Abstracts and Available Papers Presented at the
2005 International RERTR Meeting

Reactors Identified for Conversion

Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR)
Program

By Christopher Landers

Abstract

The Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR) program was initiated in 1978 to develop the technology necessary to convert research reactors to the use of low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel and targets. Now, with the incorporation of the RERTR program into the Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI), the RERTR program is responsible for facilitating the actual conversion of research reactors and medical isotope production processes to LEU in addition to the development of the technology necessary for conversion. The RERTR program has identified 106 research and test reactors in the United States and abroad for conversion to LEU fuel. The driving force for identifying these reactors is the availability or active development of a suitable LEU fuel for conversion. To date, 42 of the 106 research and test reactors identified as eligible for conversion to LEU fuel have been fully or partially converted (32 full, 10 partial). High-density LEU fuels have been developed that enable the conversion of an additional 41 of these reactors, and the program is currently focusing on the development of additional advanced higher-density LEU fuels, particularly U-Mo fuels, that will make feasible the conversion of the remaining 23 identified research reactors.

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