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/sci/ - Science & Math

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7732936 No.7732936 [Reply] [Original]

How does a submarine nuclear reactor work ? Does the submarine have to pump water from the sea or is the system totally closed ?

>> No.7732956

>>7732936
I would bet on a closed system. it would be too easy to track when they use external water I guess.

maybe someone else knows more and can enlighten us.

>> No.7732958

You should ask /k/

>> No.7732959

>>7732936

Using magnets.

>> No.7732962

>>7732956
Then, is the reactor a PWR (pressurized water) or a BWR (boiling water) ?

>> No.7732964

if you guys want tl;dr version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSiShiu9Sgs
this is basically how nuclear submarines deal with the it, a totally closed system (imagine water instead of the exhaust gas)

>> No.7732969

>>7732964
Thanks ! I also found a video (in french) that explains that the reactor is a PWR one. The vapor is condensed and reused

>> No.7732981

>>7732936
It's a closed loop for the coolant (which is water), but with ample heat exchange to the ocean. You can't use sea water to cool the rods for a lot of reasons. Even ignoring the environmental impact of doing that, you'd be leaving a trial of radiation for your enemies to easily find you.

>> No.7732983
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7732983

>>7732964
>this is basically how nuclear submarines deal with the it, a totally closed system

Then the crafty Russians use the hot water to shower and make tea.

Wasteful American sailors just cycle it back into the reactor.