Irradiation and maintenance schedule scenario
A desirable operation cycle would consist of 3 successive periods of 90 days each, separated by 30 days of maintenance periods that would mainly be dedicated to core fuel loading and reshuffling adjustments, irradiation devices loading and unloading, systems inspection, probe management and minor maintenance. This would be followed by a 90 days major maintenance period. So, the time availability of the irradiation facility would typically be averaged over several years 270 irradiation days over a total cycle period of 420 days, or about 65 %. One can try later on to improve this time availability up 70 to 75 %. More on the cycle management.
Operational and maintenance modus and personnel
The actual operation of the MYRRHA device would be performed automatically thanks to Remote Handling (RH) and Robotics under computer control in a pre-programmed way with computer-independent, partially hard-wired interlock safety loops. Control and monitoring would be from the main control room serving also the LINAC in an integrated way. Attendance of the core vicinity would normally not be permitted and only be permitted under the respective rules for radiation workers and in full suits because of the oxygen-free atmosphere. One would only foresee the entrance to these areas for very short durations and in very exceptional cases for inspections that cannot be handled otherwise or freeing of RH equipment that cannot be handled in a routine fashion. A list of such actions need to be established during the MYRRHA detailed Design Phase with the aim of keeping it as short and restrictive as possible.