US Patent 7154982 Compact pressurized water nuclear reactor

A compact pressurised water nuclear reactor comprises a primary circuit fully integrated into the reactor vessel (10). Thus, a single steam generator (12) forms the cover of the vessel (10) and the pressuriser (30) and the primary pumps (28) are housed in the vessel (10). The same is true for the control mechanisms of the control rods (40). Finally, a venturi system (44) is also provided in the vessel (10) to create water circulation if there is a failure of the primary pumps (28).