Speaker
Description
European Spallation Source (ESS) is a multidisciplinary research facility built around the world’s most powerful neutron source. Primary water cooling system loops for Target station components—such as the moderator, reflector, shielding, and plugs—may contain activated impurities that originate primarily from corrosion. These impurities are removed by Ion Exchange columns filled with Amberlite IRN150 H/OH resin. Once a column becomes saturated, it is isolated and allowed to decay before the resin is replaced. Due to the accumulated activity in the resin, lead shielding is required around the Ion Exchange columns.
After sufficient decay, spent resin is transferred from the ion exchange columns into a lead shielded transport vessel. This is done by an air-driven vacuum ejector to obtain under-pressure in the lead shielded transport vessel. The columns are subsequently flushed prior to refilling. Fresh resin is supplied via the Resin Refill System, which uses vacuum transport to load the ion exchange columns, with the bag emptying station handling batches of 100 L of new resin. The system operates in sequenced batches and is controlled by a pneumatic and mechanical control system.
In this work, we demonstrate the effectiveness of new design equipment to empty and fill Resin Amberlite IRN150 H/OH in the Ion-Exchange columns using a pneumatic system. Key findings from commissioning are discussed, highlighting how the design addresses constraints related to the containment and handling of activated materials within the system.