Unfortunately, on 14th March 2010, we experienced a failure of one of two primary compressors for our cold-neutron source.
The cold source cannot operate, with the reactor at full power, without both compressors. As a consequence, neither the OPAL cold-neutron source itself nor the QUOKKA or PLATYPUS instruments, which are fed by the cold source, have operated since 14 March.
The estimated date for return to service is 8 May 2010. QUOKKA and PLATYPUS will be out of service until then. The updated reactor schedule is available on the web.
Published: 26/03/2010