Cooling system

The cooling system in a nuclear power plant is essential for removing excess heat from the reactor and maintaining safe operating temperatures. It typically consists of a primary and secondary loop. The primary loop circulates coolant, usually water, through the reactor core to absorb heat generated by nuclear fission. This heated coolant then transfers its thermal energy to the secondary loop via steam generators. The secondary loop produces steam that drives the turbines in the turbine island. After passing through the turbines, the steam is condensed back into water in the condensers, which are cooled by a third loop involving cooling towers or a natural water source. The cooling system ensures that the reactor core remains at a safe temperature, preventing overheating and potential meltdowns. It also plays a crucial role in the efficiency of the power plant by optimizing the thermal cycle. Redundant and diverse cooling systems are in place to ensure continuous operation even in the event of a failure, adhering to stringent safety regulations.

For cooling systems, KROHNE offers a wide range of measuring and monitoring devices that are essential for the safety and efficiency of the systems. These include flow meters for monitoring the coolant flow, which are characterised by their high accuracy and reliability. Radar or TDR transmitters ensure precise measurement of sea and river levels, important to nuclear safety, while robust magnetic level indicators reliably monitor chemical tank content. Pressure transmitters are used to control the pressure in the cooling circuits and ensure that the systems operate within safe operating limits. Temperature transmitters are also very important as they continuously monitor the temperature of the coolant, helping to prevent overheating.

These devices are designed for harsh environments and offer high precision and reliability. To monitor the water quality in the cooling systems, KROHNE also offers pH sensors and other analytical sensors that measure important chemical parameters to ensure the efficiency and safety of the cooling processes.

The use of these devices in nuclear cooling systems has several advantages. They ensure continuous monitoring of critical parameters, which increases the safety and efficiency of the systems. The robust designs and high quality of the devices ensure a long service life and minimise downtime. They also fulfil international standards and regulations and can be seamlessly integrated into existing monitoring and control systems. For detailed information and specific applications, it is advisable to contact KROHNE directly or consult their technical documentation.