Natural Circulation in Reactor Safety

Natural circulation in reactor safety refers to the passive movement of coolant without the need for pumps, driven by temperature-induced density differences. When a reactor heats up, the coolant near the core becomes less dense and rises, while cooler, denser coolant sinks, creating a natural flow that transfers heat away from the reactor. This process helps prevent overheating, especially during emergency situations, providing an automatic safety mechanism that relies on gravity and thermodynamics rather than mechanical systems, enhancing the reactor's safety and reliability.