OT: Breazeale Nuclear Reactor turns 60!

[simons96]

LINK

The Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor is the longest operating licensed research reactor in the United States.

Penn State was one of the first universities to take advantage of the “Atoms for Peace” program. Then-University President Milton Eisenhower, the brother of U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower, supported the construction of a reactor for research and education. On July 8, 1955, the Penn State Breazeale Reactor received the first research reactor license issued by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.

In 1956, Penn State was one of only two universities established as an International School of Nuclear Science and Engineering. As part of this program, a total of 175 scientists and engineers from 39 countries were educated at Penn State from 1956-1959. The facility also conducted training programs for reactor operators in the U.S. until the early 1980s training over 900 operators.

 

[cvilleelkscoach]

When I was in elementry school in the 60s going to the reactor was the best field trip of the year. It also may have had something to do with the stop at the creamery too.

 

[PSUEngineerx2]

As a nuclear engineering grad, love to see this. I went to SC for her 50th birthday. That reactor is a nuclear industry and nuclear research/development landmark.

 

[simons96]

As a nuclear engineering grad, love to see this. I went to SC for her 50th birthday. That reactor is a nuclear industry and nuclear research/development landmark.

I was always surprised how no one ever protested its presence on campus. though, it is a bit difficult to find.

 

[Class of 67]

LINK

The Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor is the longest operating licensed research reactor in the United States.

Penn State was one of the first universities to take advantage of the “Atoms for Peace” program. Then-University President Milton Eisenhower, the brother of U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower, supported the construction of a reactor for research and education. On July 8, 1955, the Penn State Breazeale Reactor received the first research reactor license issued by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.

In 1956, Penn State was one of only two universities established as an International School of Nuclear Science and Engineering. As part of this program, a total of 175 scientists and engineers from 39 countries were educated at Penn State from 1956-1959. The facility also conducted training programs for reactor operators in the U.S. until the early 1980s training over 900 operators.

Thanks for posting. Another reason to be proud of our alma mater.

 

[simons96]

Thanks for posting. Another reason to be proud of our alma mater.

even though I don't work in the field, I did attend PSU for a Nuc E degree. very prestigious program and facilities.

 

[step.eng69]

even though I don't work in the field, I did attend PSU for a Nuc E degree. very prestigious program and facilities.

When I was assigned to the red parking area, we would make our way to college Ave,. via the Univer Dr, & Hastings passing the Lasch Bld. and the reactor building which is across from Lasch. Not to rain on the parade, but its too bad Jer didn't spend more time in the reactor building than Lasch.

 

[mdg164]

As a nuclear engineering grad, love to see this. I went to SC for her 50th birthday. That reactor is a nuclear industry and nuclear research/development landmark.

When did you graduate? I wonder if we were in the same classes.

 

[Mace54]

Used to work for a semiconductor company that had wafers irradiated in the reactor pool. I was amazed how we could walk right into the reactor area and see the bluish glow in the pool. Last time I was there was probably the late 90's. I bet things have changed plenty after 9/11.

 

[mdg164]

Used to work for a semiconductor company that had wafers irradiated in the reactor pool. I was amazed how we could walk right into the reactor area and see the bluish glow in the pool. Last time I was there was probably the late 90's. I bet things have changed plenty after 9/11.

The blue glow is Cherenkov radiation. Did you ever happen to catch a reactor pulse? They never got old.

Lots has changed sine 9-11 at the reactor. The gate is now locked, and damn near every door in the building is locked at all times. We used to park at the reactor for football games, I bet you couldn't do that anymore!

 

[PSUEngineerx2]

When did you graduate? I wonder if we were in the same classes.

I was there for Nuclear Engineering bachelors degree from 1983 through spring of 1988.

Left and worked in industry from 1988 until 1991.

Went back to Penn State for masters degree from 1991-1992 in Metallurgy but my office was at the reactor because I was studying radiation damage of metals. Have been working in the radiation damage/metals performance field for 23 years ever since.

You?

 

[PSUEngineerx2]

By the way, we are currently irradiating various specimens in the Penn State reactor.

We are also currently irradiating specimens at MIT's reactor.

Let me tell you, there is a huge difference between the two staffs. Penn State guys are responsive, helpful, on schedule, provide needed data, etc. MIT guys? Not so much.

 

[PSUEngineerx2]

Simon, if I may ask, why did you never work in the field?

The world wide shortage of skilled/educated/trained nuclear workers is severe. We could have used you! And because you are a PSU Nuc E grad, we all know you would have been a huge asset to the nuclear community.

 

[simons96]

Simon, if I may ask, why did you never work in the field?

The world wide shortage of skilled/educated/trained nuclear workers is severe. We could have used you! And because you are a PSU Nuc E grad, we all know you would have been a huge asset to the nuclear community.

well the long story short is I was very unhappy with my Navy career (probably just an unhappy person in general at that time) and tried to switch majors. My adviser convinced me to finish my degree, which I did after about 18 months of struggling.

I went to apply for a job at the Ginna plant outside Rochester, and RG&E went into a hiring freeze. for almost 2 years. someone got me a job at IBM working with computers and I found that I enjoyed that a lot more than working in the nuke field.

I've also been more fascinated with the political side of nuclear energy (wow, just this week I gave a neighbor of mine a ride to an eye appointment, and we had about 30 minutes drive both ways. He got me talking about nuclear power and I was surprised how much info I could rattle off the top of my head!) but the opportunity never presented itself to work in PR. funny, most of my buddies from PSU work for Exelon, and I just googled them and found an office here in Dallas, LOL

 

[Mace54]

By the way, we are currently irradiating various specimens in the Penn State reactor.

We are also currently irradiating specimens at MIT's reactor.

Let me tell you, there is a huge difference between the two staffs. Penn State guys are responsive, helpful, on schedule, provide needed data, etc. MIT guys? Not so much.

Back in the day we did the "Lion's share" of our business with PSU (pun intended). However, we also had programs in place for UMass Lowell and Cornell. Both had reactor programs.

 

[mdg164]

I was there for Nuclear Engineering bachelors degree from 1983 through spring of 1988.

Left and worked in industry from 1988 until 1991.

Went back to Penn State for masters degree from 1991-1992 in Metallurgy but my office was at the reactor because I was studying radiation damage of metals. Have been working in the radiation damage/metals performance field for 23 years ever since.

You?

I graduated with my bachelors in 2001, and eventually my masters via distance learning. I've been at a nuclear vendor the entire time doing various things. I bet we do know some of the same people, I know a couple that were there in the early 90's that now work at my company, or are contacts in the industry (i.e. Exelon).

 

[BobPSU92]

Thanks for posting. Another reason to be proud of our alma mater.

Absolutely.