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In commercial power plants steam generators can measure up to 70 feet (~21m) in height and weigh as much as 800 tons. Each steam generator can contain anywhere from 3,000 to 16,000 tubes, each about three-quarters of an inch (~19mm) in diameter. The coolant (treated water), which is maintained at high pressure to prevent boiling, is pumped through the nuclear reactor core. Heat transfer takes place between the reactor core and the circulating water and the coolant is then pumped through the primary tube side of the steam generator by coolant pumps before returning to the reactor core. This is referred to as the primary loop.

That water flowing through the steam generator boils water on the shell side to produce steam in the secondary loop that is delivered to the turbines to make electricity. The steam is subsequently condensed via cooled water from the tertiary loop and returned to the steam generator to be heated once again. The tertiary cooling water may be recirculated to cooling towers where it sheds waste heat before returning to condense more steam. Once through tertiary cooling may otherwise be provided by a river, lake, or ocean. This primary, secondary, tertiary cooling scheme is the most common way to extract usable energy from a controlled nuclear reaction.

These loops also have an important safety role because they constitute one of the primary barriers between the radioactive and non-radioactive sides of the plant as the primary coolant becomes radioactive from its exposure to the core. For this reason, the integrity of the tubing is essential in minimizing the leakage of water between the two sides of the plant. There is the potential that, if a tube bursts while a plant is operating, contaminated steam could escape directly to the secondary cooling loop. Thus during scheduled maintenance outages or shutdowns, some or all of the steam generator tubes are inspected by eddy-current testing. sry if this didnt help im only thirteen sry sry sry sry

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What is the closest nuclear power plant to Utah?

The closest nuclear power plant to Utah is the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, located near Phoenix, Arizona. It is approximately 250 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. Palo Verde is the largest nuclear power plant in the United States by net electrical power rating, and it plays a significant role in providing electricity to the southwestern region.


What Nuclear Power Plant has the most cooling towers and how many?

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Japan holds the record for the most cooling towers, featuring a total of 7 cooling towers. This facility is notable not only for its number of cooling towers but also for being one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world in terms of electrical output. The plant is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan and plays a significant role in the region's energy supply.


What is the job of steam in the plant?

In a plant, steam serves several critical functions, primarily as a medium for transferring heat. It is used in processes such as heating, sterilization, and cooking, enabling the efficient processing of materials. Additionally, steam can drive turbines for power generation and facilitate the operation of various equipment through pressure. Overall, steam plays a vital role in enhancing productivity and maintaining optimal operating conditions within the plant.


Did the power loom use steam engine?

The power loom, invented by Edmund Cartwright in the late 18th century, did not initially use a steam engine. Instead, it was originally powered by water wheels. However, later advancements in technology allowed steam engines to be used to power power looms in textile factories, significantly increasing production efficiency. This integration of steam power played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution.


Who invented the first steam engine in scotland?

The first practical steam engine in Scotland was developed by James Watt in the late 18th century. Although he did not invent the steam engine itself, his improvements to Thomas Newcomen's design significantly enhanced its efficiency and usability. Watt's innovations played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution, making steam power more accessible for various applications.

Related Questions

What is the role of the steam in a nuclear power plant?

It Powers the Huge turbine that produces electricity.


Describe the role of steam in a nuclear power plant?

In a nuclear power plant, steam is generated by heat produced from the nuclear fission reaction. This steam is used to spin turbines connected to generators, producing electricity. The steam is then condensed back into water and reused in a continuous cycle.


What is the closest nuclear power plant to Utah?

The closest nuclear power plant to Utah is the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, located near Phoenix, Arizona. It is approximately 250 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. Palo Verde is the largest nuclear power plant in the United States by net electrical power rating, and it plays a significant role in providing electricity to the southwestern region.


What role do fuel rods play in generating energy?

Fuel rods are the nuclear fuel in a nuclear power plant. They are used to turn water to steam, which is then used to turn a turbine. They do not "generate energy", since energy cannot be created or destroyed (E=mc^2). They are used to generate electricity, or to convert nuclear energy to electric energy.


How much power in Georgia is nuclear?

In Georgia, nuclear power accounts for approximately 25% of the state's electricity generation. This is mainly due to the two nuclear power plants located in Georgia: Plant Vogtle and Plant Hatch. These facilities play a significant role in providing clean and reliable energy to the state's residents.


What is plutonium role in nuclear power?

Plutonium (as dioxide, carbide, mixed oxides or carbides) is an important nuclear fuel for nuclear power reactors.


What Nuclear Power Plant has the most cooling towers and how many?

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Japan holds the record for the most cooling towers, featuring a total of 7 cooling towers. This facility is notable not only for its number of cooling towers but also for being one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world in terms of electrical output. The plant is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan and plays a significant role in the region's energy supply.


What is the job of steam in the plant?

In a plant, steam serves several critical functions, primarily as a medium for transferring heat. It is used in processes such as heating, sterilization, and cooking, enabling the efficient processing of materials. Additionally, steam can drive turbines for power generation and facilitate the operation of various equipment through pressure. Overall, steam plays a vital role in enhancing productivity and maintaining optimal operating conditions within the plant.


What causes the japan nuclear power plant to malfunction?

The malfunction of the Japan nuclear power plant, such as the Fukushima Daiichi plant in 2011, was primarily caused by a combination of a powerful earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The natural disaster damaged the plant's cooling systems, leading to overheating of the reactors and ultimately resulting in nuclear meltdowns and releases of radioactive materials. Regulatory and operational shortcomings also played a role in the accident.


How does nuclear energy water and coal make electricity?

Electric power is created by turning a generator at speeds fast enough to produce energy. Nuclear and Coal powered plants use heat to create steam to force the turning of a generator. Water power uses a difference in height from input to output to produce the desired turning of the generators.


Name an important atomic power station in maharashtra?

The Tarapur Atomic Power Station in Maharashtra is one of the important nuclear power plants in India. It was the country's first commercial nuclear power plant and plays a significant role in meeting Maharashtra's energy needs.


What is the role of steam in facilitating the distillation of essential oils?

Steam facilitates the distillation of essential oils by carrying the volatile compounds from the plant material to the condensation flask. The heat from the steam causes the plant material to release its aromatic compounds, which are then carried with the steam and condensed into a liquid form. This process helps separate the essential oils from the plant material.