Classification of Nuclear Reactors

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Nuclear Reactors, specifically fission reacors, are classified by several methods, a brief outline of these classification schemes is provided.

Contents 1 Classification by use 2 Classification by moderator material 3 Classification by coolant 4 Classification by type of nuclear reaction 5 Classification by role in the fuel cycle 6 Classification by Generation 7 Classificaiton by phase of fuel 8 References

[edit] Classification by use

• Research reactors : Typically reactors used for research and training, materials testing, or the production of radioisotopes for medicine and industry. These are much smaller than power reactors or those propelling ships, and many are on university campuses. There are about 280 such reactors operating, in 56 countries. Some operate with high-enriched uranium fuel, and international efforts are underway to substitute low-enriched fuel. ^[1]

• Production reactors
• Power reactors
• Propulsion reactors

[edit] Classification by moderator material

• Graphite moderated reactors
• water moderated reactors
  • Light water moderated reactors (LWRs)
  • Heavy Water moderated reactors

[edit] Classification by coolant

• Gas cooled reactor
• Liquid metal cooled reactor
• Water cooled reactor
  • Pressure water reactor
  • Boiling water reactor

[edit] Classification by type of nuclear reaction

• Fast Reactors
• Thermal reactors

[edit] Classification by role in the fuel cycle

• Breeder reactors
• burner reactors

[edit] Classification by Generation

1. Generation II reactor
2. Generation III reactor
3. Generation IV reactor

[edit] Classificaiton by phase of fuel

• Solid fueled
• Fluid fuel
• Gas Fueled

[edit] References

1. ^ World Nuclear Association Information Brief -Research Reactors