Predicting when each HFIR nuclear fuel cycle ‘turns off’

Started by Marlin, Nov 02, 2026, 12:14

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oak ridge national laboratoryhfirhigh flux isotope reactor

Marlin


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Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a predictive software tool for the High Flux Isotope Reactor. The program forecasts the exact date and time when operating cycles exhaust their uranium fuel supply with high precision.

The software combines historical statistical models with fuel depletion simulations to evaluate how experiment loadings affect cycle duration. This capability allows operators and researchers to better coordinate tight schedules, optimize irradiation times, and manage limited core positions for external users.

QuoteResearchers from the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at the Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed an advanced predictive software tool that forecasts the date and time of day when each HFIR reactor operating cycle will exhaust its uranium fuel supply – with an accuracy of plus or minus 3.6

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Read the full article at ornl.gov:
https://www.ornl.gov/news/predicting-when-each-hfir-nuclear-fuel-cycle-turns-off/