The brazilian IAEA expert missions in the recommissioning of the INAN-R1 TRIGA reactor

Abstract

This paper describes the works that were done by two Brazilian researchers of CDTN/CNEN, during the reactivation of the IAN-R1 reactor in Bogotá (Colombia) in October 2005. The main aim of this mission was to participate in the ad-hoc committee, established by Colombian authorities, as International Atomic Energy Agency experts, to follow the recommissioning of the reactor IAN-R1, and assist the Colombian staff in the safe operation of the reactor. The work was carried out during two weeks and consisted in reviewing the operational procedures, results and records and providing lectures for the operating group. The reactor core was brought critical by adding two clusters (8 fuel elements);the three control rods were calibrated; the excess reactivity and shutdown margin were determined; and the thermal power evaluation was performed.