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The ILL high-flux reactor

Neutrons at the ILL are delivered by its reactor. The ILL High-Flux Reactor generally operates four 50-day period ("cycle") per year, providing 200 days for science. It is also possible to operate cycles of 60 days in length at lower power, without compromising its world-class performances.

Refurbished between 1993 and 1995, the reactor produces the most intense continuous neutron flux in the world in the moderator region: 1.5x1015 neutrons per second per cm2, with a thermal power of 58.3 MW.

Cycles are followed by a shutdown to change the fuel element. One longer shutdown is planned every year to enable maintenance work to be carried out.

Safety and environment information:

Nuclear transparency and safety: annual report (in French)

Information on environmental monitoring

IRSN website, environment monitoring (in French only)

Watch the Cerenkov effet appear as the ILL reactor reaches 40 MW