Reactor Pressure Vessel
The reactor pressure vessel (RPV) is a thick steel cylinder housing the reactor core and primary coolant under high pressure.
RPVs in PWRs withstand 15-17 MPa at 300°C, forged from low-alloy steel. Diameter ~4-5m, height 12-15m for 1000 MWe units. Embrittlement from neutron fluence limits lifetime to 60+ years.
Why it matters now
RPV integrity is key for SMR licensing in 2025-2026. Forging capacity constraints delay deployments.