Colombia has a fully operational nuclear research reactor, located in Bogotá. This reactor, called IAN-R1, operates at a maximum capacity of 30,000 watts and is managed by a team of highly trained scientists from the Colombian Geological Service.
The nuclear reactor, which uses uranium-235 as fuel, is the result of the ‘Atomos for Peace’ program, through which the United States government donated the facility to Colombia in 1965.
How does the nuclear reactor work and what is it for?
Since then, The IAN-R1 has been a focal point for scientific research in the country, addressing a wide range of topics related to nuclear energy and particle physics..
One of the most outstanding characteristics of the IAN-R1 is its use in the production of radioactive materials for agricultural, environmental and geological applications.
Elements such as bromine, phosphorus, gold and lanthanum are used in studies ranging from the enrichment of agricultural soils to determining the age of geological samples.
In addition to its importance in scientific research, The IAN-R1 has also been used for geoscientific studies of great relevance.
For example, the neutron activation technique is used to analyze geological samples and determine the composition of the elements present in them, which contributes to the advancement of knowledge in geology and geophysics.
The safety of the nuclear reactor is an absolute priority, which is why it has several physical, nuclear, and radiological safety systems. It uses a fuel that, due to its molecular configuration, is very safe and does not represent dangers to people or the environment.
The personnel in charge of reactor operations have extensive experience and training in nuclear sciences, backed by the continued support of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The facility hosts educational tours, offering research groups, students and professionals the opportunity to closely examine the operation and applications of this nuclear technology.
These visits are part of the efforts of the Colombian Geological Survey to promote the peaceful and safe use of nuclear energy, as well as its benefits for society.
It is worth mentioning that a nuclear reactor is a facility in which the division of atoms of a fuel occurs in a controlled manner to release and generate different forms of energy.
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