Area:
Research & Applications

Topics:
Nuclear research reactor, neutron beam lines

Security:
Passport or for Dutch citizens a valid driver license; no photo- or video-equipment (including mobile phone) allowed

Transport:
Bus leaves 12.15 hrs and returns approx. 17.30 hrs

Nota Bene:
Wednesday morning refresher courses (three sessions) may be attended)

Lunch:
Lunch box offered by the IRPA 2018 organisation

Schematic program:

• Reception coffee/tea
• Introduction RID
• Guided RID tour
• Coffee/tea pause
• Refresher course: Neutron tomography by Lambert van Eijk

Information:

RID together with the department Radiation, Science & Technology (RST) has been the Dutch knowledge centre for radiation-related research and education for over 50 years. RID plays an important knowledge/expertise role in fundamental and applied scientific research.

Research energy, materials and health: the research is in various fields, such as sustainable energy, materials and health, both nationally and internationally. One may think of research in the field of solar cells and batteries and medical isotopes for diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Nuclear reactor and facilities: RID operates a unique research facility viz. the HOR nuclear reactor. This is a small pool-type research reactor (2 MW). The reactor is not built to produce electrical power, but is a source of neutrons and positrons for research purposes. In addition, RID operates several radiochemical laboratories. RID is an expert in safe handling of radiation. Through consultations and courses at all levels this knowledge is shared.

Higher Education/Onderwijs Reactor (HOR): The HOR is an open pool-type research reactor, using MTR-fuel assemblies and low-enriched (²³⁵U < 20%) uranium as fuel. The core is composed of 20 fuel assemblies and 4 control assemblies. It is equipped at three sides with a row of Be-reflector assemblies acting as neutron reflectors. The reactor provides neutron radiation to a variety of facilities for radioisotope production and neutron activation analysis. It is also equipped with six horizontal beam-tubes in two sets of three at opposite sides of the core mainly used for neutron scattering experiments. The two larger beam tubes are equipped with stacked-mirror neutron guides (neutron guide system) to obtain clean beams of thermal neutrons with low contamination by fast neutrons and gamma rays. One neutron guide system provides two beams for experiments in the reactor hall. The other neutron guide system provides 4 neutron beams to the experimenting hall, adjacent to the reactor hall. Measuring 25 × 40 m, this experimenting hall provides ample space with low radiation background for beam experiments. Finally, one of the beam-tubes is used by the source of variable-energy positrons (POSH). These positrons are led into the hall as well.