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Engineering Test Reactor (ETR) Vessel Relocated
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Gantry jacks attached to ETR vessel. Initial lift starts.
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ETR vessel removed from
substructure. Vessel lifted approximately 40 ft.
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On Monday, September 24, 2007 the Engineering Test Reactor (ETR) vessel was
removed from its location and delivered to the Idaho CERCLA Disposal Facility (ICDF).
The long history of the ETR began for this water-cooled reactor
with its start up in 1957, after taking only 2 years to build. According to
"Proving the Principles," by Susan M. Stacy:
When the Engineering Test Reactor started up at the Test Reactor Area
in 1957, it was the largest and most advanced materials test reactor in
the world. The 175-megawatt reactor provided larger test spaces than the
older Materials Test Reactor and provided a more intense neutron flux.
The ETR evaluated fuel, coolant, and moderator materials under
environments similar to those of power reactors.
In 1972 the ETR was modified by the addition of a Sodium Loop Safety
Facility into the reactor core.
With this, the reactor played a new role
supporting DOE's breeder reactor safety program. ETR test programs
related to the core design and operation of breeder reactors. As testing
progressed, the reactor was again modified with a new top closure
accommodating the irradiation loop. Other additions included a helium
coolant system and sodium-handling system. The ETR was the first
complete reactor facility to be deactivated and documented immediately
after shutdown. The last month of operation for the ETR was December
1981.
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