Australia’s nuclear science body says its new equipment will be a boost for future research.

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has completed the installation of a new Cold Neutron Source (CNS) in the OPAL research reactor.

The CNS, which reduces neutron energy and speed for scientific instruments, sould enhance Australia’s research capabilities by allowing new studies of complex materials like proteins and polymers.

The installation took place in the highly controlled environment of the reactor. 

“The environment is unique, working conditions are difficult and awkward,” ANSTO said, noting it required strict safety protocols akin to space missions.

The OPAL Reactor Manager says it is the most significant achievement since the reactor's operations began, and will secure its place as “one of the best and most advanced reactors in the world”. 

Planning for the CNS replacement began in 2015, culminating in a six-month reactor shutdown from March to September 2024. 

Project Manager Andrew Eltobaji led a core team of 20, supported by 30 to 40 additional experts from ANSTO.

During planning, the team realised no other facility had completed a similar task. Thus, ANSTO engineers handled most of the design and maintenance. 

A full-scale mock-up of the CNS and reactor environment allowed technicians to practise the delicate installation process, which required remote-controlled tools and cameras due to radiation risks. 

Precision was critical, particularly in sealing pipework. 

“All pipework flanges are sealed with metallic seals,” Eltobaji said.

The new CNS, standing eight metres tall and weighing 200 kilograms, was installed with millimetre precision. 

Its cryogenic system cools helium to -253°C, which liquefies deuterium, facilitating neutron production for research.

Post-installation tests confirmed increased neutron production, meeting the upgrade’s performance goals. 

With the OPAL reactor back online, its cold and thermal neutrons are once again available for critical scientific experiments.

More details are accessible here.

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