Nuclear Power and waste Flashcards
Process of fission
U-235 absorbs neutron, its nuclei split, releasing thermal energy and more neutrons
Moderator material
Graphite/water
Don’t absorb neutrons
Moderator function
slow down fast neutrons by colliding w/ nuclei in moderator, causing them to lose energy. they are also elastic therefore slow down them even more
Control rods material
Boron/steel
Control rods function
lowered into reactor to absorb neutrons
Coolant
circulates through tubes in reactor core to absorb heat
Low level waste sources
clothing worn by workers, paper and rags
Low level waste %
90%
Low level waste radioactivity %
1%
Low level waste disposal
compacted and encased in cement and stored on licensed sites
Intermediate-level waste sources
Occurs in chemical sludges and resins
Intermediate level waste %
7%
Intermediate level waste radioactivity %
4%
Intermediate level waste long half life disposal
encased in cement in steel drums and stored underground
Intermediate level waste short half life disposal
drums containing isotopes placed in deep trenches and covered by metres of soil