reaktortanken

Reaktortanken, or the reactor tank, is a term used to describe the large pressure-containing vessel that houses the reactor core, the surrounding fuel assemblies, and the primary coolant in many nuclear reactors. In Swedish-language contexts the word denotes the main structural component that forms the primary boundary between the radioactive core and the rest of the plant. The exact configuration can vary between reactor designs, but the concept generally refers to the vessel that contains the core and the circulating coolant.

Construction and integration with safety systems are central to the reaktortanken. It is typically a thick-walled steel structure, sometimes lined or reinforced with additional materials, designed to withstand high temperatures, pressures, and neutron irradiation. The tank includes penetrations for coolant inlet and outlet, instrumentation, control rod drive mechanisms, and other essential connections. In many plants the reactor tank is situated inside a larger containment structure that provides additional radiological protection and environmental isolation.

Role in reactor operation. The reactor tank serves as the heat transfer boundary between the nuclear fuel and the coolant loop. The coolant absorbs heat from fission and transports it to the steam system or other heat exchangers. In pressurized water reactors the tank is part of the primary circuit that maintains high pressure to keep the coolant liquid, while in other designs it may also accommodate portions of the steam formation process. The integrity of the tank is critical for safety, as any leakage or structural failure could have radiological consequences.

Safety, regulation, and lifecycle. The reactor tank is subject to stringent design, fabrication, and in-service inspection standards set by national and international nuclear safety authorities. Aging effects, such as embrittlement from neutron exposure, are monitored to determine remaining life and potential need for retrofits or life-extension measures. Decommissioning plans address the eventual dismantling and disposal of the tank and surrounding components.