The journey of nuclear fuel begins with uranium extraction and continues well beyond its use in a reactor. This introductory article in the “From Ore to Energy” series outlines the fuel cycle for light water reactors, from fuel preparation and fabrication to spent fuel management. An overview diagram connects the principal stages, options for reusing materials, and storage and final disposal.
Successful leak testing is not the only evidence that a containment system will retain its function under demanding conditions. The publicly documented example of Krško Nuclear Power Plant shows how structural integrity and leak tightness are verified through inspections, local tests, corrective actions and traceable records.
Steam condensation in containment helps reduce pressure, but it does not remove hydrogen. The hydrogen fraction in the gas mixture may even increase. Part 4 of the series explains hydrogen generation, spatial distribution and the different ways in which the hazard is managed.
During a LOCA, the containment system receives mass and energy released from the damaged reactor coolant system. This article follows the initial pressure response, condensation, water collection, recirculation and long-term heat removal across different containment designs.
A nine-month, documentation-driven reconstruction of the NuScale Power Module progressed from a single fuel assembly to an integrated 3D cutaway of the complete module. It shows how components become a system, why the HCSG was the most demanding part, and where public documentation sets the reconstruction boundary.
