Safety Analysis of a Homogeneous Slowpoke Reactor

Abstract

A homogeneous SLOWPOKE reactor concept for the production of medical isotopes (such as Molybdenum-99) is being designed at the Royal Military College of Canada. The reactor core was designed as a tank with the diameter restricted to the actual space available where a typical SLOWPOKE-2 reactor core currently resides, while still achieving criticality. The aim of this follow-on work is to conduct a safety analysis of the homogeneous design. Both deterministic and probabilistic modelling programs (WIMS-AECL and MCNP 5, respectively) will be employed to demonstrate the reactor’s inherent safety. Historical data from an existing homogeneous reactor (ARGUS) will be used to validate the numerical models of the homogeneous SLOWPOKE reactor. Time-dependent modelling of heat transfer will be explored using COMSOL to ensure that natural convection is still a valid option for core cooling. Lastly, several modifications to the proposed design will be modelled or recommended, based on the results of the safety analysis.