What is the main function of a nuclear reactor?

The main job of a reactor is to house and control nuclear fission—a process where atoms split and release energy. Fission and Fusion: What is the Difference? Reactors use uranium for nuclear fuel. The uranium is processed into small ceramic pellets and stacked together into sealed metal tubes called fuel rods.

What is the structure of a nuclear reactor?

Main components. The core of the reactor contains all of the nuclear fuel and generates all of the heat. It contains low-enriched uranium (<5% U-235), control systems, and structural materials. The core can contain hundreds of thousands of individual fuel pins.

Which elements are used in a nuclear reactor?

A number of different materials can be used to fuel a reactor, but most commonly uranium is used. Uranium is abundant, and can be found in many places around the world, including in the oceans. Other fuels, such as plutonium and thorium, can also be used.

What is nuclear reactor state the essential components of the reactor with neat diagram describe power reactor?

⦁ The Core: It contains all the fuel and generates the heat required for energy production. ⦁ The Containment: The enveloping structure that separated the nuclear reactor from the surrounding environment.

What are the main components of a nuclear reactor?

Main Components of a Nuclear Reactor: ⦁ The Core: It contains all the fuel and generates the heat required for energy production. ⦁ The Coolant: It passes through the core, absorbing the heat and transferring into turbines ⦁ The Turbine: Transfers energy into the mechanical form

What are the safety features of new nuclear plants?

Its updated safety features include additional systems to add cooling water in an emergency, systems to prevent hydrogen buildup during an accident and a floodable space below the reactor to catch and cool any material that escapes the reactor.

How does the fuel assembly in a nuclear reactor work?

Typically more than 200 of these rods are bundled together to form a fuel assembly. A reactor core is typically made up of a couple hundred assemblies, depending on power level. Inside the reactor vessel, the fuel rods are immersed in water which acts as both a coolant and moderator.

How does the water in a nuclear reactor work?

These reactors pump water into the reactor core under high pressure to prevent the water from boiling. The water in the core is heated by nuclear fission and then pumped into tubes inside a heat exchanger. Those tubes heat a separate water source to create steam.