Nuclear Fallout

Nuclear Fallout is the gaseous form associated with Nuclear Waste, produced when very hot radioactive waste vaporizes and condensed back into liquid Nuclear Waste at lower temperatures. It is most commonly encountered around the Research Reactor, where meltdown behavior and reactor exhaust can release it, but it can also be created indirectly by Radbolt projectiles striking duplicants, critters, airflow tiles, or mesh tiles.

Because it shares the same unusual thermal properties as the liquid form, Nuclear Fallout is extremely useful as a heat-transfer medium. Its specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity are both very high, and it can be condensed back into Nuclear Waste at a much lower temperature than it vaporizes, making it a strong option for heat deletion setups when paired with cooling and condensation. It is also a source of radiation, so any large quantity should be handled with care.

Practical notes:

• The Research Reactor’s meltdown leaks Nuclear Waste, part of which flashes into Nuclear Fallout.
• Radbolt collisions create small amounts of Nuclear Fallout, which can be trapped and cooled into Nuclear Waste.
• Containers holding Nuclear Waste can offgas more of it, allowing accidental duplication if it is repeatedly moved or disturbed.
• Stored Nuclear Waste inside a Liquid Reservoir does not emit radiation, but liquid handling buildings can still leak or corrode if exposed for long enough.
• Nuclear Fallout can be used as part of high-temperature cooling loops, but it requires a way to manage its radiation and to condense it safely before it escapes.