Development of Operation Performances of Miniature Neutron Source Reactor(MNSR)

The rated neutron flux density of MNSR is 1.0×10 12 s -1 ·cm -2. Its average operating time per day is 2～2.5 h and the maximum operating time is about 8 h. These properties are the same as Slowpoke 2’s. They can be used for neutron activation analysis and producing isotopes with middle and short half life. Since the specific activity of prepared radioisotopes is very low,they are unefficient practically. The paper introduces a new specific measure which is adopted at Shenzhen University. Now the maximum operation time under rated neutron flux density can be increased from about 8 h to 40 h safely and the area of MNSR’s application is broadened. It can be used for epithermal neutron activation analysis and preparing medical radioisotopes. For example, the specific activity of glass microspheres containing a large amount of 166 Ho after irradiating 25 h under rated neutron flux density can be reached 44 GBq/g which meet the requirement of curing the cancer of the liver.