Report of
FNCA 2023 Workshop on Research Reactor Utilization Project

FY2023 FNCA Workshop on Research Reactor Utilization (RRU) project (Hybrid) was held from October 17 to 19, 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand. This Workshop was hosted by Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT) and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan.

The Workshop was attended by 36 participants in person and online from 12 FNCA member countries, namely Australia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, including workshop staffs.

[Workshop]

The first half of the first day (Oct. 17) was allocated to plenary session. The welcome address by Dr. Hannarong Shamsub, TINT, and the opening remarks by Dr. Tamada Masao, FNCA Coordinator of Japan, were delivered. The individual project leaders of Japan, Dr. Matsue Hideaki and Dr. Ebihara Mitsuru, overviewed the current projects of RRU and Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) and referred to several major issues of the workshop.

Then, in the RRU sessions, each country presented their activities on the selected topic such as isotope production including new isotopes, neutron scattering, material research, human resource development, new research reactor and so on. In the NAA sessions, each country presented the progress on the environmental monitoring with multiple measurement techniques including NAA, then discussed a number of topics. The detailed contents were summarized in each of the two groups, RRU and NAA.

[FNCA Open Seminar -Research Reactor Utilization-]

In the morning of the third day (Oct. 19), the open seminar was held delivering the six keynote speeches from Thailand and Japan. The open seminar had the participants from TINT, Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP), Suranaree University of Technology, Chulalongkon University, Kasetsart University as well as the workshop members in person.

[Technical Visit]

In the afternoon of the third day (Oct. 19), participants of FNCA workshop visited the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT), such as TRR-1/M1 and the Radioisotope Production Center.

Summary of
FNCA 2023 Workshop on Research Reactor Utilization Project

Preface

The Research Reactor Utilization (RRU) hybrid workshop was held over three days in Bangkok, Thailand. The first half on the first day (Oct. 17) was allocated to a plenary session in which the individual project leaders of Japan provided an overview of the current projects of RRU group and Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) group with referring to several major issues of the workshop. Parallel sessions were held from the second half of the first day to the second day (Oct. 18). In the RRU sessions, each country presented their activities on the selected topic such as isotope production including new isotopes, neutron scattering, material research, human resource development, new research reactor and so on. In the NAA sessions, each country presented progress on the activities related to environmental samples and then discussed a number of topics, including linkages with end-users. The detailed content of the discussions was summarized for each of the two groups, RRU and NAA, and we shared each summary in the wrap up session. On the third day (Oct. 19), the open seminar was held in the morning, then the technical visit to TRR-1/M1 and the Radioisotope Production Center was held in the afternoon.

Parallel session

RRU-1: Country report
1) Isotope Production including new isotopes
Australia
ANSTO is continuing the manufacturing of radiopharmaceuticals for Australia, New Zealand and export to number overseas countries. The relatively new Australia’s multipurpose 20MW OPAL reactor maintaining its KPI of >300 actual operating days at power each year. ANSTO manufactures the critical radiopharmaceuticals ⁹⁹Mo bulk, ⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc generator, ¹⁷⁷Lu n.c.a., ¹³¹ I bulk, ¹³¹ I products, ¹²³I product, ⁵¹Cr EDTA, ¹⁸⁷Re Oncobeta and several contract irradiation products; e.g., ¹⁹²Ir, ¹⁹⁸Au, ⁹⁰Y, ³²P etc. ANSTO implemented the recycled enriched ¹⁷⁶Yb for the manufacturing ¹⁷⁷Lu which is supporting >90% of the very expensive target requirement for ¹⁷⁷Lu production. ANSTO commissioned a new manufacturing facility to replace the old facility for ⁹⁹Mo production during 2017. Recently ANSTO received Federal Govt. funding approval to replace the aging sterile radiopharmaceutical facility. The new facility design to be GMP compliant with increased capability of the existing radioisotopes and upcoming crucial diagnostic and theranostic medical radioisotopes and ensure Australia’s sovereign production capabilities.

Vietnam
Da Lat nuclear reactor with a nominal capacity of 500 kW is the only reactor in Vietnam. Officially operated and exploited from March 1984 to till date. As of end of June 2023, the reactor has operated for a total of about 60,800 hours, averaging 1500 hours of safe and efficient operation per year. More than 90% of the reactor's operating time has been exploited for radioisotope research and production. During its operation, the reactor has been successfully used in the research and production of a variety of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals used in medicine. The Da Lat nuclear reactor provided about 13,500 Ci radioisotopes used in medicine, most of which are ¹³¹ I, ³²P, ^99mTc generator, KIT in vivo and also contributing to the development of nuclear medicine in Vietnam.

2) Neutron Scattering
Indonesia
Neutron scattering technology research in Indonesia is related to the BRIN’s neutron beam facility with Multi-Purpose Reactor G.A. Siwabessy as the generator for the neutron source. The facility consists of Triple Axis Spectrometer, Small Angle Neutron Scattering Spectrometer, High Resolution Small Angle Neutron Scattering Spectrometer, Residual Stress Neutron Diffractometer, Neutron Texture Diffractometer, High Resolution Powder Diffractometer, and Neutron Radiography. Users are coming from various institutions to utilize the facility. The main on-going program are revitalization and the extension of the reactor operation (nuclear fuel).

3) Material Research
Kazakhstan
The WWR-K research reactor is one of two research reactors located in Kazakhstan. Its operating power is 6 MWt. In addition to basic works, the reactor utilises for the production of radioisotopes (⁹⁹Mo, ¹³¹ I, ¹⁹²Ir, ¹⁹⁸Au), neutron coloring of topaz and material research to benefit human health, support sustainable environment and provide innovative solutions for industry. The WWR-K reactor has a number of installations for conducting research, for example, a neutron radiography facility and gas emission research facility. Among studies can be seen: 1) Research and testing of advanced reactor fuels (fast and light water reactors, HTGR); 2) Research of structural and functional materials of fusion reactors; 3) Material Science Researches within the frames of the BN-350 fast reactor decommission. Some of the research is carried out in collaboration with foreign scientific groups and associations.

4) Human Resource Development
Mongolia
The Research Reactor (RR) project for Mongolia had been discussed internally for several years. Design study and fuel comparison analyses were conducted. RR project development agreement was signed, and NDA is in progress with ROSATOM. The proposed RR is to be utilized for RIs production (⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc by activation method), Human Resource Development, Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), education and training, nuclear physics and other commercial services. Currently all medical RIs are imported from other countries such as Korea, China and Germany. 500 mCi of (⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc generators are being imported from Korea every two weeks and used for the patient procedure in only one gamma camera available in the country. More gamma cameras to be installed in near future.

Philippines
The PRR-1 Subcritical Assembly for Training, Education, and Research (SATER) was given authorization to operate on March 9, 2023. Since then, the facility has accommodated 690 visitors, 2 thesis students, and 24 reactor engineering training participants. Reactor operators are currently preparing manuals for additional experiments that can be done with the facility. Moreover, the plan to upgrade the facility to an accelerator-driven subcritical assembly has been partially funded and is expected to be implemented by 2025 to allow SATER to be operated in two modes: continuous and pulse operation. Meanwhile, the implementation of the program to establish a Center for Nuclear Medicine Research and Development is still ongoing, with the building currently under construction. The budget to procure the accelerator for the facility has been secured for 2024. Through this program, PNRI will have a cyclotron facility operating at 20 MeV with four operational PET/CT systems, producing ⁸F, ¹¹C, ¹³N, ⁶⁴Cu, ⁴³Sc and ⁶⁸Ga. The scheduled completion date of the facility is 2026.

5) New Research Reactor
China
The development of SMR in China is mainly reflected in the following aspects: 1) exploring the fourth generation of nuclear power systems; such as high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, molten salt fast reactor, etc., 2) exploring multiple uses other than electricity; such as district heating, desalination, hydrogen production, etc. Designs of SMR are targeted for a variety of market needs in addition to power generation, such as district heating, desalination, hydrogen production or thermal production for industrial processes. Recent development of SMR is also introduced. Govt. have the plan for the development of multi-purpose reactor in the near future.

Malaysia
Malaysia has been operating a 1 MWth TRIGA Mark II reactor since 1982, which is the only research reactor in the country. It is utilized for various purposes such as neutron irradiation, radioisotope production (¹⁵³ Sm, ⁸²Br, ⁵¹Cr etc.) and beam applications. To expand its utilization, Malaysia is conducting a feasibility study for a new research reactor, which has been funded under the 12th Malaysia Plan. This is in line with the newly launched National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 (DTNN 2030), which aims to support the development of nuclear technology in the country and has included a new multipurpose reactor program as one of its initiatives.

Thailand
Thailand plans to embark a new research reactor (RR). Several conditions are required to be met based on justification, national needs, stakeholder involvement, feasibility study, environmental impact health assessment, and human resources. Thailand applied IAEA guideline for 19 infrastructure issues through specific development phases. The preliminary strategic plan was carried out and reviewed. The INIR-RR review mission was conducted to determine the status of its national nuclear infrastructure and to identify further development needs. Recently, IAEA supported the Human Resource (HR) Modelling Tool adopted to develop the national workforces. In conclusion, new RR can contribute to scientific and educational resources, improve health care and industry, increase agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable nuclear energy.

6) Others
Bangladesh: Technology Transfer of Small Modular Reactor
The aim of the proposed project is to determine final technical design of the necessary facilities and laboratories for a new high power research reactor based on the following technical information remembering IAEA guide lines: 1) Preparation of Feasibility Study Report (FSR), 2) Preparation of Strategic Planning Report (SPR), 3) Design Selection & Major Specification Confirmation, 4) Site Evaluation Report (SER) for Proposed Site. The proposed reactor will contribute significantly to creating skilled manpower for operation and maintenance of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. Therefore, the proposed research reactor plays an important role in basic research and application of nuclear technology in the country.

Japan: Neutron Utilization in General
The operation of JRR-3 under the new regulatory requirement has been finally permitted by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority. JRR-3 resumed operation on February 26, 2021. JRR-3 was operated for 160 days (7 cycles) last year. General user program started on 9th May. JRR-3 is operated for 170 days (7 cycles) this year. General user program started on 21th August. JRR-3 used for the production of radioisotope (¹⁹⁸Au, ¹⁹²Ir etc.), neutron scattering, material research and human resource development.

RRU-2: Aging Issues of Research Reactors
Korea: Performance and Lifetime Management Program (PMP) for research reactors More than 70% of research reactors around world are over 40 years old. The systematic, comprehensive and effective management program is needed for research reactors for continued operation. Aging management is evolving into asset management and preventive maintenance and is being effective using RCM, on-line monitoring and condition monitoring methods at nuclear power plant. Performance and Lifetime Management program enhances equipment reliability and enables continued operation. Performance and Lifetime Management program can be accomplished preventive maintenance program using PMT, which is a standardized maintenance document of preventive maintenance strategy by SSCs. HANARO developed PMT in order to improve reliability of SSCs and carry out Performance and Lifetime Management.

RRU-3: Future plan of RRU group for the next phase
We decided to continue the topics of this year's meeting as well as adapted these new topics at the next phase. We request that we expand the number of participants from each country to follow these broad areas of research. The workshop should be 3 days. If we bring more expert and cover more topics, it will require to increase number of days.

NAA-1: Progress report on environmental monitoring with multiple measurement techniques including NAA
Australia
ANSTO committed to measurement of mineral samples using NAA. As it turned out 90% of all samples measured by NAA since the last workshop were in fact mineral samples. The excellent availability of the OPAL reactor in conjunction with renewal of some laboratory equipment contributed to this, yet there is still additional capacity to analyse more samples using the current levels of staffing and equipment.

Bangladesh
Elemental analysis of environmental monitoring samples such as soil, dust, sediment, medicinal plants, cigarettes etc. were analyzed by INAA, in some cases by AAS and ICP-OES due to the temporary shutdown of the reactor for digital console replacement and upgrade. Environmental natural radioactivity monitoring of water and geological samples was continued in absence of neutron beam. During this time 10 papers were published in reputable journals and most of the papers were directly related to the project activities.

China
PM2.5 and PM10 samples were collected in Beijing twice a week, and these samples will be analysed by neutron activation analysis. A new neutron guide for prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) and neutron depth profiling (NDP) at China Advanced Research Reactor (CARR) was installed in this year and some NDP experiments were finished. Chang’e 5 drill core lunar samples, reference materials were analysed by using NAA in this year.

Indonesia
Determination of the micronutrient composition of foodstuffs and marine product in Capital city Suburban area Pandeglang Regency has been carried out using the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) technique. These results are expected to contribute to the government's efforts to reduce stunting prevalence and complete the composition table of Indonesian food, especially the content of macro and micro minerals as well.

Japan
We have quantified Cl, Br and I in geochemical reference samples using radiochemical neutron activation analysis. The reliability of the obtained values was evaluated based on the degree of reproducibility of the quantitative values obtained by repeated analysis and the consistency with the quantitative values obtained by instrumental neutron activation analysis. As a result, we confirmed that we were able to provide reliable quantitative values for the three halogen elements for 17 samples from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Kazakhstan
In 2023, the IVG.1M research reactor completed its fuel conversion to low-enriched uranium (LEU). As part of a comprehensive series of studies on determination of the neutron-physical characteristics of the reactor with LEU fuel, activation reaction rates within the central experimental channel were determined using activation indicators. The studies have allowed for the assessment of thermal and fast neutron production parameters in the IVG.1M reactor after the fuel conversion. In the coming years, a project is planned to study grades of concrete for biological protection of Nuclear Power Plant reactors in order to identify activation hazardous elements using the INAA method.

Malaysia
Nowadays, the government of Malaysia is focusing on exploring the area with a high concentration of REEs for mining purposes. However, the study of REEs and other elemental contamination in industrial areas will be continued. The data were evaluated to identify the degree of soil contamination and the sources of pollution in the industrial area. The data obtained can be used as baseline data for the future. The Malaysian Nuclear Agency provided services to private and government agencies to analyse REEs and other elements using the NAA technique.

Mongolia
The contents of chemical elements (heavy and toxic metals) in environmental samples such as air filters, lichen, clay and soil samples collected around Ulaanbaatar city were determined using XRF, ICP, gamma spectrometry, gamma activation and neutron activation techniques. In addition, an international conference was organized on August 28-30, 2023 in Mongolia. During the conference, many presentations were given on environmental, geological and industrial research using atomic and nuclear analytical methods including NAA.

Philippines
Analysis of agricultural soil and sediment samples, and volcanic ash have been conducted using the k₀-NAA at the Dalat Nuclear Research Institute, indicating the presence of arsenic and rare earth minerals. Authentication of organic/inorganic produce including Haram ingredients in food production were also conducted. Other complementary methods have been used in conjunction with NAA. Major efforts are underway to strengthen linkages with end-users through conduct of stakeholder engagement activities.

Thailand
For the last 12 months, NAA, PIXE and ICP-MS were developed to evaluate the element concentrations of PM2.5 emitted from different species of biomass burning and soil for obtaining their chemical source profiles. The combination of NAA and related analytical techniques are very useful for PM2.5 source identification and improving PM2.5 prediction accuracy and precision.

Vietnam
The k₀-NAA method is employed for the analysis of REEs in various samples and is cross-validated using the ICP-MS technique. The analysis of PT clay samples has also been conducted to showcase the laboratory's expertise in this field. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) has been applied for the computation of elemental concentrations in archaeological samples. A new project on “The evaluation of heavy metal pollution in sediment from Tuyen Lam Lake using the instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) method” proposed in the 2024.

NAA-2: General discussion
In the NAA-1 session, project leaders from participating countries gave oral presentations on the progress of their projects over the past year. In response, the NAA-2 session worked to provide an overview of the presentations. Specifically, two key phrases (Environmental monitoring; Multiple measurement techniques including NAA) were extracted from the NAA project and, for each of these, the contents of the progress report were organized into two issues. The issues for each key phrase are as follows;

1. Environmental monitoring
   I-1. What was done for each country over the past year?
   I-2. To what extent were objectives achieved?
2. Multiple measurement techniques including NAA
   II-1. Performance
   II-2. How to use the results of the comparison?

The activities that each country has undertaken to address these issues over the past year were reviewed among the participating countries. The responses and progress of each country for each issue are summarized in the Appendix.

NAA-3: Future plan of NAA group for the next phase
Based on the results of activities in the current phase, the plan for the next phase was discussed. The following is a summary of the discussions;

1. As in the current phase, environmental samples in a broad sense are considered as samples to be analyzed.
2. To improve NAA techniques, the same samples will be analyzed jointly and the results are to be compared. For this purpose, the following two types of samples will be analyzed.
   (i) Sedimentary rocks (powder)
   Japan will prepare and send them to the countries that wish to participate. Prepare three types of samples.
   (ii) monazite, xenotime (powder)
   Thailand will prepare and send them to the participating countries. Mainly rare earth elements (REEs), Th and U are quantified. Since these samples contain relatively high concentrations of U, neutron irradiation produces fission products from U, which interfere with the determination of REEs in INAA, so it is important to consider correction methods for this interference.
3. Focus on halogen elements as elements to be analyzed. Although, unlike RNAA, INAA cannot limit the elements to be analyzed, there exist rock samples for which some halogen elements can be quantified under certain experimental conditions. Japan will send such samples to the desired countries. The results obtained will be compared and discussed in accordance with the objectives stated in 2 above.
4. NAA will be the main analytical method, but ICP-MS, XRF, and other analytical methods will be used as necessary, and the suitability of analytical methods for each sample will be discussed.

Wrap up session

Conclusions
The RRU projects has 8 themes and we have discussed all the topics during the last three years, 2021-2023. We decided to continue these topics as well as adapted new topics in the next phase (2024-2026). The advantage of having this workshop every year is to discuss new themes in the RRU and to provide networking opportunities.

The RRU project in the next phase would consider the following topics:

The meeting agreed the FY2024’s workshop would be held in Malaysia.

Program of
FNCA 2023 Workshop on Research Reactor Utilization Project