The BATAN's radiometallurgy installation in support to fuel development

The construction of BATAN's Radiometallurgy Installation, the RMI, was completed by the end of 1990 and this laboratory is currently undergoing the cold start-up prior to its hot commissioning scheduled by the end of 1991. The RMI is situated adjacent to the 30-MW multipurpose reactor, RSG-GAS, at Serpong Nuclear Facilities. This new laboratory, together with the other two existing fuel facilities, i.e. the Research Reactor Fuel Element Production Installation (FEPI) and the Experimental Power Reactor Fuel Element Installation (EFEI) as well as various irradiation facilities, i.e. in pile loops, rigs and capsules, will form a strong basis for future fuel and reactor material development in Indonesia. This important role is accomplished by typically providing post irradiation examinations in the forms of destructive as well as non-destructive testing for MTR, HWR, and PWR fuel elements. The laboratory capability will certainly not be confined to supporting domestic PIE only but will extend as well to cover off-shore PIE services based on some mutual agreement. (author)