Optimization of conditions for topaz irradiation in the WWR-K reactor


Sairanbayev D.S. Shaimerdenov A.A. Aitkulov M.T. Gizatulin S.K.
1 June 2024Sciendo

Nukleonika
2024#69Issue 2129 - 133 pp.

Activation of impurities in topazes happens due to irradiation with thermal neutrons (induced radioactivity occurs), which complicates their further handling. This leads to the need for their long cooling for safe use. The Institute of Nuclear Physics (Kazakhstan) is conducting R&D to develop a method for the effective formation of color centers in topaz during their irradiation in the WWR-K reactor. An irradiation capsule design has been developed in which optimized conditions for irradiating stones in the neutron field of the reactor are formed. The capsule uses shielding materials made of boron carbide and tantalum to cut off thermal neutrons, resulting in a reduction in induced radioactivity in topaz. The effectiveness of the irradiation capsule was tested in the core of the critical facility. As a result, thermal neutron flux is reduced by 5.7 times and the induced activity of the tantalum is reduced by 2.2 times.

Critical facility , Sandwich screen , Tantalum , Topaz , WWR-K reactor

Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи

Laboratory of Atomic Energy Safety Problems, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Ibragimov 1 St., Almaty, 050032, Kazakhstan

Laboratory of Atomic Energy Safety Problems

10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель

Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026