Abstract:
The LVR-15 research reactor was commenced in 1957 as a multipurpose source of neutrons for basic research at horizontal channels and user-oriented research at mostly vertical loop channels and rigs as well as. The advantage of the reactor layout comes from flexible diameter of irradiation channels, good access to the upper part of the channels, and the fact that the core can be refueled without let-up of operation of the irradiation facility. The main fields of the reactor utilization are neutron beam research including BNCT, fuel and material irradiation tests, and radioisotope and silicon production. Reactor has joined the Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return (RRRFR) initiative to convert from HEU to LEU. At present the transportation of the spent fuel to Russia is being prepared. The paper presents the present status and future plans of LVR-15 utilization.