Bab371

Bab371 is a nuclear reactor project developed by the Canadian government in the 1960s as part of the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) nuclear research program. The reactor was designed to be a pressurized heavy-water reactor, utilizing natural uranium fuel and heavy water as a coolant and moderator.

Bab371 was designed to have an electric output of 20 megawatts and primary intent was for research purposes, with an emphasis on investigating advanced heavy-water reactor concepts. The reactor incorporated several innovative features, including a range of safety features and advanced heavy water circulation systems.

Following various delays, Bab371 successfully reached the critical stage on February 2, 1967, marking an important milestone in the development of the Canadian reactor program. Unfortunately, Bab371's lifespan was cut short in a single-unit loss-of-coolant accident on June 16, 1969. An investigation commissioned by the Canadian government found that a combination of design and operational factors contributed to the accident, resulting in the destruction of the reactor.

Despite the accident, researchers gained valuable insights and performed in-depth studies of the incident. Lessons learned from the experience were subsequently applied to the subsequent development of AECL's heavy-water reactor program, ultimately being incorporated into later CANDU reactor designs.