At 11:45 this morning, ANSTO’s OPAL research reactor reached its full operating power of 20 Mega Watts for the first time as part of the reactor’s commissioning process, which is yet to be completed.
“This is a milestone because it means that we are a step closer to the full commissioning of the reactor,” said Dr Ian Smith, ANSTO Executive Director.
“This is a very exciting time and we are confident that the success to date in the commissioning process will assure we reach full operation on the planned schedule and realise the science capabilities and radiopharmaceutical production capacity which OPAL will provide for Australia.
In commissioning, reactor components and systems are made operational and verified to be in accordance with design and performance criteria. Reaching 20 MW today is a significant milestone for the ANSTO,INVAP (the prime contractor)and the project team.
“The water in OPAL’s pool vessel is now emitting the distinctive blue glow of Cerenkov radiation, characteristic of nuclear fission,” said Dr Smith.
OPAL will be a major contributor to Australia’s nuclear medicine needs for the next 40 years, and is designed and constructed to ensure effective protection against radiological hazards for workers, the community and the environment.
When OPAL is fully operational and delivering radioisotopes and neutron beams to the necessary requirements, the current reactor, HIFAR, will be shut down.