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HIFAR

HIFAR, a research reactor (heavy water) in Sydney, Australia, with 10 MW of thermal power, operated by Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre. Shut down, first critical in 1958.

It was one of the 4 research reactors Australia has had; 1 remains in operation today. It was the first research reactor in Australia to go critical. 10 heavy-water research reactors remain in operation today across 7 countries. Its declared uses include isotope production, neutron scattering, silicon doping and transmutation.

Country

Australia

City

Sydney

Type

Heavy water

Thermal power

10 MW

Operator

Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre

Status

Shut down

First criticality

1958

Purpose

Isotope production, neutron scattering, silicon doping, transmutation, training, activation analysis, geochronology

See also: every research reactor in Australia · How research reactors work