Why is coolant kept under great pressure in a Pressurised water reactor?

Why is coolant kept under great pressure in a Pressurised water reactor?

The pressurized water reactor (PWR) also uses ordinary or light water as both coolant and moderator (Figure 17.2). However, in the PWR system the cooling water is kept under pressure so that it cannot boil. It is the water in this second system that is allowed to boil and generate steam to drive the turbine.

Why are water reactors pressurized?

PWRs keep water under pressure so that it heats, but does not boil. Water from the reactor and the water in the steam generator that is turned into steam never mix. In this way, most of the radioactivity stays in the reactor area.

What happens in a pressurized water reactor?

A pressurized water reactor (PWR) is a type of light-water nuclear reactor. The heated, high pressure water then flows to a steam generator, where it transfers its thermal energy to lower pressure water of a secondary system where steam is generated. The steam then drives turbines, which spin an electric generator.

How is a pressure water reactor different from a boiling water reactor?

The main difference between a BWR and PWR is that in a BWR, the reactor core heats water, which turns to steam and then drives a steam turbine. In a PWR, the reactor core heats water, which does not boil. This hot water then exchanges heat with a lower pressure water system, which turns to steam and drives the turbine.

What does the top of the pressurized water reactor consists of at primary system pressure?

What does the top of the pressurizer in pressurized water reactor consists of at primary system pressure? Explanation: The pressurizer is a pressure vessel with a heater at the bottom and water spray at the top. The top of the pressurizer is filled with steam at primary system pressure.

What are the main components of a light water pressurized water reactor PWR?

The primary system (also called the Reactor Coolant System) consists of the reactor vessel, the steam generators, the reactor coolant pumps, a pressurizer, and the connecting piping.