What function does a pressure vessel serve in a nuclear reactor?

In a nuclear reactor, the pressure vessel plays a crucial role in holding pressurized water and maintaining safety. Its primary function is to securely contain the coolant, which is typically water in many reactor designs, at high pressure. This is essential for several reasons:

1. Preventing Boiling: The elevated pressure inside the vessel prevents the coolant from boiling, even at high temperatures. Keeping the water in a liquid state is critical for efficient heat transfer from the reactor core to the steam generators or turbines. If the coolant were to boil, it would hinder the heat removal process, potentially leading to overheating of the reactor core.

2. Radiation Shielding: While the pressure vessel does not filter radiation, its thick walls provide a significant barrier against radiation, protecting both the reactor operators and the environment from harmful radiation. This contributes to safety but is not the primary function.

3. Integrity and Containment: The vessel must be robust and designed to withstand the extreme conditions within a reactor, including high pressure and temperature, while also providing a barrier to any radioactive materials in case of an accident. Ensuring the integrity of the pressure vessel is an essential aspect of reactor safety protocols.

Overall, the maintenance of pressurized water within the pressure