RA Research nuclear reactor

RA research reactor attained first criticality in October 1959. The RA reactor is is a thermal reactor, heavy water moderated and heavy water cooled. At the beginning reactor was operated with 2% enriched metal fuel, but now only 80% enriched fuel is in use. Nominal power during regular operation conditions is 6.5 MW and 10 MW in case of forced operating regime. Mean thermal neutron flux during operation at nominal power is 6 1013 n/cm2 s. This rather high value of flux was achieved owing to the increase of fuel burnup and it enables reactor utilization in fundamental and applied research programs, isotope production, and experiments in solid state physics. Multiple possibilities are suitable for applications for the nuclear power program, such as construction materials testing and fuel elements testing. At the sam time the RA reactor is a unique facility suitable for training of the staff for the needs of nuclear power projects