Pressurized-Water Reactors

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 471.

The Arrangement of a NPS

1. A NPP converts heat into electricity.

2. Nuclear energy is usually used as a heat source.

3. Energy is given off by the nuclear fuel as nuclei of Uranium split into pieces.

4. This energy is in the form of fast-moving particles and invisible radiation.

5. As the particles and radiation move through the fuel and surrounding water, the energy is converted into heat.

6. The heat is used to heat water to the boiling point and produce steam.

7. This steam is carried by pipes to spin the turbine.

8. The turbine is connected to a generator.

9. When the turbine shaft spins, the generator turns and produces electricity.

10. This electricity is then carried by wires to the homes, enterprises and institutions which use the electricity.

1. A pressurized-water reactor is that in which the coolant is under high pressure.

2. It uses uranium fuel enriched with U-235.

3. A constant flow of water passes through the core of this reactor.

4. A high pressure prevents the water from boiling at high temperatures.

5. The water flows through the heat exchanger and back to the reactor in a closed system of pipes.

6. In the heat exchanger heat is transferred to a low-pressure water of the secondary system.

7. This water is converted into low-pressure steam.

8. This steam drives a turbine that turns an electric generator.

9. The ease of operation is the main advantage of PWR.

10. The disadvantage of PWR is that most of them produce wet steam which causes erosion.