Need of Reactor Dosimetry Preservation

The nuclear safety requirements and philosophy have changed by the development of new nuclear systems and this imposes special research and development activity. Reactor dosimetry which is applied for determination of neutron field parameters and neutron flux responses in different regions of the reactor system plays an important role in determining of radiation exposure on reactor system elements as reactor vessel, internals, shielding; dose determination for material damage study; for conditioning of irradiation; dose determination for medicine and industry application; induced activity determination for decommissioning purposes. The management of nuclear knowledge has emerged as a growing challenge in recent years. The need to preserve and transfer nuclear knowledge is compounded by recent trends such as ageing of the nuclear workforce, declining student numbers in nuclear related fields, and the threat of losing accumulated nuclear knowledge. 1. CHALLENGES OF THE NUCLEAR ENERGY RENAISSANCE Today’s nuclear renaissance in national and European aspect, expressed in building of new NPPs, as well as the development of Gen. IV nuclear reactors, meets new challenges of accuracy of the reactor analysis methods used for reliable operation and nuclear safety assessment. The nuclear safety requirements and philosophy have changed by the development of new nuclear systems and this imposes special research and development activity. The EC documents as the SET-PLAN, the SNETP, the "Draft nuclear illustrative programme" , “An European approach to nuclear power, safety and security” derived from “Energy Policy for Europe” [1] trace the strategic directions in nuclear knowledge management. The growing lack of experienced employees in the nuclear field is recognised everywhere as a problem affecting the ability of the industry to retain the current high levels of expertise necessary to maintain nuclear safety. This contrasts with the Nuclear Energy renaissance. The concept could be adapted to many types of activities, but addresses the scope of the first Chapter of the Strategic Research Agenda developed within SNE-TP: Current and Future Light Water Reactors, representing Generation II and Generation III. The concept is the creation of training and professional development at a higher level, tailored for professionals with years of experience. In order to face the new challenges in nuclear safety such as reactor ageing, new fuel management, facility dismantling, waste disposal as well as the development of new generation reactors, across the world, thousands and thousands of nuclear scientists and technicians must be educated, recruited and trained without delay to quench this thirst of competence. Nuclear Safety Culture is a topic of paramount importance for all nuclear operators as well as for all operators of installations dedicated to radiology and radiotherapy. It concerns also the regulators and related support organisations. Its efficient practice is an absolute must for nuclear power plants, for production and transport of fissile materials and radioisotopes, and for related research activities. 2. WHAT IS REACTOR DOSIMETRY Reactor Dosimetry (RD) is an element of Nuclear Safety Culture. It is applied for determination of neutron field parameters and neutron flux responses in different regions of the reactor system plays an important role in determining of consecutive effects from the irradiation. That is, for determination of radiation exposure on reactor system elements as reactor vessel, internals, shielding; dose