10 Things You Didn’t Know About Nuclear Reactors

Nuclear reactors and nuclear power don’t really attract the same sort of attention that conventional power stations, and fossil fuels do. If you’re not sure what nuclear power is all about, and
1. A nuclear reactor is a device in which controlled nuclear chain reactions are carried out at a steady rate. The chain reaction in nuclear weapons takes place for a fraction of a second, and is uncontrolled.

2. Nuclear reactors are mostly used for creating heat which can be turned into electricity. In addition, this power can be used to power some ships and submarines. In fact, over 150 ships and submarines have been built which run on nuclear power.

3. Traditional thermal power plants generate electricity by capturing the heat released by burning fossil fuels. Nuclear power plants convert the heat released by nuclear fission.

4. This heat is often used to boil water to create steam. This steam is then used to power a steam driven turbine that generates electricity.

5. Nuclear reactors can be classified in several ways. They can be compared by

Type of nuclear reaction, such as nuclear fusion, nuclear fission, or radioactive decay.

The type of moderator, or cooling, material – such as graphite, light or heavy water, and liquid metal

The type of coolant, such as water cooled reactor, lead cooled fast reactor, and gas cooled reaction.

The type generation. In the early days of nuclear reactors, plants were designed by different companies and to meet different standards, and so they couldn’t really be compared. As technology and usage has improved, there are different generations of nuclear reaction and power stations, which meet different criteria.

The type of fuel used, such as solid fuelled, liquid fuelled, and gas fuelled.

What the nuclear reactor is used for, such as producing electricity, for powering ships and submarines, or for research purposes.

6. There are currently over 10 different types of new nuclear reactor under development, and new technology is constantly being researched and refined.

7. In 2007, as much as 14% of the world’s electricity was produced by nuclear power, and nuclear reactors. Nuclear power is seen by some as a credible alternative to fossil fuels.

8. Nuclear safety is of paramount important, and there are many systems and processes designed to prevent nuclear and radiation accidents. All aspects of nuclear reactors and nuclear power are subject to stringent rules and regulations, which cover everything from handling to storage and transportation, for everybody who is involved with radioactive and nuclear materials.

9. There are hazards associated with nuclear energy, and nuclear reactors, especially if nuclear materials are not handled and disposed of properly. Areas that have become contaminated with nuclear waste can become radioactive.

10. Nuclear power plants are subject to a great deal of security and monitoring to protect the safety of the workforce, the plant itself and the hazardous materials. Any missing nuclear material would be a serious concern for all involved.

There are probably lots of things that you don’t yet know about Nuclear Reactors and Nuclear Power. Why don’t you find out more about how nuclear research is helping imedicine and industry?

Find out more about the National Nuclear Laboratory, Nuclear Reactor Technology, and Nuclear Waste and Residue Managment with NNL.co.uk