Developments in CANDU reactor operation and design

From internatlonal nuclear industries fair; Basel, Switzerland (16 Oct 1972). The first three 540 MW units at Pickering have provided solid evidence of the suitability of the CANDU reactor for commercial operation. Construction at the 3,000 MW Bruce station is well advanced. The duplication of both these stations is now the subject of a design study. Future development of this pressurized heavy water design is now concentrated on improved reliability and ease of maintenance for large (1200 MW) sizes. Variants of CANDU, using alternative coolants, are being actively developed. The 250 MW boiling light water prototype reactor at Gentilly has performed well in early operation. Experience with organic coolant in a test reactor has been highly successful and has demonstrated the advantage of low activity in the primary circuit. (auth)