This image captures the full vertical scale of the HIFAR reactor, extending from the polar crane at the ceiling down to the basement level, offering a rare perspective on the containment building’s layered infrastructure.
The 900-tonne reactor block, primarily constructed from concrete with a lead lining, sits at the centre, surrounded by a complex network of ancillary equipment and access platforms. Despite the vast containment structure, the reactor itself measures just 2 meters in both height and diameter.
To the right, the two tall yellow flasks were used for loading and unloading fuel elements, which were lifted directly over the top plate for precise placement. Each of the 25 fuel elements within the reactor core had an operational lifespan of approximately 10 months before being replaced.
In the middle of the frame, neutron scattering instruments can be seen at the five-meter level, a critical component of HIFAR’s contributions to scientific research, materials analysis, and industrial applications.
This print is ideal for those with an appreciation for nuclear engineering, scientific research, and industrial heritage, providing a unique insight into the precision and scale of reactor operations.