Heavy Water Reactors (CANDU) Course
Online 300-hour course on heavy water reactors (CANDU). 6 modules covering CSA N285.0 (pressure systems of CANDU plants), CSA N285.4 (periodic inspection of CANDU components) and WIMS. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the concept of heavy water moderation and its neutronic advantages.
Describe the design of the CANDU reactor and its fuel channels.
Analyse the neutronics and the on-power refuelling strategy.
Identify the degradation mechanisms specific to pressure tubes.
Evaluate the reactor's safety and shutdown systems.
Assess waste management and the future prospects of the technology.
Prepare a technical study on the operation of a heavy water reactor.
Who it's for
- Heavy water reactor engineer wishing to specialise in Heavy Water Reactors (CANDU).
- Core physics analyst wishing to specialise in Heavy Water Reactors (CANDU).
- Component integrity engineer wishing to specialise in Heavy Water Reactors (CANDU).
- Plant operations engineer wishing to specialise in Heavy Water Reactors (CANDU).
- Nuclear safety analyst wishing to specialise in Heavy Water Reactors (CANDU).
- Life management engineer wishing to specialise in Heavy Water Reactors (CANDU).
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter nuclear power plants.
What you'll work with
- CSA N285.0 (pressure systems of CANDU plants)
- CSA N285.4 (periodic inspection of CANDU components)
- CSA N286 (management system for nuclear power plants)
- CNSC REGDOC-2.5.2 (design of reactor facilities)
- CNSC REGDOC-2.4.1 (deterministic safety analysis)
- IAEA SSR-2/1 (Rev.1) (design of nuclear power plants)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Heavy water as moderator and its properties1.2Neutronic advantage of deuterium1.3Use of natural uranium as fuel1.4Production and cost of heavy water1.5History of the technology's development1.6Countries with heavy water reactor fleets1.7Essential differences from light water1.8Terminology specific to the technology1.9Performance and limitations of the concept1.10Exercise: compare neutron balances
2.1Moderator tank and its function2.2Pressure tubes and calandria tubes2.3Isolation between moderator and coolant2.4Horizontal channel arrangement2.5Short fuel bundles and their geometry2.6Control and shutdown systems2.7Adjuster and absorber rods2.8Liquid poison injection2.9Containment and safety systems2.10Practice: describe the heat flux of a channel
3.1Neutron spectrum and neutron economy3.2Positive void coefficient and its implications3.3Temperature coefficients3.4On-power refuelling: concept and machines3.5Channel-by-channel fuel management3.6Control of power distribution3.7Burnup achievable with natural uranium3.8Use of slightly enriched uranium and alternative fuels3.9Flexibility of the fuel cycle3.10Practice: plan a refuelling sequence
4.1Coolant and moderator chemistry4.2Tritium management and personnel protection4.3Heavy water leaks and their recovery4.4Pressure tube degradation: elongation and hydriding4.5Sagging and contact between tubes4.6In-service inspection of channels4.7Tube replacement and refurbishment4.8Life extension of the reactor4.9Operating experience of the technology4.10Practice: assess the life of a channel
5.1Characteristic accident sequences5.2Loss of coolant with moderator available5.3Channel rupture and its management5.4Safety analysis and applicable criteria5.5Volume and management of spent fuel5.6Decommissioning and dismantling5.7Management of tritium-bearing components5.8Evolutionary designs and their status5.9Future role of the technology5.10Practice: compare risks with light water
6.1Choice of reference plant6.2Description of the design and its systems6.3Simplified neutronic analysis of a channel6.4Fuel management strategy6.5Pressure tube inspection programme6.6Tritium management plan6.7Analysis of an accident sequence6.8Life extension or closure strategy6.9Technical report6.10Defence of the work
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The software used is WIMS, RFSP (CANDU core physics), CATHENA (thermalhydraulics), MCNP, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Case studies are based on real procedures for on-power refuelling analysis, pressure tube degradation studies and review of operating experience for heavy water reactors. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the concept of heavy water moderation and its neutronic advantages.
Describe the design of the CANDU reactor and its fuel channels.
Analyse the neutronics and the on-power refuelling strategy.
Identify the degradation mechanisms specific to pressure tubes.
Evaluate the reactor's safety and shutdown systems.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses WIMS, RFSP (CANDU core physics), CATHENA (thermalhydraulics) and MCNP. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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