Magnox

Magnox is a type of nuclear reactor that was designed to run on natural uranium with graphite as the moderator and carbon dioxide as the cooling agent. The name "Magnox" is derived from the magnesium-aluminium alloy used to clad the fuel rods inside the reactor.

History

The Magnox design was developed in the United Kingdom in the 1950s and was the first generation of nuclear power reactors. The first commercial Magnox reactor began operation in 1956 at Calder Hall, which was also the world's first nuclear power station to deliver electricity in commercial quantities.

Design and Operation

Magnox reactors are characterized by their simplicity of design and robustness. The fuel, natural uranium, is slightly enriched to increase its reactivity. The fuel rods are clad in a magnesium-aluminium alloy, which gives the reactor its name. The coolant, carbon dioxide, is circulated through the reactor core to remove heat, which is then used to generate steam and drive a turbine to produce electricity.

Decommissioning

All Magnox reactors have now been shut down, with the last one ceasing operation in 2015. The decommissioning process involves removing the fuel and dealing with the radioactive waste. This is a complex and costly process, due to the high levels of radiation and the need to ensure that the waste is safely managed.

Legacy

Despite their age, Magnox reactors have left a significant legacy. They were the first generation of reactors to demonstrate that nuclear power could be used for large-scale electricity generation. They also played a key role in the development of the UK's nuclear industry.

See also

• Nuclear power in the United Kingdom
• Nuclear reactor technology
• Nuclear decommissioning

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  Schematic of a Magnox reactor
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  Magnox fuel rod at the Science Museum, 2019
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  Calder Hall nuclear power station
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  Fuel loading at Calder Hall
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  Bradwell nuclear power station from entrance road
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  Sizewell A nuclear power station
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  Chapelcross Nuclear Power Station