- The vessel including the closure heads measures 41 feet in length. Its diameter when measured from the inside is about 434.3 cm. The thickness of a reactor vessel’s wall is 8.4 inches.
- An entire reactor vessel is composed of reactor core, neutron monitors, steam dryers, core rods, jet pumps, steam separators and many more.
- There is also another vessel which is related to the reactor vessel and this is called pressure vessel. The pressure vessel houses the coolant and water circulating systems.
- The coolant system needs to transfer heat to the turbine or working fluid and to do this; it has to pass through the reactor. Thus, reactor vessels also serve as a passage for the coolant system to work properly.
- The reactor vessel also promotes a safer working environment as it withstands high pressure making it safer for individuals within a nuclear power plant.
- One thing that you should know about reactor vessels is that they can be controlled including nuclear reaction through the use of control rods. A reactor vessel is an essential part of the entire nuclear system where control rods are inserted. Control rods can be moved in and out from the reactor vessel depending on power requirements.
- Some reactor vessels or the ones which are designed for light water cooled reactors are made of low carbon alloy steel for reinforced strength.
- To further strengthen a reactor vessel, it is designed with stainless steel lining to prevent corrosion as a result from regular exposure to water which is used as reactor coolant.
One thing that is certain about reactor vessels is that they are costly because they are expensive to manufacture. Also, it takes highly skilled and expert workers to manufacture a single reactor vessel. It takes time and expertise to construct reactor vessels which is why it is important that you carefully consider the manufacturer from which you will order the equipment. Creating a reactor vessel requires optimum expertise in welding, machining and forming so make sure to order the vessel only from a reputable manufacturer. You should also include in your criteria in choosing a manufacturer the type of materials they use in creating reactor vessels.