Nuclear reactors

A nuclear reactor is a facility or device used to initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction. Nuclear reactors are primarily employed for two purposes: the generation of electrical power and the production of isotopes for various applications, including medical and industrial uses. ### How Nuclear Reactors Work 1. **Nuclear Fission**: The core principle behind nuclear reactors is the process of nuclear fission.

Defunct nuclear reactors are nuclear reactors that have been permanently shut down and are no longer operational. This can happen for various reasons, including: 1. **Obsolescence**: The reactor may be outdated technology that is no longer competitive or safe compared to newer designs. 2. **Economic Factors**: Economic pressures, such as high maintenance costs or competition from other energy sources, can lead to a decision to close a reactor.

Military nuclear reactors are specialized nuclear reactors used primarily by armed forces for various defense purposes. These reactors are distinct from civilian nuclear reactors, which are typically designed for power generation or research. The key characteristics and purposes of military nuclear reactors include: 1. **Naval Propulsion**: One of the most well-known applications of military nuclear reactors is in naval warships, particularly submarines and aircraft carriers.

Nuclear power reactors come in various designs, each with its unique features, advantages, and disadvantages. Here are some of the main types of nuclear reactors: 1. **Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)**: - **Description**: The most common type of nuclear reactor worldwide. In a PWR, water is heated under high pressure to prevent it from boiling. This pressurized water transfers heat to a secondary loop that produces steam to drive a turbine.

Nuclear reactor safety refers to a set of principles, practices, and systems designed to ensure the safe operation of nuclear reactors and to protect the public, workers, and the environment from potential hazards associated with nuclear energy. This encompasses various aspects, including prevention of accidents, mitigation of consequences, and ensuring the integrity of the reactor and its components.

Nuclear reactors can be classified into several types based on various criteria, including their design, fuel type, coolant type, and intended use. Here are the main types of nuclear reactors: ### 1. **By Design** - **Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR):** - Most common type. Uses water as both coolant and moderator. The primary circuit is kept under high pressure to prevent boiling, while heat is transferred to a secondary circuit that drives a steam turbine.

Unfinished nuclear reactors refer to nuclear power plants that were started but never completed due to various reasons, such as economic factors, regulatory challenges, safety concerns, changes in energy policy, environmental issues, or public opposition. These structures may range from being at the early stages of construction to being nearly completed but not operational.

The APR-1400 (Advanced Power Reactor 1400) is a type of pressurized water reactor (PWR) designed for nuclear power generation. It is an advanced reactor technology developed by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and has been designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and operational reliability compared to earlier reactor designs.

An Aqueous Homogeneous Reactor (AHR) is a type of nuclear reactor where the nuclear fuel is dissolved in a liquid solution, often water, allowing for a uniform distribution of fissile material throughout the reactor core. This design typically utilizes a solution of uranium (or other fissile materials) in water, creating a homogeneous mixture that facilitates neutron moderation, as well as heat transfer.

BREST (or BREST-OD-300) is a type of nuclear reactor that belongs to the class of lead-cooled fast reactors. It is designed to use liquid lead or lead-bismuth as a coolant, which has several advantages, including a high boiling point and good neutron economy. The BREST reactor is notable for its use of fast neutrons, which allows it to efficiently utilize nuclear fuel, including mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel.

Copenhagen Atomics is a company focused on developing innovative technologies in the field of nuclear fusion. The company is based in Denmark and aims to create a compact fusion reactor design, which they refer to as the "Molten Salt Fusion Reactor." Their approach involves using advanced materials and engineering methods to make fusion energy more accessible and viable as a sustainable power source.

A deep geological repository is a type of facility designed for the long-term storage and management of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) and spent nuclear fuel. These repositories are located deep underground, typically in stable geological formations, to ensure that the radioactive materials are safely contained for thousands to millions of years until their radioactivity decreases to safe levels.

The Es-Salam nuclear reactor, also known as the ES-Salam reactor, is a research reactor located in Algeria. It was built in the early 1980s with the assistance of the Soviet Union and began operations in 1989. The reactor is primarily used for research purposes, including studies related to nuclear science and technology, radiation safety, and various applications in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and industry.

Etcheverry Hall is a building on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley, primarily used for engineering and technology-related programs. It's part of the College of Engineering and houses various departments and laboratories, including civil and environmental engineering and other engineering disciplines. The facility is named in honor of a significant figure, often contributing to advancements in engineering education or research. It provides students and faculty with resources for research, classrooms, and collaborative spaces designed to promote innovation and learning.

A Filtered Containment Venting System (FCVS) is a safety feature used in nuclear power plants to manage the release of radioactive gases and aerosols in the event of a loss of coolant accident (LOCA) or other severe accident scenarios. The main purpose of the FCVS is to protect the environment and public health by filtering radioactive materials before they are released into the atmosphere.

A fission fragment reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that aims to utilize the high energy released from fission fragments directly for power generation. In conventional nuclear reactors, the fission process of heavy isotopes, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, generates not only energy but also a range of products (fission fragments) that are not fully used for producing electricity.

The Fuji Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) is a type of nuclear reactor that employs molten salt as both a coolant and a fuel solvent. This technology is part of a broader category of advanced nuclear reactors that aim to improve safety, efficiency, and waste management compared to traditional light-water reactors.

Gen4 Energy is a company focused on developing advanced nuclear reactor technologies, specifically fourth-generation nuclear power systems. These systems are designed to be safer, more efficient, and more sustainable than traditional nuclear reactors. The fourth generation of nuclear reactors aims to utilize fuel more effectively, generate less waste, and provide a more flexible approach to integrating with renewable energy sources.

Horizontal drillhole disposal is a method used primarily for the disposal of waste materials, particularly in the context of managing hazardous or industrial waste. This technique involves drilling horizontal boreholes into geological formations, where waste can be injected or placed. The primary purpose of this approach is to safely isolate the waste materials from the environment and prevent contamination of groundwater and surface water resources.

The Inhour equation is a formula used in nuclear engineering, particularly in the context of reactor kinetics and neutron diffusion. It characterizes the relationship between the neutron flux in a nuclear reactor and the reactor's reactivity, typically under steady-state or slightly perturbed conditions.

The Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) is a type of advanced nuclear reactor that was developed in the 1980s and 1990s at the Idaho National Laboratory in the United States. The IFR is notable for several key features: 1. **Fast Neutron Spectrum**: The IFR uses fast neutrons (rather than thermal neutrons, as in conventional reactors) for fission. This allows for more efficient use of fuel, particularly for plutonium and other actinides.

"KS 150" can refer to different things depending on the context. For instance: 1. **KS 150 (Air Conditioner)**: It may refer to a specific model of an air conditioning unit, possibly from a manufacturer that produces HVAC systems. 2. **KS 150 in Engineering/Manufacturing**: It could denote a specific equipment model or a part number used in particular industries.

Russia has developed several small nuclear reactor designs over the years, often referred to as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These reactors are typically designed for various applications, such as providing power to remote areas, serving in naval applications (especially for submarines and icebreakers), and offering low-capacity electricity generation. Here are some notable examples of Russian small nuclear reactors: 1. **KLT-40S**: This is a modular reactor designed for icebreakers and floating nuclear power plants.

The list of commercial nuclear reactors refers to the comprehensive catalog of nuclear power plants that are in operation, under construction, or planned around the world. These reactors generate electricity through nuclear fission. As of my last update in October 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) tracks nuclear reactors globally.

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a category of nuclear reactors that have a smaller physical footprint compared to traditional large nuclear reactors and can be constructed and deployed in a modular fashion. These designs often aim to enhance safety, reduce costs, and allow for flexible deployment in various locations. Here’s a summary of some notable SMR designs: 1. **NuScale Power Module**: - Develops a light-water reactor design. - Each module has a capacity of about 60 MW.

Lists of nuclear reactors refer to compilations of operational, under-construction, and decommissioned nuclear reactors around the world. These lists can be categorized based on various criteria, including: 1. **Geographic Location**: Many lists organize reactors by country, such as the United States, France, Japan, and others, detailing the number of reactors and their specific locations.

A loss-of-pressure-control accident refers to an incident where there is a significant drop in pressure within a system that is supposed to maintain a specific pressure level, typically in industrial, chemical, or nuclear facilities. This loss of pressure can lead to various hazardous situations, including the uncontrolled release of gases or liquids, equipment failure, or even explosions. In many industrial processes, maintaining pressure is crucial for safety and operational efficiency.

The Molten-Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) was an experimental nuclear reactor that operated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee from 1965 to 1969. It was designed to investigate the use of molten salts as both coolant and fuel in nuclear reactors. The MSRE was part of the research into liquid-fueled reactors and starred a variety of innovations that could offer advantages over traditional solid-fueled reactors.

The Multipurpose Applied Physics Lattice Experiment (MAPLE) is a type of experimental research initiative designed to investigate and develop advanced materials and technologies using lattice structures. These structures can be composed of various materials arranged in specific geometric configurations, which can be analyzed for their mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties.

NERVA, which stands for Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application, was a project developed by NASA and the Atomic Energy Commission in the 1960s. It focused on creating a nuclear thermal rocket engine. The NERVA system used a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant, typically hydrogen, which would then be expelled at high speeds to produce thrust.

NRX can refer to a few different things depending on the context. Here are a couple of possibilities: 1. **NeuroRx (NRX)**: This is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for central nervous system disorders, including treatments for conditions like depression and anxiety.

NuScale Power is an American company focused on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) for nuclear power generation. Founded in 2007 and based in Portland, Oregon, NuScale aims to provide a safer, more affordable, and more flexible alternative to traditional large-scale nuclear power plants. NuScale's flagship product is its NuScale Power Module, a small modular reactor designed to generate around 60 megawatts of electricity per module.

Nuclear reactor heat removal refers to the process of removing excess heat generated by the nuclear fission reactions occurring within a reactor core. This is crucial for the safe operation of a nuclear reactor, as uncontrolled heat buildup can lead to overheating, potential damage to the reactor core, and even catastrophic failure.

The OPR-1000 is a South Korean nuclear reactor design developed by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP). It is a Generation II+ pressurized water reactor (PWR) that represents an evolution of earlier reactor designs used in South Korea. The "OPR" stands for "Optimized Power Reactor," and the "1000" refers to its electrical output capacity of approximately 1,000 megawatts (MW).

The Obrigheim Nuclear Power Plant, located in Obrigheim, Germany, is a former nuclear power station that was in operation from 1969 until 2005. It was a pressurized water reactor (PWR) and had an electrical power generation capacity of approximately 250 megawatts (MW). The plant was operated by the Energie Baden-Württemberg (EnBW) and was one of the smaller nuclear power facilities in Germany.

Oklo is a company that is focused on advancing nuclear technology, specifically through the development of compact, innovative nuclear reactors. Founded in 2013, Oklo aims to provide a safe, scalable, and sustainable source of energy by utilizing small modular reactors (SMRs) that can generate electricity with a lower environmental impact compared to traditional energy sources.

The Oklo Mine, located in Gabon, West Africa, is known for its significant deposits of natural uranium. It gained historical importance due to its unique natural reactors that operated approximately 2 billion years ago. These natural reactors occurred in the Oklo region when certain conditions allowed for sustained nuclear fission to take place in natural uranium deposits.

The Omega West Reactor (OWR) is a research reactor that was located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in Idaho, USA. It was primarily used for the testing of materials and components intended for use in nuclear reactors, as well as for research in nuclear engineering and related fields. The OWR was a pool-type reactor, meaning that the reactor core was submerged in a large body of water, which served as both a coolant and a radiation shield.

The Oregon State University Radiation Center (OSU Radiation Center) is a research facility located in Corvallis, Oregon, that is part of Oregon State University. It focuses on the study and application of nuclear science and technology. The center houses a research reactor, known as the Triga reactor, which is used for various purposes, including educational training, research in radiation effects, and the development of new techniques in nuclear sciences.

An organic nuclear reactor typically refers to a type of nuclear reactor that utilizes organic materials, particularly in the form of organic fluids or substances, as a coolant or moderator. The purpose of these reactors is to leverage the favorable properties of organic materials to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Key features of organic nuclear reactors include: 1. **Organic Coolants:** Instead of traditional water or liquid metal coolants, these reactors may use organic liquids such as hydrocarbons.

The Pennsylvania State University Radiation Science & Engineering Center (RSEC) is a facility dedicated to research, education, and training in the field of radiation science and engineering. It supports a range of activities, including nuclear engineering, radiation health physics, and various applications of radiation in fields such as medicine, industry, and environmental science. The center provides resources such as laboratories and research reactors that allow students and researchers to conduct experiments and gain practical experience in radiation-related technologies.

The Piqua Nuclear Generating Station was a proposed nuclear power plant that was intended to be constructed in Piqua, Ohio. However, it was never built. The project faced various challenges and opposition, leading to its eventual cancellation in the 1980s. There were concerns about safety, environmental impact, and the economic feasibility of nuclear power at the time.

RELAP5-3D is a software program used for the analysis of systems in nuclear reactor technology and safety. It is a thermal-hydraulic analysis code that models the behavior of fluid systems in response to changes in conditions, such as depressurization, heating, and flow changes.

Seaborg Technologies is a company that focuses on the development of advanced nuclear technologies, particularly in the field of modular nuclear reactors. The company aims to create safer, more efficient, and sustainable energy solutions to address the growing global demand for clean energy. Seaborg Technologies is known for its work on the "Seaborg Modular Reactor," which is designed to be a compact and modular system that can be deployed efficiently to provide low-carbon electricity.

Shippingport Atomic Power Station was the first commercial pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant in the United States. Located in Shippingport, Pennsylvania, it began operations in 1958. The plant was developed under the auspices of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and was a key project in the early development of nuclear power for commercial electricity generation. The Shippingport facility was notable for several reasons: 1. **Historical Significance**: As the first commercial nuclear power station in the U.S.

In the context of a nuclear reactor, "shutdown" refers to the process of bringing the reactor to a safe, non-operational state. This can involve several steps and measures to ensure that the reactor can no longer sustain a nuclear fission reaction. The shutdown process is critical for safety, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. ### Key Aspects of Shutdown in a Nuclear Reactor: 1. **Control Rod Insertion**: Most commonly, shutdown involves the insertion of control rods into the reactor core.

A subcritical reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that operates with a nuclear fission reaction that has not reached a self-sustaining chain reaction. In a subcritical state, the reactor's neutron population is decreasing over time rather than maintaining a constant or increasing reaction rate. This means that the number of fissions occurring is insufficient to sustain a continuous chain reaction, which is the case for critical and supercritical reactors. **Key characteristics of subcritical reactors include:** 1.

A swimming pool reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that is typically used for research and educational purposes. It is characterized by its design, which often includes a large pool of water that serves multiple functions: 1. **Cooling**: The pool acts as a heat sink for the reactor core, absorbing excess heat generated during nuclear fission. 2. **Radiation Shielding**: The water provides a barrier against radiation, protecting personnel and the environment from exposure to harmful radiation produced during reactor operation.

A thermal-neutron reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that uses thermal neutrons to sustain a nuclear fission chain reaction. In these reactors, the neutrons produced from fission reactions are slowed down (or "thermalized") to energies that are comparable to the energies of the nuclei of the fuel atoms. This process typically involves a moderator material, which is used to reduce the kinetic energy of the fast neutrons produced in the fission process.

Thorium-based nuclear power refers to the use of thorium as a fuel in nuclear reactors to generate electricity. Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that is more abundant than uranium and is seen as a potential alternative for nuclear energy production due to several advantages. ### Key Aspects of Thorium-based Nuclear Power: 1. **Fuel Cycle**: Thorium itself is not fissile, meaning it cannot sustain a chain reaction on its own.

UHTREX stands for Ultra-High Temperature Re-Heating Exchanger. It typically refers to a type of heat exchanger used in industrial processes, notably in power generation and chemical processing, where fluids are heated to ultra-high temperatures. The UHTREX technology is often employed to improve the efficiency of thermal processes, allowing for better heat recovery and transfer. It can assist in various applications, including steam generation, enhancing the efficiency of power plants, and optimizing chemical reactions.

The University of Missouri Research Reactor Center (MURR) is a research facility located in Columbia, Missouri, affiliated with the University of Missouri. Established in 1966, it is one of the most powerful university research reactors in the United States. MURR is primarily used for research and education in various fields, including nuclear engineering, medical applications, and materials science.

The Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) is a project initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) aimed at developing a fast-spectrum research reactor. The goal of the VTR is to provide a versatile platform for testing advanced nuclear fuels and materials, which is essential for the development of next-generation nuclear reactors and the advancement of nuclear science.

A Zero Power Physics Reactor (ZPPR) is a type of research reactor designed primarily for physics experiments, particularly those involving nuclear reactor physics, fuel behavior, and safety assessments without generating large amounts of heat or power. Unlike standard power reactors, which are designed for electricity generation and operate at full power, ZPPRs operate at very low power levels (close to zero), allowing researchers to conduct experiments with minimal radiation risks and heat generation.