Reactor Coolant System and Reactor Vessel Internals

Question 1

List three purposes of the Reactor Coolant System.

Answer 1

Transfer heat from Reactor to Secondary System
Forced circulation of borated water
Pressure Boundary
1 of 3 Fission Product Barriers
Moderation of Neutrons

Question 2

List three purposes of the Reactor Vessel Internal System.

Answer 2

Supports & orients fuel assemblies
Absorb & transmit dynamic loads
Fission product barrier: Fuel Cladding
With vessel, direct flow through the core

Question 3

Describe a major function of the Reactor Vessel

Answer 3

To house & contain the fuel & reactor vessel intervals.
To direct RCS flow thru the fuel rods during forced & natural circulation flow for core heat removal.
To maintain RCS pressure boundary integrity during normal & accident conditions

Question 4

Describe a major function of Reactor Coolant Pumps

Answer 4

Circulate the coolant (water) through the reactor & steam generators continuously.

Question 5

Describe a major function of the Steam Generators

Answer 5

Transfer pump & core heat from the RCS to secondary steam system.
During accidents, functions as a heat sink for natural circulation of RCS.

Question 6

Describe a major function of the Pressurizer

Answer 6

Maintains pressure at 2250 psia
Limits pressure changes caused by coolant thermal expansion
Prevents exceeding design pressure of 2500 psia

Question 7

List the three barriers to prevent fission product release.

Answer 7

Fuel Cladding
RCS
Containment