Application of the research reactor TRIGA Mainz and directions for the handling of radioisotopes in adjoined laboratories

by Klaus Eberhardt

The research reactor TRIGA Mainz at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is one of only two remaining research reactors in Germany. The TRIGA Mainz became first critical on August 3rd, 1965. It can be operated in the steady state mode with a maximum power of 100 kW_th and in the pulse mode with a peak power of 250 MW_th and a pulse length of 30 ms. The TRIGA Mainz is equipped with a central thimble, a rotary specimen rack, three pneumatic transfer systems, four beam tubes, and a graphite thermal column. The TRIGA Mainz is used both for basic and applied research in nuclear chemistry and nuclear physics. Two sources for ultra-cold neutrons (UCN) are operational at two beam ports. At a third beam port a Penning-Trap for highly precise mass measurements of exotic nuclides is installed. Education and training is another main field of activity. Here, various courses in nuclear and radiochemistry, reactor operation and reactor physics are held for scientists, advanced students, engineers, and technicians utilizing the TRIGA Mainz reactor.

In the second part of the presentation the relevant directions and technical regulations for handling of radioisotopes both at the reactor and in the adjoined radiochemical laboratories are outlined. The existing license according to German Atomic Energy Act covers the handling of a variety of radioisotopes as produced by neutron activation in the reactor and of actinide elements including various isotopes of the trans-plutonium elements up to Bk, Cf, Es, and Fm.