pressurized-water reactor

The most common type of reactor in the world; water from the coolant is kept under heavy pressure to prevent it from vaporizing.

pump

Apparatus that circulates the coolant fluid between the reactor and the steam generator.

reactor core

Center section of the nuclear reactor where fission reactions take place.

feedwater

Piping carries water from the condenser to the steam generator, where it is turned into steam.

steam outlet

Steam from the generator is carried to the turbine and generator to produce electricity.

control rod

Tube that contains a neutron-absorbing material (boron, cadmium) that is introduced into the reactor core to control its power.

steam generator

Device that uses heat from the coolant to turn water into steam to activate the turbine.

pressurizer

Device that keeps the coolant water at a preset temperature to prevent it from boiling.

concrete shielding

Concrete structure that holds back radioactive products in the event of an accident.

moderator: natural water

Natural water: water found in its natural state.

coolant: pressurized water

Pressurized water: natural water kept under a preset pressure to prevent it from boiling.

fuel: enriched uranium

Enriched uranium: uranium produced by treating natural uranium to increase the quantity of fissionable isotopes (uranium-253) contained in it.