In-Core Facilities

Neutron Irradiations

Neutron Beam Ports

BNCT Facilities

Gamma Facilities

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EXPERIMENTAL FACILITIES

The MITR operates at full power 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. A typical fuel cycle lasts about 6 weeks. Table 1 is summary of the neutron fluxes of the major experimental facilities.

Table 1.   MITR Neutron Flux Levels at 5 MW

In-core Irradiation Facilities: The MITR core can accommodate up to three in-core experiments. The neutron flux and fast-to-thermal flux ratio are similar to a Light Water Reactor. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission authorizes in-core fuel irradiations of up to 100 gm fissile material mass. The in-core experimental facilities are suitable for advanced materials and fuel research. Since 1989, the MITR has designed and operated nine in-core experiments.

Fission Converter Beam: The recently constructed Fission Converter Beam facility (FCB) has a high intensity epithermal neutron beam with low inherent beam contamination which approaches the theoretical optimum. This beam has its dedicated medical room which was constructed for Neutron Capture Therapy (NCT) clinical trials.

Thermal Neutron Beam: A high intensity, and low contamination thermal neutron beam is also available at MITR. This facility has its own medical irradiation room separate from the FCB’s medical irradiation room. The thermal neutron beam facility is well suited for small animal studies and for clinical studies of superficial tumors.

Beam Ports: The MITR has horizontal and vertical beamports of various sizes. A number of the experimental facilities are installed in the heavy water and graphite reflector, including pneumatic facilities for neutron activation analysis and isotope production, and through ports for Neutron Transmutation Doping of Silicon.

For detailed information regarding the MITR’s experimental facilities, please contact Research and Services Group by email.