Friends, today in this article we will learn about the main parts of the nuclear reactor, I am going to give information about all these in a very good way. So let’s start.
Nuclear Reactor –
it is a container in which the fuel for fission is filled. It also controls the fission reaction. In the nuclear reactor, the fuel is placed in the form of rods in front of which graphite rods are placed and apart from this, rods controlling the reaction are also placed in the nuclear reactor. The graphite rod slows down the speed of the neutrons falling on the fuel. Control rods are made of cadmium because cadmium has a high ability to absorb neutrons. When all the free neutrons are absorbed by the cadmium rod, the nuclear reaction stops. The reaction in the nuclear reactor takes place on the principle of nuclear fission. A nuclear reactor is shown in the picture.
Its important parts are as follows-
(i) Fuel – Nuclear fissile material is used for fuel in the form of rods or plates. To prevent corrosion resistance, radioactivity and to provide support, the fuel is kept in aluminium or stainless steel casing. Uranium, plutonium and thorium (Th232) can be used for fuel.
(ii) Pressure Vessel – At the time of nuclear fission, extreme heat and pressure is generated, hence the pressure vessel is made of such material which is (a) corrosion resistant (b) can withstand high temperature and high tension stress.
(iii) Reactor Shield – At the time of nuclear fission, a lot of radioactive radiations are produced which can prove to be very fatal for human life. Therefore, reactor shield is essential to stop these waves.
(iv) Moderator – Moderator is an element with low atomic number which slows down the neutrons produced in the fission of U235 without absorbing them when it collides with them. Slowing down the speed of neutrons increases the possibility of nuclear fission. Hydrogen, carbon, beryllium, heavy water, helium, lithium etc. are moderators. Graphite and heavy water are the best moderators.
(v) Reflector – Reflector is used to prevent neutrons from coming out of the reactor and to spread them back uniformly in the reactor. Reflector also does not absorb neutrons like the moderator. Therefore, the materials from which the moderator is made can be used as a reflector.
(vi) Coolant – Coolant is used in the reactor to transfer heat from the reactor to the heat exchanger. The coolant should be liquid and of high thermal conductivity so that maximum heat can be transferred. Generally, sodium, bismuth, lead, steam, hydrogen etc. are coolants.
What did you learn today:-
Now you must have known the main parts of a nuclear reactor. You must have got the answer to all these questions well.
I hope you liked the information given by me. If you have any question/suggestion in your mind, then you can tell me by commenting below, I will definitely answer your comment. If you liked this post, then you can also share it with your friends and relatives.