Automation of a TRIGA-type pneumatic transfer system

Abstract

The pneumatic transfer system (PTS) of the Jožef Stefan Institute's TRIGA Mark II research reactor was modernized. The main goals of the PTS's renewal were to improve the overall quality of the irradiations, to increase the level of safety and to improve the timing precision. To lower the costs and to facilitate the licensing process, this upgrade was made with the minimum possible intervention with respect to the existing tubing connections. The upgrade involves only two new mechanical components: a terminal station and an automated capsule loader. A similar solution can be applied to any TRIGAtype PTS.