reactor coolant

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

The fluid that circulates through the core of a nuclear reactor to transfer heat from the fuel to steam generators or turbines; common coolants include light water, heavy water, liquid sodium, helium gas, and molten salt; coolant systems are critical to reactor safety

History and origin

Reactor from Latin reagere (to react); coolant from Middle English cool; nuclear coolant systems were first engineered in the 1940s

Examples

• Pressurised water reactors use light water as both reactor coolant and moderator.
• Loss of reactor coolant is one of the most serious accident scenarios in nuclear plant safety analysis.

Synonyms: primary coolant, nuclear coolant, heat transfer fluid