boiling-water reactor

In this second most common reactor, boiling occurs directly in the reactor core; it is used mainly in the United States, Sweden and Japan.

steam outlet

Steam produced in the reactor tank is carried to the turbine to produce electricity.

concrete shielding

Concrete structure that holds back radioactive products in the event of an accident.

condensation pool

Water-filled basin that is used to lower the pressure in the reactor tank in the event of an accident.

dry well

Compartment around the reactor tank; it holds back radioactive products in the event of an accident.

control rod

Tube that contains a neutron-absorbing material (boron, cadmium) that is introduced into the reactor core to control its power.

pump

Device that continuously circulates water inside the reactor.

reactor core

Center section of the nuclear reactor where fission reactions take place.

reactor tank

Safety containment wall that separates the reactor from the rest of the building.

feedwater

Piping that carries water from the condenser into the reactor tank, where it is converted into steam.

wet well

Compartment containing water that reduces the pressure in the dry well in the event of an accident.

coolant: boiling water

Boiling water: natural water that boils and vaporizes on contact with the heat released by the fuel.

fuel: enriched uranium

Enriched uranium: uranium produced by treating natural uranium to increase the quantity of fissionable isotopes (uranium-253) contained in it.

moderator: natural water

Natural water: water found in its natural state.