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Nuclear Criticality Safety
NCSD provides communication among nuclear criticality safety professionals through the development of standards, the evolution of training methods and materials, the presentation of technical data and procedures, and the creation of specialty publications. In these ways, the division furthers the exchange of technical information on nuclear criticality safety with the ultimate goal of promoting the safe handling of fissionable materials outside reactors.
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2024 ANS Winter Conference and Expo
November 17–21, 2024
Orlando, FL|Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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Latest News
New laws offer nuclear industry incentives for existing power plant uprates
This year, the U.S. nuclear industry received a much-needed economic boost that could help preserve operating nuclear power plants and incentivize upgrades that extend their lifespan and power output.
Signed into law in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act offers production tax credits (PTCs) for existing nuclear power plants and either PTCs or investment tax credits (ITCs) for new carbon-free generation. These credits could make power uprates—increasing the maximum power level at which a commercial plant may operate—a much more appealing option for utilities.
Cesar A. Sastre
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 8 | Number 5 | November 1960 | Pages 443-447
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/NSE60-A25827
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The use of a general purpose analog computer for the continuous measurement of reactivity of a nuclear reactor is described. The machine is programmed to solve the conventional space-independent reactor kinetics equations for reactivity using the signal from an ion chamber as input data. This technique provides reactivity information instantaneously and continuously. Using it, one can calibrate control rods “on the run,” and can measure stationary values of reactivity without waiting for asymptotic periods to develop.