*The Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101275*

available in BUSTER), and is constructed from a zirconium alloy to afford increased neutron flux to the test device.

Currently, Big-BUSTER is planned to house an enhanced pressurized water capsule. This capsule is based on a design originally intended to fit in BUSTER with a water blowdown tank to simulate LWR loss-of-coolant accidents [26] but enlarged and adapted to Big-BUSTER for larger test rods. Hot-cell-based equipment is currently under development to enable full-length LWR rods to be cropped, rewelded/ pressurized, and outfitted with instrumentation to support such tests. The historic Mk-series sodium loop was also updated to feature modern components and adapted to fit within Big-BUSTER. This new sodium loop will be used to irradiate SFR specimens and small bundles, including longer pins historically irradiated in the now-decommissioned Fast Flux Test Facility. These pins were shipped to INL decades ago and retained for many years to address transient data needs. Other test devices currently under development involve plans to use Big-BUSTER for enhanced test environment simulation. Notable projects planned for deployment include a flowing hydrogen loop for testing advanced NTP fuels, and a helium gas-cooled device for testing microreactor and other gas-cooled reactor technologies. Based on this trajectory, TREAT is expected to continue expanding its capabilities and missions to likely become the longest lived and most versatile transient test reactor ever constructed.
