The Jules Horowitz reactor (RJH – BNI 172), which is intended to replace Osiris, is under construction at Cadarache. Commissioning of the facility, which comprises a number of milestones, is currently being examined by ASN. Fusion reactors Unlike the research reactors previously described and which use nuclear fission reactions, some research facilities aim to produce nuclear fusion reactions. In France, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor – ITER facility (BNI 174) is an international fusion reactor project currently under construction in Cadarache. The purpose of ITER is to scientifically and technically demonstrate control of nuclear fusion by magnetic confinement of a deuterium-tritium plasma, during long-duration experiments with significant power (500 Megawatts – MW – for 400 s). The main risk control challenges and detrimental effects of this type of installation include controlling the containment of radioactive materials (tritium in particular) and the risks of exposure to ionising radiation owing to significant activation of materials under an intense neutron flux. Owing to a certain number of installation design subjects still open and technical problems encountered on the construction site, ASN considered that the hold point linked to tokamak assembly could not yet be lifted. Assembly of the tokamak could not therefore begin. 1.2 Laboratories and miscellaneous industrial facilities 1.2.1 Laboratories The laboratories carrying out research and development work for the nuclear sector contribute to enhancing knowledge for nuclear power production, fuel fabrication and reprocessing, and waste management. They can also produce radionuclides for medical uses. Principles and safety issues The main challenges inherent in these facilities are protecting persons against ionising radiation, preventing the dispersal of radioactive substances, controlling fire risks and controlling the chain reaction (criticality). The design principles for these laboratories are similar. Special areas, called “shielded cells” allow handling of and experimentation with radioactive substances, using appropriate handling systems. These shielded cells are designed with particularly thick walls and windows, to protect the operators against the ionising radiation. They also allow the containment of radioactive materials by means of a specific ventilation and filters system. The criticality risk is controlled by strict instructions regarding the handling, storage and monitoring of the materials being studied. Finally, the fire risk is managed using technical systems (fire doors, dampers, detectors, fire-fighting equipment, etc.) and an organisation limiting the fire loading. Personnel training and rigorous organisation are essential factors in guaranteeing the control of these four main risks. RESEARCH FACILITIES IN FRANCE Caen Saclay Sablé-sur-Sarthe Pouzauges Dagneux Marseille Geneva Grenoble Marcoule Cadarache Research reactors under construction Cadarache: ITER, RJH Laboratories and miscellaneous industrial facilities Cadarache: LECA/STAR, Lefca Saclay: LECI, UPRA Marcoule: Atalante Particle accelerators Caen: Ganil Geneva: CERN Storage of materials Cadarache: Magenta Industrial ionisation facilities Dagneux, Pouzauges, Sablé-sur-Sarthe: Ionisos Marseille: Gammaster Marcoule: Gammatec Saclay: Poséidon Research reactors Cadarache: Cabri Grenoble: RHF ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2022 331 • 12 • Nuclear research and miscellaneous industrial facilities 12 01 07 08 13 AP 04 10 06 14 03 09 05 11 02
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