Speaker
Description
ISOLDE is a CERN facility dedicated to the production of radioactive ion beams for applications in atomic physics, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions and life sciences. The 1.4 GeV proton beam from the Proton Synchrotron Booster, with a maximum current of 2 $\mu$A, impinges on a thick target kept at high temperature during irradiation. The generated radionuclides diffuse out of the target and are ionized by an ion source. Then, the radioactive nuclei are extracted and a mass separator is used to select the radionuclides of interest, which are transported to the experimental area via a beam line system.
About the 80% of the primary proton beam does not interact with the target and is intercepted by a beam dump, one for each of the two target stations. The ISOLDE beam dumps are currently operating at their limit in terms of temperature and mechanical stresses. For these reasons, their replacement is currently being studied together with the design of new beam dumps and related shielding to meet future operational needs (higher beam energy, i.e. 2 GeV, and intensity, up to 6 $\mu$A) as well as modern radiation protection standards.
Besides the studies for the future dismantling worksite, a detailed radiation protection analysis via the FLUKA.CERN Monte Carlo code is being performed for the new beam dumps and the related facility consolidation. This work covers various RP aspects such as the study of the envelope target configuration for stray radiation and the definition of the radiological area classification. Moreover, the evaluation and optimisation of shielding requirements (volume, material, cost), material activation, residual dose rate and atmospheric releases from air activation cannot be neglected.