goingcritical:x-10-graphite-reactorUnited States · Research reactor

X-10 Graphite Reactor

Developer: Manhattan Project / Clinton Laboratories (now ORNL)

Site: Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Status: Critical since November 4, 1943 critical

Summary:

First continuously operated nuclear reactor and pilot plant for plutonium production

Details

DesignAir-cooled graphite-moderated natural uranium pile
Capacity4 MW (thermal where reported)

Milestone history

  1. Announced —
  2. Construction start —
  3. Fuel load —
  4. First criticality November 4, 1943

References

  1. ORNL, Graphite Reactor history
  2. DOE, X-10 Graphite Reactor