The Development of Powder Diffractometer for Small and Medium Size Research Reactor

Duration 3 years Budget usd 300,000 Location: NuclearMalaysia RTP

The problem/need to be addressed Many small size research reactors (RR) in developing countries are found of very limited use. Lack of specialized equipments attached to the RR that can enable the efficient use of the available neutrons. The limited usage is also often caused by the unavailability of projects and/or researchers involved in the said R&D that requires the usage of neutrons from RR. These limitations are related to the low level of knowledge and demand for an advance use of scientific tools in these countries. Furthermore, small RRs are typically low in the neutron flux. As most neutron instruments need high flux neutron, instrumentations investments in small-flux reactor is considered not worthy. Another is that complete ready-made instruments are expensive and thus, give a negative impact to the justification on investment. However, neutron instruments at small-flux RR can be established for education and for supporting modest R&D. A possible solution to overcome these constraints is to develop the instrument regionally, from design to fabrication, installation, commissioning and coaching the utilization, with the assistance from other MSs that have the capabilities to develop such an instrument

The Objectives of the project. To have enough know-how about design and fabrication for neutron scattering experiments i.e. powder diffractometer To start active material development and characterization programme using neutron scattering experiments To produce a user family to benefit from this facility such as universities/R&D organizations and local industry. To promote neutron science to the regional community as a means for advancing scientific knowledge and technological skills.

Activities
1. Establishment of Design Blueprint

Performance Indicator

Verification method

1. The design drawings, specifications and procedures1. Documentations 2. Number of personnel trained in the design and development2. Number of experts/skill workers of the blue print 3. Number of experts dispatched by donor MSs

2. The establishment of Fabricated Components by individual MSs

1. Number of know-how /technology emulated 2.The certification/ acceptance by the authorities/ industries/national standards

1. Number of Experts/skills 2. Certificates, Orders from other MSs

3.The installation and commissioning of the prototype

1. The functioning of the prototype diffractometer

1. Report and document

4. The Training of the usage

1. Number of users trained 2. Report on the users Number of orders, expert dispatch

1. Report documents

5. Duplication of the instruments in MSs

2. Orders

Activities
1. Establishment of Design Blueprint

Modulity
1. The design drawings, specifications and procedures1. Documentations 2. Number of personnel trained in the design and development2. Number of experts/skill workers of the blue print 3. Number of experts dispatched by donor MSs

MS

2. The establishment of Fabricated Components by individual MSs

1. Number of know-how /technology emulated 2.The certification/ acceptance by the authorities/ industries/national standards

1. Number of Experts/skills 2. Certificates, Orders from other MSs

3.The installation and commissioning of the prototype

1. The functioning of the prototype diffractometer

1. Report and document

4. The Training of the usage

1. Number of users trained 2. Report on the users Number of orders, expert dispatch

1. Report documents

5. Duplication of the instruments in MSs

2. Orders

 Output: Powder diffractometer facility that sensitive enough for academic and modest R&D Outcome: More skill and capability for neutron scientist Impact: Ability to develop low cost instrument for low flux RR will enhance the RR utilization, elevate the confidence and expertise of MSs in the instrument development moving towards self reliance/group reliance/model for collaborative efforts, which may hold true for the rest of activities.