Firstly by design. The basic configuration and nuclear characteristics of the reactor should include things like having a negative temperature coefficient, so that if the temperature rises the reactivity decreases, giving an inherent degree of stability. The Chernobyl RBMK reactors had a positive coefficient, which didn't help when they lost control. The pressure vessel and the whole primary circuit needs to be made strong enough to withstand any predicted pressure surge, and to be made to the best possible metallurgical standards with all sections crack detected and all welds thoroughly examined. Then the systems analysts have to check through every aspect of design and draw up fault trees so that every possible fault is analysed and must be found to have a very low probability of failure, if necessary additional safety must be built in with additional control and instrumentation as required.
Then operation and maintenance is very important, adequate procedures must be drawn up, vetted by experienced engineers, and must be followed by well trained staff. Safety systems protecting the reactor must never be vetoed (as at Chernobyl).
The whole aspect of the above must be thoroughly vetted by the licensing authority, in the US this is the NRC, and they must have the power to withold a licence to operate if they think it necessary.
This is a very condensed explanation of a process that takes years of work to complete, and is in fact ongoing through the life of the plant.
there are no bad things about the nuclear power reactors
The RBMK reactors at Chernobyl were probably the most unsafe reactors ever designed and built. They should never have been built.
One of the primary functions of a nuclear reactor is to maintain a chain reaction. Also, nuclear reactors are meant to provide a steady flow of neutrons.
Yes, thorium was used as a fertile material in nuclear reactors.
People are managing nuclear energy by utilizing advanced reactor designs that enhance safety and efficiency, such as Generation IV reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs). Additionally, there is ongoing research into nuclear fuel recycling and breeder reactors, which can extend the life of nuclear fuel by reusing spent fuel. Regulatory frameworks and international cooperation also play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and sustainable operation of nuclear facilities, while public awareness and acceptance are increasingly emphasized to support future developments in nuclear energy.
Nuclear power reactors are potentially dangerous, we have to make them safe by careful design and operation
nuclear reactors are not very safe at all. the nuclear energy buisness basically went to crap after the three mile island accident, because people decided the risks outweigh the benefits
Nuclear reactors themselves are usually safe, and they release no pollution into the air. The thing that makes the unsafe is the highly radioactive uranium rods and nuclear wastecreated by the reactors.
Nuclear reactors use nuclear fission.
yes, thermal nuclear reactors are safer than fossil power plants, dams, solar power, and coal mining.
for example:uranium as nuclear fuelzirconium for nuclear fuel claddingstainless steel for different structurescadmium for neutron capture
Nuclear reactors use controlled nuclear fission reactions to generate heat, which is then used to produce steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. The heat is produced in the reactor core where nuclear fuel rods containing uranium or plutonium undergo fission reactions. The reactor's cooling system helps regulate the temperature and prevent overheating.
Yes, using new design inherently safe reactors. These can be built.
No. No amount of security can completely protect any reactor from the angry townsfolk and their pitchforks.
Boron is the element that absorbs neutrons and is commonly used to make control rods for nuclear reactors. Boron helps regulate and control the nuclear fission process by absorbing excess neutrons to maintain a safe and stable reaction within the reactor.
To make fuel rods for nuclear reactors
We use nuclear fission in nuclear reactors to tap nuclear energy.