Riser

Since the iPWR steam generators are integral to the pressure vessel, an area within the vessel must be allocated for upward reactor coolant flow from the fuel assemblies to the upper tube sheet at the top of the integral steam generator(s). This area is often referred to as the riser section. It is analogous to the RCS hot leg in a current large PWR. At the top of the riser section, coolant flow will be directed down into the integral steam generator(s). In addition, the riser section provides space for the control rod drive mechanisms to operate.