sodiumcooled

Sodiumcooled refers to a type of nuclear reactor cooling system that utilizes molten sodium metal as the primary coolant. Sodium has excellent thermal properties, including high heat capacity and thermal conductivity, making it very effective at transferring heat away from the reactor core. Its low melting point and high boiling point also allow it to remain liquid over a wide range of operating temperatures, eliminating the need for high-pressure systems often associated with water-cooled reactors.

The use of sodium as a coolant in fast breeder reactors is particularly notable. These reactors can sustain a chain reaction with fast neutrons and are designed to produce more fissile material than they consume. Sodium's inert nature in the absence of oxygen and water is a key advantage, as it does not react violently with these substances, unlike some other coolants. However, sodium does react with air and water to produce sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, and it becomes radioactive when exposed to neutron flux, requiring careful handling and containment. Despite these challenges, sodium-cooled reactors offer potential benefits in terms of efficiency and fuel utilization.