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IRESNE has numerous R&D resources that constitute Experimental Fission Platform. Discover it in video and learn more about the CEA’s different research platforms at the Research Institute for Nuclear Systems for Low-Carbon Energy Production (IRESNE).
Radiochemical analyses
LARC: A laboratory specialised in radiochemical and chemical analyses since 1964.
Fission chamber fabrication workshop
Fission chambers: A unique workshop that offers 12 different fission chamber geometries.
Reactor dosimetry
MADERE: A platform of measurement tools accredited COFRAC/Tests.
Elaboration and characterisation of nuclear fuels
UO2 laboratory: A laboratory specialised in the development of innovative fuel fabrication processes
Study of liquid metals
PAPIRUS: A platform specialised in studying and managing sodium and in qualifying instrumentation
Study of corium and severe accidents
PLINIUS: A platform specialised in studying severe reactor accidents: core meltdown
Active fuel examination
LECA: A hot laboratory for the examination and fabrication of fuel rods
Nuclear measurements
LMN: A laboratory specialised in non-destructive nuclear measurements: the “nuclear measurements” centre of excellence
Qualification of devices
TOTEM: A unique platform used to qualify experimental devices
Repackaging of active fuel
STAR: A facility designed to host irradiated fuel rods 4.4 metres in length
Hydrogeological and meteorological monitoring
LMTE: A laboratory responsible for managing the fleet of piezometers and for monitoring the hydrogeological and meteorological conditions on the Cadarache site
Water-steam thermohydraulics and hydromechanics
POSEIDON: A water-steam platform specialised in studying thermohydraulic and hydromechanical interactions
Transfer of radio-contaminants in reactors - Tritium
ATHENA : A center of expertise in heat transfer chemistry for various reactors.
Reactor power transients
CABRI: A research reactor for studying fuel and its cladding in accident conditions
CEA is a French government-funded technological research organisation in four main areas: low-carbon energies, defense and security, information technologies and health technologies. A prominent player in the European Research Area, it is involved in setting up collaborative projects with many partners around the world.