Heavy Water Components Test Reactor
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Heavy Water Components Test Reactor (HWCTR) was an experimental nuclear reactor at the Savannah River Site in Aiken County, South Carolina. It was commonly called "Hector."
It was constructed starting in 1958 in a temporary construction area, which is now called "B" Area. This is near the intersection of SRS roads "2" and "C." It is identified as Building 770-U. It has a cylindrical structure with a hemispherical dome. Its diameter is 70 ft. (21.3 m) with a height of 125 ft (38.1 m). About 60 ft (18.3 m) is located underground. The building was designed to contain an internal pressure of 24 psig (165 kPa). It had a 70 MW thermal output.
It was built to test the concept of a heavy water moderated and cooled reactor for civilian power. It was tested from late 1962 to December 1964. It was not restarted. The fuel was removed and the facility was secured by 1971. All auxiliary buildings were removed. The reactor building awaits its final disposition.
[edit] External References
Savannah River Site at 50 HWCTR is described on p. 353 - 355.
Savannah River Site Long-Term Stewardship Report Status of decommissioning.
