IRESNE's website

Our research

A material test reactor currently under construction at the CEA Cadarache centre.

The IRESNE institute’s objectives for the Jules Horowitz reactor (JHR) currently concern the extensive preparatory work that must be completed before the facility can be commissioned and experiments can be performed. Our experts are supporting the reactor design and nuclear safety teams in this field. We are also tasked with characterising the reactor performance levels and the experimental equipment.

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Pending reactor commissioning, we are preparing for its operation and are currently working on the nuclear fuel that has been chosen for the project. ​​

IRESNE: its expertise at the service of nuclear safety

The scientists at IRESNE are pooling their expertise in nuclear safety to analyse the safety case files on this future test reactor

They develop and maintain scientific computer tools and their experimental databases to construct models and scenarios that reflect the safety requirements defined by the French nuclear safety authority (ASN). Our teams also take part in manufacturing fuel elements by providing monitoring and inspection services.​​

Experimental devices

The Jules Horowitz research reactor (JHR) provides a unique environment in which innovative tests can be performed simultaneously. The building is divided into two areas with different reactor containment systems:

The first area is known as the reactor building (BR) and it is also divided into two sections:

• The first section houses the nuclear reactor and its primary cooling system.
  

• The second houses the experimentation devices associated with the reactor. This section hosts the different test loops specially designed to meet the needs of all the partner projects.
  The fission products laboratory will also be situated in this section so it can be connected up to the loops studying nuclear fuels.

The second area is known as the nuclear auxiliary building building (BAN) in which the laboratories, storage ponds and the hot cells are housed. The latter are shielded containments in which radioactive components and materials are handled, and where non-destructive measurements are performed on fuels samples and materials.

The teams at IRESNE are continuing to develop the experimental devices for the future reactor. We compiled the different technical specifications that must take account of the test devices and non-destructive test benches needed to meet the experimental requirements. These technical specifications were then validated through a series of feasibility studies.

Qualitative studies are ensured through the development of innovative nuclear instrumentation that will equip the future experimental devices installed in the JHR. ​​

Qualification

Preparing irradiation device experiments

They are also focused on identifying and writing the specifications for these qualification experiments. These tests will allow us to qualify the experimental devices, to check their performance, and to assess their robustness and material resistance when placed in a hostile environment.

We carry out specific studies to support the design and development of the irradiation experiments, as well as the related nuclear safety cases and operating documents. Studies specifically focus on the experimental fuel rods and their source term, providing feedback that will be used support the design and operating phases of these experimental devices.​

Coolants

NaK under investigation

The Jules Horowitz reactor will use water as its coolant. However, the coolants used in the experimental devices can be different. Our teams are currently exploring the possibility of using a sodium potassium alloy (NaK). It has the specificity of being liquid at room temperature, which provides ideal irradiation conditions with respect to the required temperature range that must be ensured. NaK is therefore a potential choice for the coolant in some experimental devices.​​