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Technical characteristics

Description of the ILL high-flux reactor

Neutrons at the ILL are delivered by its reactor.

Refurbished between 1993 and 1995, thereactor 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.

The reactor operates continuously for a 50-day period ("cycle"), followed by a shutdown to change the fuel element. One longer shutdown is planned every year to enable maintenance work to be carried out. Normally there are 4 cycles in a year, providing 200 days for science.

See reactor operating schedule