reactor vessel and internals

Question 1

DESCRIBE the coolant flow path through, and the bypass flow paths around the core

Answer 1

• Reactor Coolant in contact with fuel cladding = 94.5%
• Water enters vessel through four inlet nozzles, flows down around the core barrel.
• At the bottom of the vessel, the water mixes, changes direction and moves up through the core support forging and lower core plate.
• Passing up through the core at 100% power, the coolant is heated from 558 °F to 620 °F.
• Water exits the core into the upper plenum where it mixes and is directed out of the reactor vessel into the four hot legs.
• Reactor Coolant not in contact with the fuel cladding (bypass flow) = 5.5%