CANDU: Difference between revisions
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The '''CANDU''' power reactor is a pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR), initially developed in the late 1950's in Canada. | The '''CANDU''' power reactor is a [[Pressurized Water Reactor]] using [[heavy water]], (i.e., pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR)), initially developed in the late 1950's in Canada. | ||
CANDU is an acronym for "'''CAN'''ada '''D'''euterium '''U'''ranium". | CANDU is an acronym for "'''CAN'''ada '''D'''euterium '''U'''ranium". | ||
This design is relatively safe from a [[nonproliferation]] standpoint, as it produces little [[plutonium]], and that plutonium is rich in <sup>240</sup>Pu, an isotope highly undesirable for bombs. | This design is relatively safe from a [[nonproliferation]] standpoint, as it produces little [[plutonium]], and that plutonium is rich in <sup>240</sup>Pu, an isotope highly undesirable for bombs. | ||
Since the fuel and heating elements are modular, the reactor can be refuelled without completely shutting it down. | |||
Revision as of 08:10, 7 May 2010
The CANDU power reactor is a Pressurized Water Reactor using heavy water, (i.e., pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR)), initially developed in the late 1950's in Canada. CANDU is an acronym for "CANada Deuterium Uranium".
This design is relatively safe from a nonproliferation standpoint, as it produces little plutonium, and that plutonium is rich in 240Pu, an isotope highly undesirable for bombs.
Since the fuel and heating elements are modular, the reactor can be refuelled without completely shutting it down.