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To prepare uranium for use in a CANDU reactor, the uranium ore is first mined and then processed to extract uranium concentrate, often referred to as yellowcake (U3O8). This concentrate is then converted into uranium hexafluoride (UF6) through chemical processes. The UF6 undergoes enrichment to increase the proportion of the fissile isotope uranium-235, after which it is converted back into uranium dioxide (UO2) powder. Finally, the UO2 is sintered and fabricated into fuel pellets, which are assembled into fuel bundles for use in the reactor.
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How does the uranium used in a CANDU reactor exist in nature?
The uranium used in a CANDU reactor primarily exists as uranium-238, a naturally occurring isotope found in various minerals, with a small percentage of uranium-235. It is extracted from uranium ore through milling and chemical processes to increase the concentration of uranium-235 for use as nuclear fuel in reactors.
Does CANDU reactor use enriched uranium?
CANDU Reactors are specifically designed such that they do not require enriched uranium, and can operate entirely on naturally-occurring uranium. A CANDU design is generally used by parties that do not desire uranium enrichment facilities, due to the cost of those facilities. That said, a CANDU reactor CAN use enriched uranium, they are fully capable of supporting that fuel type.
Does uranium need to be enriched in order to be used in a nuclear reactor?
Yes, uranium needs to be enriched in order to be used in a nuclear reactor. Enrichment increases the concentration of uranium-235, the isotope necessary for sustained nuclear reactions in most reactors. Natural uranium is primarily composed of uranium-238, which needs to be converted to uranium-235 through enrichment processes.
How much uranium 235 is used in a nuclear reactor?
The amount of uranium-235 used in a nuclear reactor depends on the design and size of the reactor. Typically, a reactor core contains several tons of uranium fuel, with the concentration of uranium-235 ranging from 3-5%. The fuel is arranged in fuel assemblies to sustain a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction.
What type of nuclear reactor is used in Ontario to produce electricity?
This is the Candu type, which was uniquely developed in Canada to use heavy water moderator and natural uranium fuel
What is the half-life of the isotope of uranium used in a CANDU reactor?
The isotope of uranium commonly used in CANDU reactors is uranium-235, which has a half-life of about 703.8 million years. This long half-life allows for sustained nuclear reactions to generate electricity in the reactor.
The fuel used in a nuclear reactor usually comes from?
Mines, usually it is uranium, with only 0.7% (aproximately) U-235 (the isotope that is used for fission), the rest is U-238, known as depleted uranium, or natural uranium. Then it enriched to about 3-5% U-235, unless it is used in a CANDU reactor, in which case it can almost literaly be used straight out of the ground.
WHAT IS candu?
CANDU (Canada Deuterium Uranium) is a type of nuclear reactor designed and developed in Canada. It uses heavy water (deuterium oxide) as a moderator and coolant, allowing it to utilize natural uranium as fuel without the need for enrichment. CANDU reactors are known for their safety features and ability to be refueled while operating, making them efficient and flexible energy sources. They are used primarily in Canada but have also been exported to several other countries.
Two important functions of heavy water in a candu reactor?
moderator, coolant
Does a critical mass of uranium require enriched uranium?
Yes, a critical mass of uranium typically requires enriched uranium. Enriched uranium has a higher concentration of the fissile isotope uranium-235, which is necessary for sustaining a nuclear chain reaction in a reactor or weapon. Unenriched uranium, which is mostly uranium-238, requires a larger critical mass to achieve a sustained chain reaction.
Why is light water used in the CANDU reactor as a coolant?
Light water is used in CANDU reactors as a coolant because it is an effective moderator, slowing down neutrons to sustain the nuclear chain reaction. Additionally, light water is abundant and inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for the reactor.
Why does uranium ore have to be enriched before its used in a nuclear power plant?
1. Uranium must be refined to obtain "nuclear grade" uranium. 2. The enrichment in the isotope 235U depends on the type of the nuclear reactor; some reactors (as CANDU) work with natural uranium.
