Argentina currently has two critical assemblies, RA-0 and RA-4. These are two research reactors of very low power (1W), so they do not need a cooling system, as the heat produced in the core is very little. They are located at the National University of Cordoba and the National University of Rosario respectively.
Both were loaned by the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) to be used in the following fields:
- Teaching in the areas of Nuclear Engineering and Physics.
- Training and retraining of personnel from other types of higher power facilities. This aspect is particularly relevant as these reactors offer the opportunity to carry out training and experience and to be in contact with elements and systems that would not be accessible due to their high radiation doses (fuel elements, reflectors, control rods, etc.).
- Studies of nuclear parameters for different nuclear configurations with and without reflectors of different elements.
- Estimation of critical and subcritical kinetic parameters using measurement methods based on inverse kinetics and the application of the Neutron Noise Technique.
- Radiation damage of elements at low flow.
- Testing of Instrumentation and Control equipment and nuclear detectors.
- Activation analysis.
- Experiments for the measurement of vacuum and temperature coefficients of different nuclei, tests of different reflectors, and moderators.
The RA-0
The RA-0 critical assembly has a core with a ring-crown geometry consisting of two concentric, separable anodized aluminum tanks. Inside are the fuel assemblies (20% enriched uranium) and demineralized water (used as moderator).
A future upgrade of the entire reactor instrumentation is foreseen, which will involve changing the start-up, running, and area monitoring channels, as well as the control systems and safety systems.
RA-0 offers an extensive academic offer including workshops, courses, and training in reactor physics and radiation and nuclear safety for different facilities. It also provides students with the possibility of completing their theses and PhDs and even supervised internships.
On the other hand, RA-0 also has a large training programme for nuclear power plant operators, such as Atucha and Embalse.
Another important function of this reactor is the development of instrumentation, such as the realization of a data acquisition system that was later implemented in other research reactors in Argentina and Chile.
The RA-4
The RA-4 is a turnkey low-power reactor that arrived from Germany in July 1971, starting up at the Centro Atómico Constituyentes. However, a year later it was transferred to Rosario, where it is still in operation today.
The main activity of the RA-4 is oriented toward the training and education of advanced students from different branches of engineering, seeking to integrate nuclear technology into these careers. It is also linked to other faculties of the National University of Rosario and allows students of physics, biochemistry, or medicine to have access to this type of facilities and have contact with nuclear technology.
The RA-4 is also used for research, instruction, and training of reactor operators, as well as to study systems for nuclear and reactor experiments, without forgetting its informative function carried out through a programme of visits open to the general and specialized public.
