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Why do you mix 2.5 percent niobium in the coolant tubes of a pressurized heavy water reactor?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
This is a metallurgical question and needs a specialist answer. However it is to do with obtaining a material that will withstand the severe neutron flux at the fuel bundle periphery, and the conditions of temperature and pressure in the reactor. Zirconium is always alloyed with small percentages of some other metal, in nuclear applications. In the light water reactors, for fuel cladding and other in-core components, it has been alloyed with tin in US designs and with niobium in Russian designs, but at a lower percentage. AECL must have done some fundamental research and experimentation to arrive at a figure of 2.5 percent. Note that the pressure tubes even with this material will not last a full reactor life, and they can be replaced as part of 'refurbishment'. See the link below particularly question A.16. This series of FAQ may also answer some other queries on CANDU reactors.
Note that niobium is also frequently used in steel based alloys to improve its qualities.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
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Why is only heavy water used as coolant for nuclear energy and can you use any other coolant used replacing D2O?
Many pressurized water reactors use "regular" water (light water) as a primay coolant. That means that "only heavy water" is not a rule as regards reactor design. Reactor design specifies the coolant to be used.
Does an operating nuclear reactor make a lot of sound?
The reactor itself does not make a lot of sound when operating. Nuclear fission is silent, but moving water in the core (in a pressurized water reactor) might be heard as it circulates. But it would not be easy to put your ear to the reactor vessel as radiation levels would be very high and the vessel would be very hot. Certainly the pumps that are running to circulate coolant will be audible.
What is the function of coolant in nuclear power plant?
The reactor coolant is used to extract heat from the nuclear fuel and hence maintains its integrity.
What is a Nuclear reactor moisture separator?
This is used in the nuclear reactor that is known as Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) in which heat produced by the nuclear fission in the nuclear fuel allows the light water reactor coolant to boil. Then, the nuclear reactor moisture separator is used to increase the dryness of the produced steam before it goes to the reactor steam turbines.
How many watts is equal to one PWR?
According to the lists on the internet one pressurized water reactor can supply between 300 and 3000 Megawatts.
What is the name of the coolant used in a pressurized water reactor?
Ordinary light water
What are the necessary components for a nuclear reactor?
for pressurized light water reactor type, as an example, the nuclear reactor components are * Reactor vessel (that contains the nuclear fuel and surrounded with water and contains control rod for power control and for safety) * reactor coolant pump * steam generator * reactor pressurizer * piping out of the vessel to the pressurizer, from pressurizer to steam generator, from steam generator to reactor coolant pump, and from pump back to the reactor vessel.
What is the difference between a pressurized water reactor and a boiling water reactor?
The primary difference between a pressurized water reactor (PWR) and a boiling water reactor (BWR) is that in the BWR, water is actually boiled, and the steam is used to drive a steam turbine, while in the PWR, the primary coolant is not allowed to boil, but is circulated in a closed loop to boil water in a steam generator. The BWR circulates primary coolant through the steam turbine in a closed loop. The PWR contains the primary coolant in a loop that includes the steam generator, and not the steam turbine.
Why is only heavy water used as coolant for nuclear energy and can you use any other coolant used replacing D2O?
Many pressurized water reactors use "regular" water (light water) as a primay coolant. That means that "only heavy water" is not a rule as regards reactor design. Reactor design specifies the coolant to be used.
Are there more are there one type of nuclear reactor?
the boiling water reactor, pressurized water reactor, and the LMFB reactor
What has the author B Sheron written?
B. Sheron has written: 'Generic assessment of delayed reactor coolant pump trip during small break loss-of-coolant accidents in pressurized water reactors' -- subject(s): Pressurized water reactors, Loss of coolant, Accidents, Emergency core cooling systems, Nuclear power plants
How many steam generators are there in a pressurized water reactor?
6
In a pressurized water reactor the primary cooling water is?
In a pressurized water reactor the primary cooling water is under pressure of around 150 atm and its inlet temperature around 320 degree centigrade.
What is a PWR used for in energy plants?
In energy plants, a PWR or Pressurized water reactor, is used as a coolant. The PWR basically stops a nuclear reaction from happening. Also, it keeps water clean from impurities.
Why do you keep the Ph of moderator neutral in pressurized heavy water reactor?
This is done in order to limit corrosion of the internal reactor components
Does an operating nuclear reactor make a lot of sound?
The reactor itself does not make a lot of sound when operating. Nuclear fission is silent, but moving water in the core (in a pressurized water reactor) might be heard as it circulates. But it would not be easy to put your ear to the reactor vessel as radiation levels would be very high and the vessel would be very hot. Certainly the pumps that are running to circulate coolant will be audible.
Why is a coolant important in a nuclear reactor?
yes
