ZED-2
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ZED-2 (Zero Energy Deuterium) is the successor to the ZEEP reactor. Designed by AECL for CANDU reactor support, the unit saw first criticality in September 1960. The reactor is still operating at Chalk River where it is used for reactor physics research.
It is a low-power (200 w), tank-type (3.36 meter diameter, 3.35 meter high), heavy-water moderated reactor capable of a peak flux of 1x109 n/cm2/sec. Seven special Zirconium-alloy fuel assemblies are used and reactor control is via moderator level adjustment. Liquid (light or heavy water) and gas (CO2) coolants can be used and be heated to 300°C at 8.6 MPa while the heavy water moderator can be heated or cooled independently of the coolant in the Zr assemblies.
ZED-2 has also been used for definitive studies of the effects of heavy water and alternative light water and organic coolants. Sufficient CANFLEX (43-element) bundles are being built containing SEU fuel to provide “full-core” simulation for the Advanced CANDU Reactor (ACR) project.
