CANDU Reactor

A CANDU reactorNuclear ReactorIn it's most simplest form, a nuclear reactor uses Uranium and other radioactive materials and the fission from uranium to create heat, and transfer that heat into steam to create power. Nuclear reactors are one of the biggest sources of energy, although not renewable, uranium has a very high energy density resulting in massive power transmissions. There are many different types of nuclear reactors, and this term serves as a broad hub/introduction for each type. After uranium is used in reacto is a canadian PHWRPWR reactorThis reactor is a PWR reactor - a pressurized water reactor. This is a specific type of Nuclear Reactor--in that it is pressurized water. This is also the most common type of reactor used and produced. The fuel rods are pressurized with helium, and the fission gas products result in more stability; as fuel "burns" in the reactor, the density increases resulting in small voids developing. Helium pressurization is necessary as these voids can cause potential rupture of fuel rods. Furthermore, the design for the gneration of power. CANDU stands for CANada Deuterium Uranium; it uses Heavy WaterHeavy WaterHeavy Water is literally Deuterium oxide. It's molecular formula is that of regular Light Water--H2O, however it contains two atoms of deuterium and one atom of Hydrogen; resulting in 2D2O. It is about 10.6% denser than tap water and has a higher melting point, tasting slightly sweeter and can affect bioloigcal systems; large amounts are needed to poison humans, although it is toxic. It is produced using the Girdler sulfide process, and the usages of Heavy Water is mainly for nuclear science; containing deuterium oxide as its moderator and originally designed to use natural UraniumUraniumNatural Uranium VS \#stub fuel.