Status of the TREAT reactor restart and the resumption of transient testing

The U.S. Department of Energy has authorized resumption of transient testing and the restart of the Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) facility. The TREAT facility was used from 1959 to 1994 (when in was placed in standby) to conduct more than 2,800 nuclear fuel transient tests. The plant was extensively upgraded in the 1980s, with upgrades completed in 1989. Present day assessments reveal that a sound infrastructure remains at the TREAT facility and the previous procedures, drawings, and other documentation were preserved. Several personnel who were involved in historical operations are available and are consulting on the resumption of operations activities. Efforts are now under way to renew reactor systems and infrastructure as required, update procedures and configuration management documents, and deploy a qualified operating organization.reactor startup is anticipated no later than 2018. Supporting infrastructure for preparation and examination of experiments is being evaluated and will be updated as required to reflect the current needs of fuel and material testing.