Regulatory Inspection Programme for Ghana Research Reactor-1 - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Regulatory Inspection Programme for Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1)

Michael Annor-Nyarko and Daniel Sika-Boafo

Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission LG 80,Legon-Accra

Regional Workshop for Regulators on the Inspection of Research Reactors , Cairo, Egypt, 28 September- 2 October, 2014

Contents of presentation

▪ Regulatory Body-RPB ▪ Inspection Guide ▪ Description of GHARR-1 ▪ Inspection Procedure for GHARR-1 ▪ Conclusion

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REGULATORY BODY - RPB

▪ Radiation Protection Board (RPB) is the sole Regulatory Authority. ▪ Established by PNDC Law 308 of 1993 by the amendment of Atomic Energy Act 204 of 1963. ▪ LI 1559 of 1993 prescribed the mandate and responsibilities of the board. ▪ RPB performs these functions among others: ▪ Advise the GAEC on matter relating to radiation protection and the disposal of radioactive waste . ▪ License users, supervise and monitor the use of irradiating devices and radioactive materials. ▪ Ensure operations relating to irradiating devices and radioactive materials are done without risk to public health ▪ Register of owners of irradiating devices, radioactive materials and other sources of ionizing radiation imported into or manufactured in Ghana.

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INSPECTION GUIDE-GRPB-G4

This guide assist both the RPB and operating organizations to perform systematic inspections of the applications of radiation sources and radioactive materials. The inspection conducted by the RPB can be:

• 1. Planned i.e. prearranged inspection;
• 2. Unplanned i.e. such inspections can be conducted

without pre-arrangement;

• 3. At the request of inspected organization.

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DESCRIPTION OF GHARR-1

• GHARR-1 is an MNSR Type
• Designed by China (CIAE)
• Nominal Power of 30kW
• Core Excess Reactivity of 3.5 - 4.0mk
• Max. Neutron Flux of 1x1012n/cm2.s
• HEU (90.2%) fuel (U-Al)
• 354 fuel, dummies & tie rod lattices
• 344 fuel pins (2.90g/pin)
• Cooled by natural convection
• Reflectors made of Be alloy
• Core life time > 10 years
• Uses:

Research, Neutron Activation Analysis, R&D, HRD in Nuclear Technology

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INSPECTION PROTOCOL FOR GHARR-1

Inspection Procedure is undertaken in 3 stages.

• A. PRE-INSPECTION

Team of Inspectors: ▪ Review regulations and documentation since last inspection. ▪ Read reactor facility’s operating manuals. ▪ Review action items from previous inspections. ▪ Arrange for inspection with Reactor Manager.

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B. INSPECTION Inspection takes the form of:

• Physical observation.
• Taking readings and measurements.
• Reviewing records.

C. POST-INSPECTION Inspection report is reviewed to ensure whether reactor facility is operated in conformance with regulatory requirements

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Actions normally taken after inspection report is reviewed could be one or a combination of these; ▪ Granting of permission to continue operation. ▪ Sending enforcement notice for corrective actions to be taken. ▪ Revoking of licence in case of continued unsafe practices. ▪ Facility shut-down.

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Thank you for your attention!

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