ZPRD: Zero Power Reactor Database

ZPRD is an organized, searchable collection of information related to the critical experiment programs conducted between 1955 and 1990 at ZPR-3, ZPR-6, ZPR-9 and ZPPR to support fast reactor design. Experimental measurements included criticality, sodium void worth, control rod worth, reaction rate distributions, neutron spectra, simulations of accident scenarios, and various other parameters. The database includes the original facility records required to construct high fidelity as-built models of the experiments, the as-built models themselves along with past results, and reports documenting the modeling and measurements taken. A guidebook that discusses the available experimental records and the more common types of experiments performed at ZPR-3, ZPR-6, ZPR-9 and ZPPR is suggested as the starting point for new users.

ZPR-3

ZPR-3

The first ANL split-table critical experiment facility, ZPR-3 or ZPR-III, was constructed at Argonne's facilities in southeast Idaho. These facilities were frequently referred to as Argonne National Laboratory-West or ANL-W until they became part of Idaho National Laboratory in October 2005. The first ZPR-3 assembly program began in 1955, and the last ZPR-3 critical assembly program ended in 1970.

ZPR-6

ZPR-6

ZPR-6 or ZPR-VI, the second Argonne split-table facility, was constructed in the early 1960s in Building 315 at the Argonne National Laboratory site in Illinois. ZPR-6 operated from 1963 until 1982. Until the formation of Idaho National Laboratory, the Argonne site in Illinois was often referred to as Argonne National Laboratory-East or ANL-E. After the formation of Idaho National Laboratory, the ANL-E designation became meaningless.


ZPR-9

ZPR-9

The third Argonne critical experiment facility, ZPR-9 or ZPR-IX, was constructed in Building 315 at ANL-E in parallel with or shortly after completion of ZPR-6. ZPR-9 operated from 1964 until 1981. The reactor cells, or rooms, housing the ZPR-6 and ZPR-9 machines were located on opposite sides of a common workroom and vault, and the same staff operated both facilities. ZPR-6 and ZPR-9 used the same inventory of materials for critical experiments.

ZPPR

ZPPR

ZPPR, the fourth and largest of Argonne's critical experiment facilities, was constructed at ANL-W in the late 1960s. The first ZPPR critical experiment program began in 1969. The last ZPPR critical experiment program ended in 1990.