Nuclear Reactor Vessel, Sizewell. tif C009 / 7038
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Nuclear Reactor Vessel, Sizewell. tif C009 / 7038
Sizewell B in Suffolk is the UKs only commercial pressurised water reactor (PWR) power station. PWRs constitute a majority of all western nuclear power plants and are one of two types of light water reactor (LWR), the other type being boiling water reactors (BWRs). In a PWR the primary coolant (water) is pumped under high pressure to the reactor core where it is heated by the energy generated by the fission of atoms. The heated water then flows to a steam generator where it transfers its thermal energy to a secondary system where steam is generated and flows to turbines which, in turn, spins an electric generator. In contrast to a boiling water reactor, pressure in the primary coolant loop prevents the water from boiling within the reactor. All LWRs use ordinary light water as both coolant and neutron moderator
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Media ID 6328363
© DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Atoms Boiling Electricity Energy Fission Generator High Pressure Neutron Neutrons Nuclear Nuclear Power Station Pressurised Water Reactor Steam Thermal Energy Sizewell B
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Nuclear Reactor Vessel at Sizewell, Suffolk. As the UK's sole commercial pressurized water reactor (PWR) power station, Sizewell B plays a crucial role in generating nuclear energy. PWRs are widely used in western nuclear power plants and fall under the category of light water reactors (LWRs), alongside boiling water reactors (BWRs). Within a PWR, high-pressure primary coolant, typically water, is pumped into the reactor core where it absorbs thermal energy from fission reactions occurring within atoms. The heated water then passes through a steam generator, transferring its thermal energy to a secondary system that generates steam. This steam powers turbines connected to electric generators, ultimately producing electricity. Unlike boiling water reactors, the primary coolant loop in PWRs maintains pressure levels that prevent boiling within the reactor itself. All LWRs utilize ordinary light water as both coolant and neutron moderator—a substance that slows down neutrons for efficient fission reactions. The image beautifully captures this intricate process of harnessing nuclear energy—highlighting elements such as high pressure systems, thermal transfer mechanisms involving steam generation and turbines driven by intense heat generated through atom splitting or fission. It serves as a reminder of mankind's continuous exploration of alternative sources of clean and sustainable electricity production while emphasizing safety measures implemented in modern nuclear power stations like Sizewell B.
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