The Nigerian Research Reactor-1 (Nirr-1) Power and Isothermal Temperature Parameters Measurements

Abstract

This study analyses the accuracy in method of heat balance as well as its efficiency for measuring the power(ρ) and isothermal temperature(θ) of the Nigerian Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1), a low power miniature neutron source reactor (MNSR). The results showed that the three power levels: full power(30kW), half power(15kW) and low power(3.6kW) were maintained at various isothermal temperature measurements. The average isothermal temperature at full power, half power and low power levels were measured to be (0.2853±0.00058) m 0 K, (0.2945±0.0014) m 0 K and (0.2989±0.00183) m 0 K respectively. The findings have shown a strong dependence of the reactor power at the three levels on the isothermal temperature which were directly proportional. Hence, the behavior of the NIRR-1 operation at the measured parameters will enhance its life span and improve safety.