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Why are CANDU reactors better?
Overall, CANDU reactors use 30–40\% less mined uranium than light-water reactors per unit of electricity produced. This is a major advantage of the heavy-water design; it not only requires less fuel, but as the fuel does not have to be enriched, it is much less expensive as well.
Has CANDU reactor ever failed?
The CANDU and its prototypes have experienced some of the world’s most serious accidents: It was the largest tritium release in CANDU history, causing the shutdown of a nearby water supply plant. In December 1994, a valve failure at Pickering Reactor #2 led to 140 tonnes of heavy water being dumped out of the reactor.
Why is the CANDU reactor safer?
CANDU reactors are designed more effectively for safe operation than RBMKs such as the Chernobyl station. CANDU’s advantages include better contain- ment and two emergency shutdown systems, which operate independently and shut down the reactor much faster.
Where are CANDU reactors?
Canada has developed a unique nuclear reactor technology, CANDU; there are 18 CANDU reactors in Ontario, 1 in New Brunswick and 10 in operation outside of Canada. Under Canada’s nuclear non-proliferation policy, Canadian uranium can be used only for peaceful purposes.
Why was the Candu reactor controversial?
Federal officials hailed the sale as a major step in building Canada’s presence in China. But at home, the sale provoked an explosion of protests. To critics, it presented the deplorable spectacle of Canada selling sensitive technology to a country known for its human-rights violations and poor environmental record.
What does Candu reactor stand for?
Canada deuterium uranium
CANDU stands for Canada deuterium uranium, because it uses deuterium oxide (heavy water) as a moderator and coolant and uses natural (not enriched) uranium as a fuel. Because Canada has a record of excellence in nuclear technology, other countries have built these Canadian-designed reactors.
What type of reactor is a CANDU?
CANDU reactor is a type of nuclear reactor which was developed in Canada, and is currently used in nuclear power plants for electrical generation in various countries around the world.
What does CANDU reactor stand for?