CANDUderived
CANDUderived refers to reactor designs and related technology that are derived from the CANDU family, the Canadian heavy-water moderated, natural uranium fueled reactor concept developed by AECL. Core features of CANDU-derived designs include a heavy-water moderator and primary coolant, pressurized natural uranium fuel in horizontal pressure tubes, and the capability for online refueling. The calandria, containing the moderator, remains separate from the primary heat transport system, allowing the fuel to be replaced without shutting down the reactor. This combination provides good neutron economy and fuel-cycle flexibility.
Most CANDU-derived reactors use heavy water as both moderator and coolant; however, some later derivatives—such as
Origins and spread: the original CANDU program in Canada inspired a family of reactors built and operated
In current energy and nonproliferation discourse, CANDUderived serves as a classification for reactors drawing on the