PUR-1 follows lineage of "firsts" with a fully-digitized I&C creating innovative research and next-generation teaching capabilities

PUR-1 follows lineage of "firsts" with a fully-digitized I&C creating innovative research and next-generation teaching capabilities

digital panel for reactor
One of the digital panels of the full-digital I&C system for PUR-1.
Purdue University is known for having many "firsts". From the first man on the moon to the first and only nuclear reactor operating in Indiana. Purdue's Reactor Number One (PUR-1), first installed in 1962, is still just as important and useful now as it was back then, but will now become more innovative. In August this year, a License Amendment Request to upgrade PUR-1's instrumentation and controls to be fully digitized was been accepted by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

“This is a historical step forward in positioning Purdue to be a worldwide leader in Nuclear Engineering education and reactor training. We look forward to a timely, full review of our application and full implementation of an all-digital reactor console at PUR-1." said Reactor Supervisor and Assistant Lab Director Clive Townsend.  When completed, PUR-1 will be the first and the only reactor in the nation with full digital instrumentation and control (I&C) capability.

The implementation of a full-digital I&C system for PUR-1 allows for the School of Nuclear Engineering to move away from aging components, such as vacuum tubes, and embrace the operational conveniences of modern technology. A first with this type of instrumentation, the all-digital system will enable innovative research and next-generation teaching capabilities.

Upgrades to PUR-1 include neutron flux monitoring equipment which will provide high-temporal resolution data points for all facility data. This enables researchers to view tests and retrieve data from any remote location around the globe.

Additionally, the system is incorporated into the Nuclear Engineering curriculum and fulfills an important part of Purdue’s land grant mission of public outreach.

For more information on PUR-1 and to schedule a tour, visit http://bit.ly/pur-1.

 

Photo (left): Purdue University College of Engineering Dean Mung Chiang tours PUR-1 with Reactor Supervisor and Assistant Lab Director Clive Townsend.