Pennsylvania State University Radiation Science & Engineering Center
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Pennsylvania State University Radiation Science & Engineering Center
The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) Radiation Science & Engineering Center (RSEC) houses the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor (BNR). This reactor is the oldest operating in the nation and has undergone numerous power upgrades, renovations, and other changes. The reactor serves the research purposes of the Penn State Nuclear Engineering Department as well as researchers from industry and other universities. Its total thermal output is 1.1 MW.
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[edit] Reactor Overview
The BNR first went critical on August 15, 1955 making it the oldest operating reactor in the U.S.. Other research reactors predate it but have since been decommissioned such as the first reactor at NC State.
- In 1955 operation began at a rated power of 100 kW.
- In 1960 the power was increased to 200 kW.
- In 1962 and again in 1964 additions of laboratories, hot cells, a Co60 pool, offices, and a classroom were made.
- In 1965 the reactor was upgraded from the plate fuel type, highly enriched MTR fuel to a 1 MW TRIGA core and pin fuel type. Also, enrichment was decreased from 93% to less than 20%, making the core classified as LEU. The design also allowed pulsing capabilities of up to 2 MW.
- In 1986 the license for the reactor was renewed for another 20 years.
In 1999 54 faculty and staff, 27 graduate students, and 30 undergraduate students performed research at the facility and 9 Master's theses and 5 Doctoral dissertations were completed. Every year around 3,000 people participate in tours or other activities.
[edit] Add Ons
The following items are currently under development to be a part of the RSEC facilities.
- Cold Neutron Source
- Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA)
- Neutron Depth Profiling (NDP)
- Neutron Powder Diffraction (ND)
[edit] Cold Neutron Source
This addition will add more equipment next to the the reactor that takes a tap off of the core neutron flux, and cools them down significantly to make Cold Neutron flux. Note that these are not the coldest neutrons available in university research, those are Ultra Cold Neutrons, such as those used in the NC State Nuclear Reactor.
[edit] External Links
[edit] References
- Perez, Pedro B. (2000). "University Research Reactors: Contributing to the National Scientific and Engineering Infrastructure from 1953 to 2000 and Beyond". National Organization of Test, Research and Training Reactors.
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Armed Forces Radiobiological Research Institute · Cornell University · Idaho State University · Kansas State University · Massachusetts Institute of Technology · National Institute of Standards and Technology · North Carolina State University · Ohio State University · Oregon State University · Penn State University · Purdue University · Reed College · Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · Texas A&M University · University of Arizona · University of California · University of Florida · University of Maryland · University of Massachusetts Lowell · University of Michigan · University of Missouri-Columbia · University of Missouri-Rolla · University of New Mexico · University of Texas at Austin · University of Utah · University of Wisconsin-Madison · Washington State University · Worcester Polytechnic Institute |
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| U.S. Company Operated Research Reactors | |
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Aerotest Operations Inc. · Dow Chemical Company · General Electric Company · Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission · U.S. Geological Survey · U.S. Veterans Administration |
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| U.S. National Labs with Nuclear Research Reactors | |
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Argonne National Laboratory · Brookhaven National Laboratory (All Shut down) · Hanford Site · Idaho National Laboratory · Oak Ridge National Laboratory · Savannah River Site |
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