Olkiluoto 3 : The 1st EPR™ pressurizer has been successfully installed.

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OPERATIONS/REACTORS & SERVICES

November 29, 2010

The EPR nuclear power plant under construction at the Olkiluoto™ site in Finland has taken a major step in the assembly of the primary circuit major components.

After the reactor vessel, its head and the reactor coolant pumps, the pressurizer has been successfully introduced into the reactor building and placed in its final location.

This key component of the reactor coolant system, with impressive dimensions, was manufactured at the AREVA's Chalon Saint-Marcel site in France.

Other milestones in the primary circuit assembly are continuing with the installation of the four steam generators. The first one has already been introduced and positioned in its final location, the second is being installed.

To know more about the  pressurizer:

The role of the pressurizer is to regulate the water pressure in the reactor coolant system.

This nuclear reactor key component consists of a steel cylindrical tank. It is connected to the hot leg of one of the four loops of the primary circuit and equipped with electric heaters enabling water pressure adjustment in the reactor coolant system.

Pressurizing the coolant system at 155 bar keeps the water in the liquid state and maximizes the efficiency of heat exchange.

• Weight of 150 metric tons
• Height of more than 14 meters
• Diameter of nearly 3 meters.