Print this page Present Reactor Designs
Charles A. Patterson, P.E.
Course Outline
This course is intended to be a basic understanding of the differences between a pressurized water reactor (PWR) and boiling water reactor (BWR) that are operating in the United States today.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to
enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Learn where steam is produced in a PWR and BWR;
- Learn how power level is changed in each reactor type;
- Learn about reactivity and how each type makes changes for fuel depletion;
- Learn about decay heat removal;
- Learn about emergency core cooling systems;
- Learn about the basics of an electrical distribution system for a nuclear plant; and
- Learn the radiation hazards in each reactor type.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for engineers and other technical people that will be working in or considering working in the nuclear power industry.
Benefit to Attendees
People taking this course will have a better understanding of the differences in the operating reactors in the United States
Course Introduction
With a rebirth of nuclear power being discussed and planned, many people may be considering employment in this field but may not understand the differences in reactors that are in operation today. This course will provide an overview of these issues to clarify them.
Course Content
The course content is in a PDF file:
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right-clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader from your computer.
Course Summary
A basic understanding of the commercial nuclear reactors operating today in the United States is presented. This covers how the differences between a PWR and BWR.
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Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
