Glossaire :Radioactive decay [...] Rotor

Radioactive decay (see the French definition )

This is a phenomenon that affects many different radioactive elements and makes it possible to date ancient objects with precision (e.g. bones, paintings, pottery, etc.) and to date rocks or major events in the history of the earth (e.g. volcanic eruptions, climate change, etc.).

Radioactive waste (see the French definition )

Most radioactive waste comes from the production of electricity in nuclear power stations. There are many different types of radioactive waste, which can be classified according to the level of radiation that they emit and their lifespan: for example, short-lived low-level waste, very low level radioactive waste, and long-lived medium- to high-level waste.

 

Radioactivity (see the French definition )

Radioactivity was discovered in 1896 by the French physicist Henri Becquerel. It is a natural phenomenon whereby certain atomic nuclei slowly decay releasing electromagnetic radiation or particles.

Ratio (see the French definition )

A relationship expressed as a percentage (%).

Recovery rate (see the French definition )

The recovery rate of a hydrocarbon deposit is the proportion of oil or gas that can be recovered from the deposit during mining, as compared to the total amount of hydrocarbons contained. Depending on the sites worked, the recovery rate of crude oil varies between 10 and 50%.

Recycling (see the French definition )

Recycling a product means reprocessing the waste and then reintroducing it into the production cycle.

Refinery (see the French definition )

A refinery is a facility where crude oil is converted into different oil products used for various purposes (e.g. engines, transportation, heating, as well as the basis for many different by-products).

Refining (see the French definition )

All the industrial processes used to obtain various petroleum products (e.g. gas, gasoline, heating oil, bitumen, etc.) from crude oil.

Reforming (see the French definition )

Reforming is a process which transforms a hydrocarbon molecule into another, more qualitative component (e.g. into higher quality gasoline, such as unleaded 95). This process is carried out at a temperature above 500°C in a distillation tower.

Refueling (see the French definition )

Describes the moment when the nuclear fuel bundles in the reactor tank need to be replaced (by a third). This happens every 3 or 4 years. The reactor has to be halted during refueling.

Reservoir rock (see the French definition )

Located beneath the cap rock, the reservoir is a porous and permeable rock that can accumulate large amounts of oil and gas, acting like a sponge. Oil and gas migrate from the source rock in the sedimentary rocks and into the reservoir. Reservoir quality depends on how porous and permeable it is.

Rotor (see the French definition )

The rotor of a wind turbine has a nose cone and a propeller (made in the same way as an airplane). It converts wind energy into mechanical energy.