IAEA Publication on Good Practices in the Development of the Technical Requirements for the Bidding Process of a New Research Reactor

More than 20 countries are currently in different stages of new research reactor projects. The majority of these Member States are building their first research reactor in preparation for embarking on a nuclear power programme. The IAEA recent activities on supporting these projects showed the need in the majority of these countries for guidance on the development of the bidding process. In responding to this need, the IAEA has finalized the development of a publication on the good practices on the development of the technical requirements for the bidding process for a research reactor project. The guidance provided in this publication is primarily oriented to countries developing its first research reactor; however, such guidance could be also used for the bidding process of a subsequent reactor in a country. This publication is mainly directed to the turnkey contractual approach, but it is also useful in other kinds of contractual approaches. The scope of this publication covers the bidding process from the preparation of the technical part of the bid specifications until the selection of the research reactor design and the signature of the contract. Guidance is also provided on the criteria for bid evaluation. This publication is to be used in conjunction with the other IAEA publications on research reactor safety and utilization in particular the Code of Conduct on the Safety of Research Reactors and the supporting IAEA Safety Standards. This paper presents the technical contents of this publication and discusses the IAEA activities in supporting its Member States for its effective application

IAEA ASSISTANCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW RESEARCH REACTOR PROJECTS

A research reactor (RR) project is a major undertaking that requires careful preparation, planning, implementation and investment in time, money, and human resources. In recent years, the interest of IAEA Member States in developing RR programmes has grown significantly, and currently, several Member States are in different stages of new RR projects. The majority of these countries are building their first RR as a key national facility for the development of their nuclear science and technology programmes, including nuclear power.This paper will present the IAEA assistance and services provided to the Member States establishing new RRs, with particular emphasis on those establishing their first RR, including elaboration on the services mentioned above

IAEA Coordinated Research Project on the Establishment of a Material Properties Database for Irradiated Core Structural Components for Continued Safe Operation and Lifetime Extension of Ageing Research Reactors.

Today, more than 50% of the operating Research Reactors (RRs) are over 45 years old. Thus, ageing management is one of the most important issues to face in order to ensure availability (including life extension), reliability and safe operation of these facilities for the future. Management of the ageing process requires, amongst others, the predictions for the behavior of structural materials of major components subjected to irradiation such as reactor vessel and core support structures, many of which are difficult to replace. In fact, age-related material degradation mechanisms can result in unplanned outages as well as lengthy shutdowns and the need for additional regulatory activity, which could have been prevented by utilizing available data for the implementation of appropriate maintenance and surveillance programs. The proposed IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) will provide a forum for input and discussion of relevant materials data and operating experience with RRs leading to the establishment of a “Research Reactor Irradiated Structural Components and Materials Properties Database” to be used by RRs Operators and Regulators to help to predict ageing related degradation. In order to collect information on the needs and types of activities considering the prediction of ageing related degradation of core components, a questionnaire was submitted to Member States. The analysis of the preliminary responses of the questionnaire is presented in this work

NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE OBJECTIVES

The nuclear fuel cycle objectives are drawn from many sources, including the conclusions of major international conferences on different stages and aspects of nuclear fuel cycles, many of which are held in cooperation with the IAEA. Experts from various Member States provided advice to the IAEA through a number of consultants meetings and Technical Working Groups (TWGs), such as the TWGs on Nuclear Fuel Performance and Technology, on Nuclear Fuel Cycle Options and Spent Fuel Management, and on Research Reactors, and through the OECD/NEA–IAEA Uranium Group. The IAEA’s International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO) is another important source of guidance.JRC.E-Institute for Transuranium Elements (Karlsruhe

Fluorous oxime palladacycle: A precatalyst for carbon-carbon coupling reactions in aqueous and organic medium

10.1021/jo202482hJournal of Organic Chemistry7762729-2742JOCE