Vibration Analysis of the BAEC TRIGA Research Reactor Cooling System: A Comprehensive Study


Authors : Ashraful Haque; M. Rakibul Hasan; M. Abdus Salam; M. Obaidur Rahman; M. Mezbah Uddin

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 5 - May


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3wc8y2rv

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may1269

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) Research Reactor (BTRR) cooling system is a critical component for safe and reliable reactor operation. Excessive vibration of this system can lead to fatigue, component failure, and potential safety hazards. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the vibration characteristics of the BRR cooling system, including a detailed analysis of the system's design, operation, and potential sources of vibration. Experimental measurements were conducted at various locations within the system to characterize the vibration levels and frequencies. Based on analytical results, it is found that the mitigation strategy (variable frequency device installation, providing soft start up, change of coolant pump motors, change of piping arrangements, provide piping supports) is quite successful as the vibration level reduce significantly. specially for the primary side the vibration improvement was observed up to 75%. Reduction of vibration in primary side is very important in context of loss of coolant accident prevention. This study aims to provide a roadmap for improving the vibration performance of the BTRR cooling system, enhancing its reliability, and contributing to the overall safety of the reactor.

References :

  1. S. M. F. Karim, M. M. Rahman, M. Z. H. Faruquee, S. U. Ahmed and M. A. S. Akanda, 1997, “Vibration Measurement on the Primary System of the TRIGA MARK – II Research Reactor at AERE, Savar”, INST – 59 / RPED – 14.
  2. I. S. Koo, W. W. Kim, “The development of reactor coolant pump vibration monitoring and a diagnostic system in the nuclear power plant”, ISA Transactions, Volume 39, Issue 3, July 2000, Pages 309-316.
  3. M. Sohel Rana, M. Mezbah Uddin, Ashraful Haque2, M. J. H. Khan, M. A. Salam, N. H. Badrun, M. S. Mahmood1, M. S. Islam, M. Monzurul Haque and M. A. Zulquarnain, “Vibration analysis of renovated primary cooling system of the 3 mw triga mark – II research reactor”, International Conference on Mechanical Engineering 2011 (ICME2011) 18-20 December 2011, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  4. M. Monzurul Haque, M. A. Malek Soner , P.K. Saha, M.A. Salam and M.A. Zulquarnain, 2007, “Operating Experience and Utilization Programmes of  the  BAEC  3  MW  TRIGA Mark-II  Research Reactor of Bangladesh”, International Conference on Research Reactor, Safe Management and Effective Utilization, Sydney. IAEA-CN-156/U-54.
  5. M. S. Islam, M. M. Haque, M. A. Salam, M. M. Rahman, M. R. I. Khandokar, M. A. Sardar, P. K. Saha, A. Haque, M. A. Malek Soner, M. M. Uddin, S. M. S. Hossain and M. A. Zulquarnain, 2004, “Operation Experience with the 3 MW TRIGA Mark-II Research Reactor of Bangladesh”, 2nd World TRIGA Conference Vienna, Austria.
  6. M. A. Zulquarnain, M. M. Haque, M. A. Salam, M. A. Sarder, M. A. M. Soner, A. Haque, M. M. Uddin, M. M. Rahman, M. Haque and T. Q. Choudhury, 2007, “Refurbishment of the Cooling System of the 3 MW TRIGA Mk-II Research Reactor of Bangladesh”, Proceedings of the International Conference on Mechanical Engineering, (ICME2007), Dhaka, Bangladesh. ICME07-TH-32.

The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) Research Reactor (BTRR) cooling system is a critical component for safe and reliable reactor operation. Excessive vibration of this system can lead to fatigue, component failure, and potential safety hazards. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the vibration characteristics of the BRR cooling system, including a detailed analysis of the system's design, operation, and potential sources of vibration. Experimental measurements were conducted at various locations within the system to characterize the vibration levels and frequencies. Based on analytical results, it is found that the mitigation strategy (variable frequency device installation, providing soft start up, change of coolant pump motors, change of piping arrangements, provide piping supports) is quite successful as the vibration level reduce significantly. specially for the primary side the vibration improvement was observed up to 75%. Reduction of vibration in primary side is very important in context of loss of coolant accident prevention. This study aims to provide a roadmap for improving the vibration performance of the BTRR cooling system, enhancing its reliability, and contributing to the overall safety of the reactor.

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