Alert

Due to a lapse in appropriations, the NRC has ceased normal operations. However, excepted and exempted activities necessary to maintain critical health and safety functions—as well as essential progress on designated critical activities, including those specified in Executive Order 14300—will continue, consistent with the OMB-Approved NRC Lapse Plan.

Natural circulation

The circulation of the coolant in the reactor coolant system without the use of the reactor coolant pumps. The circulation is due to the natural convection resulting from the different densities of relative cold and heated portions of the system.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, March 09, 2021