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Publicatie Laka-bibliotheek:
Calder Hall (1961)

AuteurUKAEA
Datumoktober 1961
Classificatie 2.05.8.38/03 (GROOT-BRITTANNIË - KC WINDSCALE & CALDER HALL)
Voorkant

Uit de publicatie:

2: SUM M A R Y

How a Calder Reactor Works.

Inside the reactor heat is released by splitting uranium atoms - nuclear fission. 
Uranium is the only element found in nature containing atoms which can be made 
to split, if hit by a slow neutron. The split divides the atom into two, and releases 
heat and two or more high-speed neutrons. These fast neutrons are slowed down by 
a graphite moderator surrounding the uranium fuel. Some of them then hit and split 
further uranium atoms. And so a chain reaction is brought about. The chain reaction 
is regulated by the use of neutron absorbing control rods.

To take the heat away for conversion into electricity, carbon dioxide gas is blown 
through the reactor core in which the controlled chain reaction is maintained. The 
heated gas is used to raise steam in heat exchangers. The steam powers conventional 
turbine driven alternators which produce electric power.

Calder Construction and Performance.

Design study work began in 1951 on a dual purpose reactor system, to produce 
plutonium for defence purposes and electricity for peaceful purposes. Construction 
of the first two reactors and turbine hall, now known as Calder A, began in 1953. 
Before Her Majesty the Queen opened these on 17th October, 1956, work had begun 
on a second pair of reactors and a second turbine hall, immediately adjacent and 
known as Calder B. Exceptionally high standards of welding, purity, accuracy and 
cleanliness were required, as well as care in programming the work and ingenuity 
in surmounting complex and novel problems for the first time.

Since the start of operation, heat and thus steam output have been increased steadily 
to well beyond the original design expectation: and reblading the turbines has 
increased the net electrical output capacity from 34.5 MW to 45 MW per reactor. 
However, there is still surplus steam for process steam and space heating on the site.

A further improvement is that the shut-down period for fuel changing and 
maintenance has been more than halved. In addition, the reactors are used as a 
test bed to gain advance experience by simulating conditions in nuclear power 
programme stations.

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