![]() Uranium alone can’t reliably start a nuclear fission reaction. It provides a high, stable emission of neutrons that can bombard uranium oxide fuel rods and start a sustained nuclear reaction. Californium-252 as a Startup Neutron SourceĬalifornium-252 is a powerful element used within startup rods, which trigger the start of a nuclear fission reaction. Nuclear reactors use different control rods based on the fuel sources they use and the expected rate of fission. They can absorb neutrons without triggering their own fission reaction, which makes them a stabilizing element. Control RodsĬontrol rods can slow or speed up the rate of fission in a nuclear reactor. Fuel Rodsįuel rods are long, slender, zirconium alloy tubes that typically contain high-density uranium dioxide pellets for use in the core of a nuclear reactor. ![]() While americium-241, plutonium-238, polonium-210, or radium-226 are sometimes combined with beryllium to initiate a reaction, californium-252 is preferred for its ability to generate spontaneous fission. Common applications for startup rods include: Reactor technicians use startup rods as a means to create an observable and controllable nuclear fission reaction. Startup rods are interspersed with fuel rods within the reactor core to provide the initial reaction that triggers a long chain of nuclear fission reactions from the fuel rods. Startup rods are used to initiate a nuclear chain reaction in the fuel within the nuclear reaction assembly. Nuclear reactors use three key types of rods to power and control nuclear reactors: Startup Rods Types of Nuclear Reactor Rods and Their Roles ![]() The cooling system releases the coolant into the generator, and the resulting steam and pressure turn the turbine. Steam generators are used to generate electric power. The core of the reactor and moderator material are typically contained within a durable steel pressure vessel and/or a series of steel pressure tubes. Moderator material, such as water or graphite, slows down the release of neutrons so the reaction can trigger greater reactions. Most reactors used uranium rods formed from uranium oxide pellets placed in rods. The most common element used for nuclear fuel is uranium. Coolant fluids circulate through the core of the reactor, dissipating the heat and carrying it to other units where it can be used to create steam. Nuclear fission reactions generate a large amount of heat that must be safely modulated. Control rods are typically made from materials that absorb neutrons, including boron, cadmium, and hafnium. Operators can insert and remove rods to slow down, speed up, or improve the efficiency of the nuclear reactions. Control rods absorb neutrons and can control the rate of a nuclear reaction. Containment barriers are made from a combination of concrete and steel, and they can be over a meter thick. The barriers around the reactor and steam generator are designed to protect anything outside from radiation in the event of a malfunction. Some of the key components of nuclear reactors include: They are made up of several different systems that power the fission reactor, control and build the reaction, and contain the process to keep the surrounding materials and workers safe. Today’s nuclear reactors are largely based on two types of reactors that were originally created in the 1950s to power naval vessels. This process of splitting atoms is called nuclear fission. That heat is channeled toward reservoirs of water to create steam, which then generates electricity by propelling the turbines of a generator. They generate electricity by splitting atoms from specific elements such as uranium-a process that gives off a great deal of heat. Nuclear reactors generate approximately 10% of the world’s electricity today.
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