Neutron commissioning in the new CABRI water loop facility

The CABRI experimental reactor is located at the Cadarache nuclear research center, southern France. It has been successfully operated by CEA during the last 30 years, enlightening the knowledge of FBR and LWR fuel behaviour during RIA and LOCA transients. This operation was interrupted in 2003 to allow for a whole facility renewal programme. The main goal of this reconstruction project is to meet thermal hydraulics parameters identical to LWR standard and downgraded conditions. For this, the sodium cooled experimental loop is now being replaced by a pressurized water loop.