Startup neutron source: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:38, 4 December 2021

Revision as of 02:52, 20 June 2022

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{{Short description|Neutron source used to start nuclear reactors}}

[[File:RBMK Reaktor ChNPP-4.svg|thumb|300px|[[RBMK]] type reactor control rod layout; blue='''startup neutron sources'''detectors (12), yellow=shortened control rods from the reactor bottom (32), grey=pressure tubes (1661), green=[[control rod]]s (167), red=automatic control rods (12)]]

'''Startup neutron source''' is a [[neutron source]] used for stable and reliable initiation of [[nuclear chain reaction]] in [[nuclear reactor]]s, when they are loaded with fresh [[nuclear fuel]], whose [[neutron flux]] from [[spontaneous fission]] is insufficient for a reliable startup, or after prolonged shutdown periods. Neutron sources ensure a constant minimal population of neutrons in the reactor core, sufficient for a smooth startup. Without them, the reactor could suffer fast power excursions during startup from state with too few self-generated neutrons (new core or after extended shutdown).