CANDU (Canada Deuterium Uranium) Reactor

        The CANDU reactor has been around for a number of years, with successfully running reactors operating around the world. This type of reactor is special, because instead of using regular ‘light’ water as the coolant in the reactor, it uses heavy water. Heavy water is simply one oxygen atom bonded with two deuterium atoms instead of two hydrogen atoms. Heavy water is much more effective in cooling the reactor and moderating the temperature.

        Not only does heavy water have a higher moderating effect on the core, it also slows down the neutrons being ejected from the fissions, and allows them to make contact more easily with the atoms of U-235. Because of this, natural, un-enriched Uranium can be used. This eliminates the need for harmful and environmentally unfriendly processing of Uranium. Heavy water is also much more efficient in carrying heat, which allows for less energy lost during the transfer process, and less fuel needed.

        The greatest fear of many in a reactor is the possibility of a melt down. Due to the physics of the reactor, a melt down is quite unlikely to occur, even if there was a leak of coolant. This is because of the use of natural Uranium. If the coolant were to leak, the fuel rods would melt, losing their shape. Because of the change in geometry, it is much more difficult for the reaction sustain itself, as well as an absence in the moderating heavy water.

        Also there are numerous back up systems, thus incase one part breaks down, there are others to take its place. One reactor is Pickering ran for 894 days without shutting down. This is a sign of a reliable and fool proof reactor. Not only this but the CANDU reactor produces less waste for the energy it produces. Although not a new idea or design, this reactor is an excellent source, clean source of nuclear energy. It is a design that can be improved upon to make it even more safe and reliable, and is one of the most outstanding types of reactors of the modern day.

Citations

1. http://www.answers.com/topic/candu-reactor

2. http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/5d6ef/dd0e2/

Pickering Station, Canada

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