|
History
Since 1965, ARGONAUTA has
been used in research involving neutrons, in nuclear and reactor
physics. Circa 70 students from Brazilian universities and other
institutions have become masters and doctors using this reactor
in the development of their research. Today, among the main research
lines we can count non-destructive essays with thermal neutrons
in biology, industry, environment and national public security.
Radioisotopes (Mn- 56, La-140, Se-75 and Br-82) are also produced
and used as markers in environmental and industrial research. In
order to collaborate with universities and institutions, several
subjects and classes are taught in its facilities.
Location
Nuclear Engineering Institute, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão,
Rio de Janeiro
Argonauta was the first research
reactor built in Brazil by a national company. It has excellent
teaching, research and personnel training characteristics, specialized
in nuclear science and technology.
Project
ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY
Construction
CBV Ltda
First Criticality
20 February 1965 at 5:50 PM
Power
Maximum = 5kW
Continuous operation = 500W
Fuel
Uranium 20% enriched in U-235
Main characteristics
Fuel plate
The fuel plate cermet has
a mixture of aluminum and U3O8, both in powder. The uranium is 19,91%
enriched in U-235. After a proper treatment, the mixture is put
in a 12-mm aluminum frame. This frame is first pressed and then
welded between two 2-mm aluminum plates forming a set which is laminated
to reach the following dimensions: 2,43 x73 x 610 (in mm).
Moderator
Deionized water, between the plates;
and wedge-shaped graphite, between the fuel elements.
Reflector
Radial and azimuthal directions: Graphite
Vertical direction: Water
Protection shield
Lateral: Blocks of concrete
piled around the reflector
Top: Blocks of concrete covered by steel panels
Opposite side of the external thermal column: Water (shielding tank)
Control
The neutron population
is controlled by six absorbing rods, made up of cadmium plates,
which move inside channels in the external graphite reflector.
|
