United States · Richland, WA · 46.280, -119.275 (approximate location)

PRCF Plutonium Recycle Critical

PRCF Plutonium Recycle Critical, a research reactor (critical assembly) in Richland, WA, United States, with 10 kW of thermal power, operated by Pacific Northwest Laboratory. Decommissioned, first critical in 1962.

It was one of the 340 research reactors the United States has had; 48 remain in operation today. It went critical 20 years after the first research reactor in the United States, CP-1, Chicago Pile 1 (1942). 44 critical assemblies remain in operation today across 12 countries. Its declared uses include neutron radiography, nuclear data measurements and materials testing.

Country

United States

City

Richland, WA

Type

Critical assembly

Thermal power

10 kW

Operator

Pacific Northwest Laboratory

Status

Decommissioned

First criticality

1962

Purpose

Neutron radiography, nuclear data, materials testing

See also: every research reactor in United States · How research reactors work