Uses of a small reserach reactor in Brazil

Abstract

Three research reactors have been in operation in Brazil. A TRIGA Mark I reactor, the IPR-R1, is located at the Nuclear Technology Development Center (CDTN) of the National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), in Belo Horizonte. This reactor has been safely operating since 1960, totaling around 19,300 hours, at rated power levels up to 100 kW, delivering nearly 1, 460 MWh and allowing irradiation of about 390,000 samples. This paper briefly outlines the main historical facts and dates related to the IPR-R1 research reactor facilities, operating status, improvements on original reactor systems, uses in various scientific areas and some feasible prospects for future work.