The Michigan Daily-Friday, September 10, 1982-Page 9 U' reactor focuses on r wx"iuw 2 4F I { 1 a mf -S.- By LOU FINTOR In the lobby of the University's North Campus Ford Nuclear Reactor hangs a tapestry depicting a legendary bird- the phoenix - mythically rising from its own ashes after consuming itself in flames. THE TAPESTRY is a reminder of the combined destructive potential and peaceful application of the atom. And recognizing the atom's potential power, University researchers started raising funds 30 years ago to build a reactor. In the fall of 1957, efforts paid off and the University's Ford Nuclear Reactor - termed the Phoenix Project - was activated. According to nuclear engineering Prof. William Kerr, the project's direc- tor, the reactor assists students and, researchers with projects encom- passing several disciplines, including engineering, physics chemistry, and the health sciences. "What we get here are students who will be able to observe," Kerr said. "Over the years we've trained a num- ber of people." KERR SAID the reactor is necessary for certain experiments exploring the nature of particles and compounds because "certain forces and reactions require high energy.'' Of the approximately 40 University- related nuclear reactors currently in operation across the country, only three operate at higher power levels than the Ford reactor, according to Kerr. "We operate at two megawatts of heat power," he said. Although the reactor core contains no moveable par- N 'ts, power is generated and measured through heat given off by reactions in the core, he explained. d "IT'S FAIRLY simple and up to now a well-behaved system," Kerr said. "We employ 10-12 people who are licen- sed reactor operators," he added. Upon entering the reactor room several bright yellow and red radiation warning signs confronts visitors. But staff members maintain an elaborate system of radiation safety involving leaded glass, double-doors, film ex- posure badges for staff, and a strict policy of escorting all visitors. "We've had no problems with the per- formance of the reactor," Kerr ex- plained. "At present we operate 24 hours a day for ten days, then shut down for a four-day maintenance period." The reactor core is bathed in a large pool containing over 55,000 gallons of water. The water absorbs heat emitted by the aluminum-clad fuel rods which are used as a power source. Looking down into the core an icy- blue glow - given off as the fuel element (Uranium 235) reacts during experiments-is strikingly apparent. "WE DO generate radioactive material. Some of it is very short-lived, but some of it has to be disposed of off- campus," Kerr said. According to Kerr, the Univeristy radiation disposal service is contacted to remove and ship out radioactive waste, although some waste materials can be stored at the Phoenix facility for four to five months. "It could be a problem, but it isn't a problem yet," Kerr said of waste disposal. 'At any time, these places could be closed down by the people run- ning them," he added. EXAMPLES of medical advances made possible by the reactor include the synthesis of radiopharmacueticals for medical use and an x-ray technique termed "x-ray fluorescense" which can be used to look at objects more precisely than conventional x-ray techniques. Kerr said the reactor produces radioac- tive Iodine 131, a tracer substance used to track down and treat cetain forms of cancer. In a recent University medical breakthrough, a form of this substance - developed by using the reactor - was found to successfully treat previously untreatable tumors of the adrenal glands. According to Kerr, the project esearch operates on a yearly budget of ap- proximately $550,000. Approximately $380,000 comes directly from the' University's General Fund budget. The remainder is provided by research support and a small amount left over from funds raised to originally start the project. Although use of the reactor is4 available to private industry, faculty and students are given first priority,' then researchers~ from other univer-s sities are given time and space that isi left, Kerr said. This story was reprinted from th4 Daily's summer edition. Who ever said . 4 college was all ' work and no play? a r -* I , 10J 8:00 pm. Sunday. September 12 2 Anderson Rm. Michigan Union yal7175 Daily Photo by DOU iMMAt THE RESEARCH CENTERS of the North Campus Ford Nuclear Reactor, such as the laboratory room pictured here, are protected by an elaborate security system. SAL OFF *EVERYTHING! THE UNION STOP Michigan Memorabilia * * *Tougher drunken *driers proposed ;.LANSING (UPJ, - The state's top dug and highway safety agencies yesterday recommended new drunken driving laws which step up enforeement but place less emphasis on harsh penalties than some legislative Oproposals. A key portion of the report, prepared for Gov. William G. Milliken by the of- fIce of substance abuse services and the office of highway safety planning, calls for creation of optional civil sanctions for drunken driving. Milliken said, he will review the document and comments from the state police and office of criminal justice before making his own legislative recommendations. The Senate has adopted a strong package which punished drunken driv ers with mandatory license suspensions and jail terms. It makes a.10 blood alcohol level con- clusive proof of drunkenness, not just evidence, and allows police to ad- minister roadside breathalyzer tests The measures are pending in the House Judiciary Committee where they have met with some objections from a !variety of groups, including the Michigan Sheriffs Association which worries they will overload the law en- forcement system. Read and Use Daily Classifieds sweatsuits, jackets, t-shirts, glassware Wed., September 8 - Fri., September 17 First Floor Michigan Union * IV UNION Not good with other discounts Excluding foodtobacco,newsstand items new fal JORDAC 21 REGI clip your special wel for douk GOOD THRU PREIS WEL' WORTH THREEl THE PURCHAS BLOUSES, SH WITH EACH PURCHA LIMIT-1 COUPON PER PERSO r UL CO b I S IT SIE ,ON- 224 S. STATE ST., ANN ARBOR I arrivals! HIE® JEANS 9 90 LARLY $38 me bonus coupon & bring le savings! 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