Talk:Pressurizer (nuclear power)
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LAYMAN'S TERMS
[edit]Perhaps the article can be adjusted to explain the pressurizer better. Is there air in the coolant system? Does the pressurizer keep coolant pressure high by heating and expanding air in the coolant tubes? Thus water cannot turn to steam if the steam has no where to expand, because of air pressure surrounding the coolant water. Is this a correct interpretation? Marc S. 206.192.35.125 (talk) 14:12, 15 June 2015 (UTC)
There can be no air in the coolant system as this would allow pump cavitation and perhaps even cool the fuel rods inadequately. Electric heaters in the pressurizer heat the pressurizer water to more than 100 degrees F higher than the highest temperature experienced by water circulating thru the reactor, thus preventing water in the reactor system from boiling. This higher pressurizer temperature is what determines the system pressure. The large steam bubble in the pressurizer prevents large pressure variations in the coolant system. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 207.237.87.163 (talk) 15:33, 27 February 2019 (UTC)