Reactorsdruk

Reactorsdruk is a Dutch term often translated as reactor pressure. In engineering contexts, it denotes the pressure maintained inside a reactor vessel or the primary coolant loop. In nuclear power plants, reactor pressure is a critical parameter for the integrity of the reactor coolant system. Different reactor types have different operating pressures; pressurized water reactors typically run the primary coolant at high pressure to prevent boiling, with designs around 15 to 16 MPa (roughly 150 to 160 bar). Boiling water reactors operate at somewhat lower pressures, around 7 MPa, with steam generation occurring within the reactor.

The design pressure is higher than the operating pressure, providing a safety margin. Pressure is monitored by redundant sensors and controlled through systems such as pressurizers, coolant pumps, and feedwater controls. Safety devices include relief valves, containment structures, and automatic protection systems that can shut down or adjust reactor operation if pressure approaches safety limits.

In chemical engineering, reactors may also be operated at specified pressures to influence reaction rates and selectivity. Pressure control in these contexts is achieved through feed gas pressures, repressurization, venting, and other process controls. Materials used for pressure boundaries must withstand high temperatures, pressure, and, in some cases, corrosive environments.

Regulatory context: nuclear reactor pressures are governed by national authorities and international standards. In addition to country-specific regulations, international guidance and codes—such as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and nuclear safety standards—inform design, operation, and inspection practices. The term may appear in Dutch technical literature or regulatory documents discussing reactor safety and operating limits.