SCK CEN Completed The Renovation Of BR2 Research Reactor
Last December, SCK CEN (ENS Corporate Member) completed a nine-week renovation of the BR2 research reactor.
The works were implemented during a production break from 11 October to 10 December.
Among the facility’s modernisations, SCK CEN announced the replacement of ventilation pipes, together with the electrical substations and controls, as well as the 1000 m³ water tank received a new inner lining.
The Belgian research centre collects demineralised water in this tank from the reactor channel or dock. The inner lining serves as a protective layer, preserving the integrity of the concrete and ensuring the quality of the demineralised water.
The reactor channel was also painted earlier on, the cooling towers were renovated, the reactor dome was sprayed and a brand-new hot cell was installed.
SCK CEN is also planning the following renovations this year:
- Replacing the last part of the ventilation pipes
- Further modernisation of the electric system
- Making all preparations to overhaul the existing cranes and install a second robust transfer system in 2026
Indeed, after maintenance and modernisation operations and the IAEA’s SALTO Mission in 2017, BR2 is now permitted to operate until its next periodic safety review in 2026, when a decision on extending its operation for another ten years may be taken.
Every ten years, we need to prove that all of BR2’s systems are functioning perfectly in line with the safety regulations. Preparations are in full swing for the safety evaluation to ensure operation until 2036. And I am convinced that it is feasible: on the one hand, thanks to the continuous maintenance of the research reactor and, on the other, thanks to additional modernisations, which we have now implemented.
explained Steven Van Dyck, BR2 Director.
Read the full SCK CEN Press Release.
