calandria

Calandria is a term used in different technical contexts to refer to a large vessel or chamber that holds a process or reaction occurring inside.

In nuclear engineering, the calandria is the core vessel of some reactor designs, most notably the Canadian CANDU type. It is a large tank that contains the reactor core and the moderator. Fuel channels pass through the calandria, and the design allows multiple fuel bundles to be inserted and replaced. The calandria itself is usually built from steel and is kept at moderate pressures, while heat is removed by an external cooling system. The arrangement enables the reactor core to be surrounded by moderator material, with the surrounding structure providing support and containment.

In other industrial settings, calandria can refer to a large steam-heated vessel used in processing liquids. In sugar refining, distillation, or other manufacturing operations, a calandria may serve as a boiling or evaporating chamber where liquids are heated, concentrated, or converted as part of a production line. These vessels are typically heated by steam and designed to withstand frequent heating and cooling cycles.

The term evokes the notion of a cauldron or large kettle and reflects historical usage in various industries to denote sizable vessels that enable centralized heating or containment of a process. The specific design and function of a calandria vary with industry and application.