Page 123 - Neutrons for Sciences and Society
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Chapter 5: The construction of the reactor and the scientific groups
Velocity of coolant between plates
15.5 m/s
Pressure of coolant entering the fuel rod
14 bar
Pressure of coolant leaving the fuel rod
3.2 bar
Pressure in the reflector tank
4 bar
Maximum temperature at the surface of fuel plates
147° C
Length of reactor cycle
44 days
Fig. 5.6: The fuel element. The control rod occupies the central space. The uranium is in the fins between which circulates the heavy water coolant.
The heavy water is an essential component of the reactor; some 42 cubic metres are needed for reactor operation. The majority (40 m3) was supplied by the factory of Mazingarbe (France). The final two cubic metres were of American origin.
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