Core reduction for increasing neutron flux and radioisotope production in the IEA-R1 research reactor

Abstract

This work aims to present and analyze a new reactor core configuration for the IEA-R1 reactor core with the objective of enhancing its neutron irradiation capabilities. The reactor was modeled using the KENO-VI module from the SCALE Code System, provided by ORNL. Results have shown that implementing a near-cylindrical configuration in the IEA-R1 core could substantially increase neutron flux, particularlly in the center irradiation positions such as the EIBe (Beryllium Irradiated Element). After comparing various configurations, we conducted a brief analysis of the proposed core configuration’s potential to produce 177Lu, resulting in a 34% increase in the specific activity of 177Lu considering a 14-day full power cycle.