16.2.1 Development of research reactors

In the 1950s Argentina decided to start the design and construction of research reactors. The main purpose was the production of radioisotopes, but this also was very important for the development of engineering and construction capabilities. The RA-1, an Argonaut-type critical facility, was entirely constructed in the country

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following a basic design provided by Argonne National Lab and became critical in January 1958. Later it was redesigned locally as a 40 kW research reactor. RA-1 research reactor fuel was designed and produced in the country.

In the 1960s the Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina (CNEA) designed RA-3, a 5 MW open tank reactor for radioisotope production. The reactor became critical in 1967 and its construction had a very important local participation. RA-3 was also a milestone in achieving expertise in the field of research reactors. In the late 1970s CNEA exported to Peru a 10 MW research and radioisotope production reactor.

INVAP was created in 1976, and in the following years became involved in many technological projects: uranium enrichment, research reactors, etc. A research and training reactor (RA-6) was designed and built by INVAP in Bariloche, Argentina. INVAP has also built the research reactors NUR in Algiers, Algeria, ETRR-2 reactor in Cairo, Egypt, and OPAL in Lucas Heights, Australia. The company has participated in the construction of the RP-10 reactor in Peru.