goingcritical:zeepCanada · Research reactor

ZEEP

Developer: National Research Council of Canada (Montreal Laboratory)

Site: Chalk River Laboratories, Ontario

Status: Critical since September 5, 1945 critical

Summary:

First reactor to go critical outside the United States; origin of Canada's heavy-water (CANDU) lineage

Details

DesignZero-energy heavy-water-moderated natural uranium reactor
Capacity0.000001 MW (thermal where reported)

Milestone history

  1. Announced —
  2. Construction start —
  3. Fuel load —
  4. First criticality September 5, 1945

References

  1. Canadian Nuclear Society, ZEEP history
  2. Ingenium (Canada Science and Technology Museum), ZEEP