Pressurizer brought to installation site at OL3

The installation of the main components of the reactor coolant system has proceeded. The pressurizer is the latest component brought into the reactor building. This maneuver started on Friday the 5th of November.

The pressurizer, which weighs 150 tons, was first lifted inside the fuel building for removal of plastic used to protect it during transport. It was then moved into the reactor building and prepared for final lifting onto the installation site.

On Monday the 8th of November the pressurizer was lifted onto the installation base with temporary lifting equipment mounted on the polar crane for installation purposes. With the exception of the nozzles provided for heaters, the pressurizer is of all-steel construction.

What does the pressurizer do?
The pressurizer maintains pressure in the reactor coolant system within specified limits. High pressure prevents the boron-containing coolant water from boiling, despite it reaching at some points a temperature of almost 330 degrees Centigrade.

Location of pressurizer in reactor coolant system
The surge line, which is 27 metres long and about 30 centimetres in diameter, connects the pressurizer with one of the hot legs of the reactor coolant system. The photo shows one of the four coolant loops.