CROCUS is a research reactor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, a research institute and university in Lausanne, Switzerland.

CROCUS
CROCUS' core
CROCUS' core
Operating InstitutionÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Coordinates46°31′16″N 6°34′13″E / 46.521238°N 6.570361°E / 46.521238; 6.570361
Power100 W[1] (thermal)
Construction and Upkeep
Construction BeganJanuary 1, 1970[1]
First CriticalityJuly 13, 1983[1]
Staff8[1]
Operators2[1]
Technical Specifications
Max Thermal Flux7.5×108 cm-2s-1[1]
Max Fast Flux1.75×109 cm-2s-1 [1]
Coolinglight water[1]
Neutron Moderatorlight water[1]
Neutron Reflectorlight water[1]
Control Rods2[1]

The uranium nuclear reactor core is in an aluminium container that measures 130 centimetres (51 in) across with 1.2-centimetre (0.47 in)-thick walls. The aluminum vessel is filled with demineralized light water to serve as both a neutron moderator and a neutron reflector.[2]

Power output is controlled either by adjusting the water level in the reactor—with a ±0.1-millimetre (0.0039 in) level of control, or with the adjustment of two boron carbide (B4C) control rods—with a ±1-millimetre (0.039 in) level of finesse. The reactor has six separate safety systems: two cadmium shields and four storage tanks, any of which can shut down the reaction in less than a second.[2]

CROCUS has a license to produce 100 watts (0.13 hp) or a neutron flux of ~2.5 × 109 cm-2s-1 at the core's center.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "IAEA Research Reactors Database (RRDB)". International Atomic Energy Agency. Archived from the original on 27 December 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "CROCUS Reactor — LRS". École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. Archived from the original on 12 December 2018. Retrieved 12 December 2018.

See also

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  •   Media related to CROCUS at Wikimedia Commons