Critical Facility for lattice physics experiments for the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor and the 500 MWe pressurized heavy water reactors

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, is embarking on a broad based program for thorium utilization in power production to achieve all-round capability in the entire thorium cycle. As a step in this direction, a low power Critical Facility is under construction at BARC. The facility will greatly contribute to the understanding and validation of the calculational models and nuclear data used in the design of thorium based Advanced Heavy Water Reactor. The facility is also designed to cater to the experimental requirements of future lattice studies related to 500 MWe pressurized heavy water reactors. This paper covers the basic design features, safety aspects and the planned experimental program of the new facility.