Unfortunately, on 23rd July 2009, 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 23 July.
At present, an investigation is under way involving the compressor manufacturer and ANSTO, but we do not yet have an estimated date for return to service. Neither QUOKKA nor PLATYPUS can operate until this is resolved.
We will attempt to keep our users of these two important instruments advised of any future developments.
Published: 09/09/2009