Results of Operation and Utilization of the Dalat Nuclear Research Reactor

Nguyen Nhi Dien1, Luong Ba Vien1, Le Vinh Vinh2, Duong Van Dong2, Nguyen Xuan Hai2, Pham Ngoc Son2, Cao Dong Vu2
1 Nuclear Research Institute (NRI), Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM)
2 Nuclear Research Institute (NRI), Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) 01 Nguyen Tu Luc, Dalat, Vietnam

Main Article Content

Abstract

The Dalat Nuclear Research Reactor (DNRR) with the nominal power of 500 kW was reconstructed and upgraded from the USA 250-kW TRIGA Mark-II reactor built in early 1960s. The renovated reactor was put into operation on 20th March 1984. It was designed for the purposes of radioisotope production (RI), neutron activation analysis (NAA), basic and applied researches, and nuclear education and training. During the last 30 years of operation, the DNRR was efficiently utilized for producing many kinds of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine centers and other users in industry, agriculture, hydrology and scientific research; developing a combination of nuclear analysis techniques (INAA, RNAA, PGNAA) and physic-chemical methods for quantitative analysis of about 70 elements and constituents in various samples; carrying out experiments on the reactor horizontal beam tubes for nuclear data measurement, neutron radiography and nuclear structure study; and establishing nuclear training and education programs for human resource development. This paper presents the results of operation and utilization of the DNRR. In addition, some main reactor renovation projects carried out during the last 10 years are also mentioned in the paper.

Article Details

References

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