Utilization and Application of the Slovenian Triga Reactor

The Slovenian 250 kW TRIGA Mark II reactor operated by the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) has continuously operated since 1966. Since its commissioning it has played an important role in developing nuclear technology and safety culture in Slovenia. During the years the reactor has been utilized for training, research and isotope production. Education and training activities comprise regular experimental exercises for graduate and postgraduate students from several universities, training of reactor operators, courses organized by the JSI Nuclear Training Center, as well as visits for general population. International collaborations include participation in the three networks coordinated by the International Atomic Energy agency (IAEA): the East European Research Reactor Initiative, the Mediterranean Research reactor Network and the Advisory Safety Committee for Research Reactors in Eastern Europe. In addition, the reactor staff acts as IAEA external experts and train IAEA fellows upon request. Neutron activation analysis has represented one of the most important utilization of the reactor since its commissioning. Other research applications comprise irradiation of various materials, neutron radiography, verification and validation of computer codes and nuclear data, and development of a digital reactivity meter. In the 1970s and 1980s the reactor was extensively used for the production of radioactive isotopes, particularly Tc and F. Although the production of medical and industrial isotopes discontinued, there are still some short-lived isotopes produced for mostly on-site users. Although the reactor is over forty years old, it still significantly contributes to new scientific achievements in nuclear science and to preservation of knowledge in nuclear energy.