Unfortunately, on 8th March 2012, we noticed indications that one of two primary compressors for our cold-neutron source might be experiencing problems, and it was shut down as a preventive measure.
During the 18-31 March scheduled reactor shutdown, the air end for this compressor was replaced.
However, there are still strong indications that reliable operation cannot be guaranteed, and the OPAL Reactor has restarted operations, but without the cold source.
As a consequence, neither the QUOKKA nor the PLATYPUS instruments, which are fed by the cold source, have operated since 8 March. ANSTO aims to reinstate the cold neutron service in the third week of April.
Those users displaced by these problems will have their experiments rescheduled in the coming months.
Published: 03/04/2012