Which nuclear reactor configuration operates without requiring an intermediate heat exchanger for steam generation____________________?
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Answer: D. boiling water
Explanation
In a boiling water reactor, steam is generated directly inside the reactor vessel and routed to the turbine without an intermediate heat exchanger. This direct thermodynamic cycle eliminates secondary heat exchangers, reducing capital equipment costs and system complexity. Radioactive steam flows directly from the reactor core into the high-pressure turbine stages before condensing back to water. Intermediate heat exchangers are heavy vessels used to transfer thermal energy between isolated primary and secondary fluid loops. Pressurized water reactors and liquid metal reactors require heat exchangers to isolate radioactive core coolants from steam turbines. Boiling water reactor systems streamline this process by utilizing a single pressure boundary for both boiling and power generation.
Option A is incorrect because gas-cooled reactors typically require intermediate heat exchangers or circulators for steam production. Option B is wrong because liquid metal cooled reactors utilize multiple isolated loops and intermediate heat exchangers for safety. Option C is incorrect because pressurized water reactors strictly require intermediate steam generators to separate primary and secondary loops.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Mechanical Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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