Performance analyses of the pool-top radiation level reduction systems at the ETRR-2 research reactor

Abstract An analysis of the performance of the Hot Water Layer System, HWLS, and the Interconnection System, IS, at the ETRR-2 research reactor is presented. The behavior of the HWLS during the formation period of the hot water layer has been studied and is presented together with the pool-top measured radiation level associated with that behavior. Two different designs of the HWLS have been experimentally evaluated. For these two different designs, the radiation level at the ETRR-2 pool-top were characterized and discussed. The effect of adding a water purification system to the HWLS is demonstrated as well as the effect of the IS on the pool-top radiation level considering different operational conditions of the HWLS. The study shows the importance of these systems from the radiological protection point of view.