PUR-1, Purdue’s Nuclear Reactor

The Purdue University Reactor Number One (PUR-1) is the first and only nuclear reactor operating in Indiana. It is the first and only US NRC facility to be licensed for a fully digital safety and control system. As part of a fleet of 25 University reactors across the US, it has been designated as part of the critical infrastructure for the country. The primary mission of the facility is to teach and train the next generation of Nuclear Engineers. In addition to its educational uses, the reactor acts as a neutron source for activation analysis to support other departments including engineering, health science, chemistry, pharmacy, agriculture, biology, and nanotechnology.

Licensed to a thermal power level of 12 kW, the reactor has an average thermal flux of 2.1x10¹¹ nv. At this level, the facility features maximum flexibility for a broad spectrum of experiments with an industry leading safety envelope. Three full time employees perform day-to-day operations including maintenance, experiment support, and customer development.

 The facility welcomes the public to arrange a tour. Tours are scheduled and confirmed via email. Approximately 1500 people visit the facility annually including university students, high school students and the general public.

Purdue is a member of the National Organization of Teaching Research and Test Reactors (TRTR) community. Learn more about other TRTRs.