Plant Farley

What is a steam generator?

A steam generator is a massive heat exchanger that converts water to steam to turn the turbine. (Click on the image at left to see the parts of a steam generator) Heat is transferred by the reactor coolant to the steam generator where it causes the feedwater to boil and produce steam. The reactor coolant does not boil because it is kept under high pressure, thus the term pressurized water reactor. Used steam is condensed and pumped back to the steam generator to be used again.

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