SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING ISOTOPES IN NUCLEAR REACTOR STARTUP SOURCE HOLDERS

摘要

Irradiation target holders (100) are configured to fit in open locations inside of an operating commercial nuclear core (35). Holders (100) can be placed with ends at vertical bottom and top of the core (35) or any position therebetween to directly expose holders (100) to nuclear fuel reactions. Holders (100) have ends and overall shape that can join with existing reactor structures, while fitting closely with fuel (45) and moderator and being easily removable from the same. Holders (100) are fabricated of any reactor-compatible material that will retain irradiation targets (151) and daughter products. Holders (100) securely retain irradiation targets (151) and daughter products of any shape or phase throughout reactor operation. Holders (100) can be installed during reactor outages and irradiated during operation without risk of movement or interference with operation. After a desired period of operation and irradiation, holders (100) can be harvested from the core (35) independent of other core structures and fuel (45).