A New Reactivity Control Device

Abstract

Bulk and spatial control in CANDU reactors is performed by varying the amount of water in compartments at different Locations in the reactor core. To date, the compartments have been housed in vertical assemblies, filled by water at high pressure, and drained by helium at high pressure. This paper describes the development, funded by Ontario Hydro, of a controller that could be located horizontally in a fuel channel site filled by gravity, and have a cover gas system at low pressure.