1000-Kilowatt Reactor Will Be in Use Next November; Total Cost Is $2,050,000
Mortar spread along the edges of a cornerstone was a ceremonial symbol today of progress toward the reality of the Western New York Nuclear Research Center on the University of Buffalo campus.
Seymour H. Knox, chairman of the University Council, and Chancellor Clifford C. Furnas placed the first trowels of mortar on the stone at the construction site near Acheson Hall.
By November 1960 the 1000-kilowatt reactor mechanism to be housed in the building is expected to be ready for use.
Today’s cornerstone-laying ceremony came just five years from the time the startling idea of having an atomic reactor on the campus was broached to the University Council by Chancellor Furnas.
To Cost $2,050,000
Conceived as a research facility that would add stature to the University of Buffalo and could stimulate the revitalization of the Niagara Frontier, the nuclear center grew vigorously in the planning stages.
Originally outlined as a $1,000,000 project, the blueprints now receiving form from lumber, steel and concrete represent a $2,050,000 center.
Participating with Mr. Knox and Mr. Furnas in the cornerstone ceremony were: Oliver Townsend, director, New York State Office of Atomic Development, and James C. Evans, general manager of the project.
Urges Planning Now
After the ceremony, Dr. Ralph F. Lumb, building consultant for the center, added to the impression of progress by his words:
“We are quite anxious to encourage those intending to utilize the facility. They should begin at once to plan their experimental program and initiate a design and engineering of the experiment.”
Dr. Lumb spoke to guests in Acheson Hall on “Objectives of a Nuclear Reactor.”
Anticipating questions on what will be involved in use of the nuclear research facilities, he said:
For certain types of experimentation it is sufficient to put the sample in a can, tie a string on the can and lower it. Other experiments may involve extremely complex equipment.
“Optimistic… but Realistic”
“It may take one or two years to design, engineer and construct the equipment. The experiments may involve a few months of operation and many months for analysis of the data. As much as $1,000,000 may be invested in the design and construction of such an experiment.”
Dr. Lumb referred to the November 1960 target date for completion as “an optimistic schedule… but very realistic.”
