Containment Building
The containment building is a reinforced concrete and steel structure enclosing the reactor to confine radioactive releases.
Designed for 0.1-0.2 MPa overpressure post-LOCA, with liners and ice condensers in some PWRs. Volume ~60,000-100,000 m³ for 1000 MWe. Leak rate <0.1% volume/day.
Why it matters now
Advanced containments enable SMR siting near data centers in 2025-2026, reducing evacuation zones.
Related reactors
AP1000