Abstract:
This paper describes 50 years of operating experience and utilization of the IEA-R1 research reactor for basic and applied research, teaching and radioisotopes production. The current and future program of upgrading the reactor is also described. IEA-R1 research reactor is the largest power research reactor in Brazil, with a maximum power rating of 5 MWth. The reactor is used for research in the nuclear and neutron related sciences, for the production of radioisotopes for medical and industrial applications, and for providing services of neutron activation analysis, real time neutron radiography, and neutron transmutation doping of silicon. IEA-R1 is a swimming pool reactor, with light water as the coolant and moderator, and graphite and beryllium as reflectors. The reactor achieved its first criticality on September 16, 1957. It is currently operating at 3.5 MWth with a 64-hour cycle per week and uses LEU (U3Si2-Al) fuel elements fabricated at IPEN. During the past few years, a concerted effort has been made to upgrade the reactor power to 5 MWth in order to produce 99Mo at IPEN. The reactor cycle will be gradually increased to 120 hours per week continuous operation.