I felt as though I was in a science fiction film; the sealed door that opened upon the other being closed and the radiation detectors we were asked to wear before beginning the tour, all added to the environment. We first were given a tour regarding the principles if the reactor and then a walk through of the reactor it’s self.
The purpose of the Nuclear Reactor at MIT is for scientific experiments. Nuclear Reactors with the intention of commercial energy are different than the one found at MIT; however as the lecturer explained, that was not the schools intention. Although this reactor is not used to produce energy, fossil fuel reduction is a concern of researchers, as the reactor is used to advance knowledge in the field of Nuclear Energy (web.mit.edu). As far as sustainability is concerned, this research will be important in improving reactors of the future.
One feature of the reactor I read about online and discussed on the tour was the usage of heavy water in the reactor. The neutrons spread as a result of fission, so to continue these reactions, heavy water is used as a reflective tool, I believe, to keep the neutrons in a specific area of the reactor (web.mit.edu – brochure on the reactor). The reactor has also been used for the treatment of cancer; via what is called Boron Neutron Capture Theory. The combination of Boron, located in brain tumors, in combination with a ray of neutrons, dissipates the tumor (web.mit.edu). On the tour we were able to see the room in which this procedure used to take place.
Safety is a serious concern at the reactor. Before entering the facility, the tour guide showed us a board mounted on the wall consisting of light bulbs, each with a corresponding name. Workers still in the reactor are indicated by a glowing bulb, which is helpful in case of an emergency. Then, upon leaving the reactor, we were checked for radiation twice.
In terms of shutting down the reactor, blades of boron are used. Blades of Boron are located within the reactor and have the ability of absorbing neutrons (web.MIT.edu).This collection of neutrons may also be why Boron is important in Boron Neutron Capture Theory. The word SCRAM was used pretty frequently on the tour and refers to the shut down of the reactor. SCRAM stands for Safety Control Rod Axe Man. In order for the blades to be dropped, a rope, I believe carrying the boron used to be cut, however, this technique is no longer in practice.
If interested in working at a Nuclear Power Plant, a high school diploma and the preparedness for a required test is all you need (247wallst.com). Our lecturer I believe, had only a high school diploma.
It will be interesting to see what new research will come out of the facility in the future.
Works Cited
Amiri, Akilah. Image of Atom – With Particles Moving Around Nucleous. Digital image.Http://topnews.ae. N.p., 20 Feb. 2010. Web. 27 Oct. 2013.
Frohlick, Thomas C. “24/7 Wall St. – Insightful Analysis and Commentary for U.S. and Global Equity Investors.” 247wallst.com. N.p., 26 Aug. 2013. Web. 27 Oct. 2013.
“MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory: Home.” MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory: Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Oct. 2013.
Well done blog. I could clearly understand the utility of the nuclear reactor.
Literally I learned new things about the reactor from your blog although I went on the tour. I admire your writing. I’m just wondering how you could this much of information in a very understandable way.
I felt the same way you described in the beginning of the paragraph, it was kind of weird being ushered into the air vault. I feel kind of unnerved when the guide stated that if something was to occur at the nuclear reactor there would only be a few second to get away. Yet after all of this people still work there.
I’m jealous of everyone that got to go on the tour to see the reactor itself. It sounds like you learned a lot! Did you have a favorite part?
I agree everything did feel like I was in a sci-fi movie!