The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a megawatt class accelerator-based facility providing intense neutron beams for scientific research and industrial development purposes. With a capacity of 25 research instruments, 16 are currently available to the user community with 3 more under construction or commissioning. The SNS utilizes microsecond bursts of 1 GeV protons directed to a liquid mercury target at a rate of 60 Hz where neutrons are liberated by the spallation reaction. Mercury was chosen for the target because of its high spallation production rate and its ability to serve as its own coolant. The mercury circulates through a stainless steel target module that is capable of operating at up to 1.4 MW. A number of engineering considerations had to be addressed in designing the first-of-a-kind target module, including steady state thermal performance, stresses from pressure pulses cause by the pulsed proton beam, and regular replacement by remote handling as necessitated by a finite radiation lifetime. The facility is designed for about 5000 h of annual neutron production. This seminar will present an overview of the SNS facility with emphasis on the neutron source and a few details of the mercury target module. Highlights of operating experience will also be covered including target difficulties.
Speaker: Bernard W. Riemer
Senior Research Engineer, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Coffee / tea will be served after the seminar
ATS Seminars Organisers:
H. Burkhardt (BE) T. Stora (EN), G. De Rijk (TE)
