Nuclear Energy
CANDU Reactor
A pressurized heavy-water reactor with a calandria and on-power fuelling, able to use natural uranium.
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Labelled system
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Original ENERGY ATLAS schematic. Interactive 3D is opt-in on this page.
Horizontal tank of heavy-water moderator.
Overview
CANDU reactors moderate with heavy water in a large calandria. Fuel channels carry pressurized coolant. Short fuel bundles can be replaced while the reactor operates.
How it works
Natural or slightly adjusted uranium fuel sits in channels. Heavy water's low neutron absorption supports a chain reaction without enrichment. Heat is transferred to a light-water steam cycle.
Components
Calandria
Horizontal tank of heavy-water moderator.
Pressure tubes
Fuel channels through the calandria.
Fueling machines
Replace bundles at power.
Keep exploring
Articles
Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)
The pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) uses natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as coolant and moderator. Most of them are of the CANDU type.
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Coolant and Moderator
The coolant removes heat. The moderator slows neutrons. Sometimes they are the same fluid.
8 min read