Reaktorityyppejä

Reaktorityyppejä, or reactor types, refers to the classification of nuclear reactors based on their design and the principles of their operation. These classifications often consider factors such as the neutron moderator used, the coolant employed, the type of nuclear fuel, and the purpose of the reactor.

Common categories include Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs), which use ordinary water as both a coolant and moderator and operate under high pressure. Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) also use ordinary water but allow it to boil directly within the reactor core, generating steam to drive turbines. Heavy Water Reactors (HWRs), such as the CANDU design, utilize heavy water (deuterium oxide) as a moderator, allowing for the use of unenriched uranium fuel.

Gas-cooled Reactors (GCRs) use gases like carbon dioxide or helium as coolants. These can be further divided into Magnox reactors, Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs), and High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs). Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) are designed to produce more fissile material than they consume, typically using liquid metal coolants like sodium and operating without a moderator.

Research reactors are designed for scientific experiments and isotope production, often operating at lower power levels than power reactors. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a newer category, characterized by their smaller size and potential for factory fabrication and modular deployment. The choice of reactor type depends on various factors including safety considerations, economic viability, fuel availability, and specific energy production or research needs.