R4 nuclear reactor

R4 nuclear reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that was developed and used primarily in Sweden. The R4 was one of the first reactors of its kind, and it played a significant role in the development of nuclear power in Sweden.

History

The R4 nuclear reactor was built in the 1960s as part of Sweden's ambitious nuclear power program. The reactor was constructed at the Marviken nuclear power plant, which was one of the first nuclear power plants in Sweden. The R4 was one of several reactors built at Marviken, and it was designed to produce both electricity and plutonium for use in nuclear weapons.

Design and operation

The R4 was a heavy water reactor, which means it used heavy water as a neutron moderator. This type of reactor is capable of running on natural uranium, which was an important factor in Sweden's decision to build the R4. The reactor was designed to produce 140 megawatts of electricity, making it one of the most powerful reactors of its time.

The R4 reactor was also designed to produce plutonium, which could be extracted and used to manufacture nuclear weapons. This dual-purpose design was a key feature of the R4 and other reactors built at Marviken.

Legacy

The R4 reactor was decommissioned in the 1970s, but it left a lasting legacy in Sweden and beyond. The reactor was a major milestone in the development of nuclear power in Sweden, and it helped to establish the country as a leader in the field. The R4 also played a role in the global nuclear arms race, as it demonstrated the potential for nuclear power plants to produce weapons-grade plutonium.

Today, the R4 reactor is remembered as a symbol of the early days of nuclear power, and it continues to be studied by historians and scientists interested in the history of nuclear technology.

See also

• Nuclear power in Sweden
• Heavy water reactor
• Marviken nuclear power plant