Control Rods for Nuclear Reactor, what is that?

Hello guys and girls...

Today was quite a lecture given by the lecturers about the types of control rods inside the nuclear reactor. It has given us an idea in about to think what actually the control rods and what does it do inside the nuclear reactor? Hence, some research was done to actually get the information that will beneficial to all of us, especially who wants to know about the nuclear power system.

Control rods - It is a rod made of chemical elements capable of absorbing many neutrons without fissioning themselves (Wikipedia). In other words, the rods is a device that have the ability to adsorb a lot of neutrons inside the nuclear reactor. This is essential to the nuclear reactor because these rods will control the rate of fisson of uranium and plutonium inside the nuclear reactor. So, what is the reason for why the rods have that such kind of ability to absord neutrons? As an engineer, with the sense of logic, the answer to that question must be the material of rods itself. Which means, the materials used are the one that given the rods the ability to adsorb such neutrons. The commonly used materials which satisfy these criteria include cadmium, boron, iridium, silver and hafnium. These types of materials are the used materials that have a higher percentage in absorption ability of the neutrons.

There are also several types of control rods for the nuclear reactor. As can be found generally, there are three common control rods for a nuclear reactor now a days. Which are:

1. Shim rods - used  for  coarse  control  and/or  to  remove  reactivity  in  relatively  large amounts.
2. Regulating rods   - used for fine adjustments and to maintain desired power or temperature.
3. Safety rods -provide a means for very fast shutdown in the event of an unsafe condition.




So, it can be said that the rods are the device that has the ability to control the rate of the fission inside the nuclear reactor. This is one of the safety measure for the nuclear reactor so that any explosion or over fission inside the nuclear reactor will not occur. Although the more fission occur will produce more energy, but in some measurement, over energy can result in some uncontrollable or out of control. The higher rate of fission also can cause a higher levels of radiation and nuclear waste will occur which are harm to the people. Sometimes, more is less. So, the best result will always be the optimum of all.

So far as can be concerned, this nuclear system actually has what it takes to be the next renewable energy that can replace the existing type source of energy. There are still a lot research and development to do in Malaysia, since we are still a developing country but in the near future, this technology will be ideal to be constructed and implemented in Malaysia. This blog will be updated with more information and knowledge that can be share through out the world. Sharing is caring.

Nuclear For Malaysia.