Excursion to the Nuclear Research Institute in Řež near Prague

In the PET centre we learned interesting details about positron emission tomography and the production and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals needed for PET diagnostic workstations. We were very excited about the opportunity to try individual containers for transporting radiopharmaceuticals. The container with depleted uranium shielding was the focus of most interest.

We also visited a zero power nuclear research reactor (actually 5kW) where configurations for the Temelín and Dukovany nuclear power plants are being tested. Here, unlike at Temelin, we went right into the reactor hall and had a look inside the reactor itself. In the reactor hall we were also interested in a 1m radius sphere made of iron, which we would have looked for in vain in a nuclear power plant. We learned that it is used to calibrate the precision radiation detectors used in research.

After that, our excursion was almost over, but along the 2km long route, which served as a small health walk, we could still see the hydrogen-powered bus - TriHyBus, where we took a photo with special permission (photography is forbidden in the whole complex without permission).

After that we headed full of experiences and newly acquired knowledge to the exit of the complex, where we were attracted by a memorable tree, at which we were all photographed.

Ing.Schandl and Ing.Vyhnal