor
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2019
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INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR ATLANTIC CONFERENCE
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The production of radionuclides in nuclear research reactors is an important activity of national nuclear energy
programs. Numerous radionuclides produced include molybdenum-99, iodine-131 and phosphorus-32, widely
used in medical procedures. Radionuclides are produced by exposing the target material to a neutron flux in one
of the irradiation positions in the core of the nuclear reactor. Before irradiation, the target materials must be
contained in sealed capsules, preventing the release of radionuclides that contaminate the nuclear reactor
installation. The capsules used in the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN) IEA-R1 nuclear reactor are
made of aluminum, taking advantage of the following characteristics: low cross section for neutron absorption,
radionuclide production from the aluminum alloy of short half-life, good thermal conductivity and possibility of
cold sealing of the capsule. This work proposes a new device for opening irradiated aluminum capsules
(rabbits), with implement of a better procedure, focusing on operator safety. Ensuring safety during all stages
and processes is a preponderant factor when it comes to radioactive materials. The following main deficiencies
are identified about the current opening procedure: a) radioactive debris generated by the cutting contaminate
the environment of manipulation, increasing the risks of exposure to radiation and the care with the collect and
disposal of these debris; b) rotation movement of the capsule during opening may cause damage to the target
material and its casing, leading release of radioactive target materials. The new opening device: a) uses the least
possible electronic components based on integrated semiconductor circuits, susceptible to radiation; b)
contemplates that the insertion and removal of the capsules will be done by telemanipulators; c) modifies the
type of cutting performed, from abrasive to cutting wheel blade, allowing minimal generation of small size
radioactive debris; d) replaces the rotation of the capsule by a movement in the cutting head, keeping the capsule
still, thus reducing the risk of damage to the samples; e) provides greater control, process accuracy and
emergency stop, through improved remote operating system. Results of comparative tests showed that the
current system produces average 0.3(2) mg of debris per cut, while the proposed system of cutting wheel blade
presented a reduction of more than 99 % in the generation of debris. In addition, the immobilization of capsule
during the open prevents damage to the radioactive target materials.
Como referenciar
CASTANHO, FABIO G.; COSTA, OSVALDO L. da. Design and development of a device for the opening of irradiated aluminum capsules in the IPEN IEA-R1 nuclear reactor. In: INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR ATLANTIC CONFERENCE, October 21-25, 2019, Santos, SP. Proceedings... Rio de Janeiro: Associação Brasileira de Energia Nuclear, 2019. p. 2388-2397. Disponível em: http://repositorio.ipen.br/handle/123456789/30630. Acesso em: 15 Mar 2025.
Esta referência é gerada automaticamente de acordo com as normas do estilo IPEN/SP (ABNT NBR 6023) e recomenda-se uma verificação final e ajustes caso necessário.