The Brookhaven Graphite Research Reactor played an important role in the history of atomic energy. It is now being decommissioned as part of the Lab's environmental cleanup program.
The Brookhaven Graphite Research Reactor was the world's first research reactor constructed solely for peaceful exploration of atomic energy. The reactor operated from 1950 to 1969, producing neutrons for scientific research. The graphite reactor was a premier facility for its time. During its operation, the reactor contributed to many scientific and technical advances in the fields of medicine, biology, chemistry, physics and nuclear engineering.
The reactor itself consisted of a 25-foot cube of graphite that contained uranium fuel rods. The reactor core was air-cooled.
The graphite reactor is located in the center of the Lab's industrial complex, about a mile-and-a-half from the site boundary. The reactor facility consists of several buildings as well as support structures, systems, and equipment. The primary components include:
Only certain areas of the reactor facility contain hazardous materials or radioactive contamination. All such areas are clearly marked and monitored, and access is controlled. The decommissioning project will remove or isolate hazardous or radioactive contamination to reduce any potential risk to public health and the environment, and ensure that the site remains safe and secure.
 |
| An aerial view of the Brookhaven Graphite Research Reactor facility. The reactor building is the tall, square structure just to left of center. The graphite reactor is near the center of Brookhaven National Laboratory. |