1. Research fields

The Division of Reactor Operation Research is fully involved in the design, construction, commissioning, operation, and decommissioning stages of reactors. The division assists in the optimization of reactor design and is directly responsible for reactor operation safety.

Reactor Commissioning Technology: Based on the characteristics of reactor technology, the division conducts research on commissioning technology and is responsible for commission process. The division completes commissioning for several reactors and obtains multiple commissioning technology achievements.

Reactor operation technology: The division keeps deep ploughing on the operation technology of high-temperature gas cooled reactors and low-temperature heating reactors, comprehensively masters the operating characteristics of reactors, scientifically optimizes Operating Restrictions, and ensures reactor operation safety.

Optimization design and aging mechanism research of key systems and equipment of reactors: By utilizing operational experience and continuous system equipment optimization, the safety and operability of reactors have been effectively improved. The division promotes research on aging mechanism at the same time.

Reactor decommissioning technology: Based on the Shielded swimming pool reactor decommissioning project, the division carries out the research on reactor decommissioning technology.

Operator training: The division has established a preliminary operator training system, and has completed multiple training tasks.

2. Recent research projects

(1) Verification Experiments using HTR-10 

(2) Nuclear Material Accounting Method for Pebble-bed High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor

(3) HTR-10 Ultra High Temperature Operation

(4) Real time simulation of HTR-10 ultra-high temperature operating characteristics and verification experiments 

(5) Research on the mechanism and transport behavior of radioactive dust based on HTR-10

(6) Performance test for high temperature gas cooled reactor residual heat removal system. 

3. Research facilities

The Division of Reactor Operation Research dedicates to the reactor operation management, experimental research, technological development and research on the comprehensive utilization of multiple research reactors, including swimming pool shielding test reactor, HTR-5, and HTR-10. 

The swimming pool shielding test reactor was built in 1964, with a building area of 7656 m2. We have completed multiple testing tasks, including shielding material testing, mono crystalline silicon irradiation doping testing, radiation resistant material reinforcement testing, neutron photography testing, nuclear heating testing, etc.. It was awarded the China National Science Conference Award in 1978. This reactor is currently in the decommissioning stage.

The NHR-5 was built in 1989, with a building area of 1026 m2. It is the first reactor in the world to adopt a tight-fitting double-layer pressure shell, full power natural circulation, and hydraulic driven control rods. It has successfully completed experimental tasks such as heating, power generation, co-generation, and refrigeration. It was awarded the Special Prize for Science and Technology Progress by the China National Education Commission in 1991, the First Prize for National Science and Technology Progress in 1992, and the Second Prize for National Technology Invention. It was selected as one of the Top Ten China National Science and Technology News in 1989 and the Top Ten World Science and Technology Achievements in 1990.

The HTR-10 is one of the key projects of the China National "863" high-tech Program, with a building area of 5925 m2. It reached first criticality in 2000 and achieved full power operation by the end of 2002. Among the design and research achievements, over 30 of them have passed technical evaluations, including physical design research, graphite performance research, helium technology and helium loop, fuel element development, full-scale simulation experimental equipment for fuel handling and unloading and pebble bed characteristics research, performance of hot gas duct and steam generator, and all digital reactor protection system. sixteen of them have reached the international advanced level or international level, and 14 achievements have won China national or ministerial level awards.

Swimming pool shielded test reactor	HTR-10
NHR-5	Main control room of HTR-10

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4. Academic achievements 

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5. Team members

(Last updated: 2024-04-19)