The Pneumatic Transfer System, or Rabbit System, allows for the rapid movement of small experimental samples from a remotely located sample station to a terminus located at the midpoint flux external to the reactor core. Samples may be operated through an automated timer or manual retrieval system.
Currently, the remote station in the Hot Lab (basement) is the only station in service. The remote station on the Experimental Level near the Gamma Cave and the station on the Intermediate Level in the Hot Cell are currently out of service as these systems were disconnected to accommodate for the fast neutron irradiation facility in 2001. These stations and tubes are still in place and can be reconfigured for use, but the tube within the pool for this side of the system has been disconnected.
Sample sizes can be no greater than 3.8 centimeter (cm) x 12.5 cm and must have a mass of less than 300 grams (10 ounces). Typically, samples are placed in a 7-dram polyethylene vial of dimensions 2.5 cm x 5 cm, then loaded into a larger plastic carrier capsule.
Total Neutron Flux at 1 Megawatt (MW):
3.16E+12 neutrons per centimeter squared per second (n/cm2-sec)
Uses:
- Neutron Activation Analysis
- Soil sample testing
- Impurity testing
- Activation Analysis Labs