scholarly journals Analysis of criticality of melt during severe accidents in reactor vessel

2018 ◽  
pp. 3-10
Author(s):  
Yu. Kovbasenko ◽  
Yevgen Bilodid
Keyword(s):  
Boric Acid ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Reactor Core ◽  
Cooling Water ◽  
Nuclear Fission ◽  
Reactor Vessel ◽  
Severe Accident ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
The Core

The article investigates the possibility of a self-sustaining chain nuclear fission reaction during the development of a severe accident in the core at nuclear power plants with reactors WWER-1000 of Ukraine. Some models for calculating a criticality at different stages of the severe accident in the reactor VVER-1000 vessel were developed and calculations of multiplication properties of fuel containing masses were performed. The severe accident in the VVER-1000 core approximately divided into seven major stages: the intact reactor core, beginning of cladding damage (swelling), cladding melting and flowing down to the support grid, melting of constructional materials, homogenization of the materials at the bottom of the reactor vessel, stratification of corium at the bottom of the reactor vessel, the exit of the corium from the reactor shaft. It was shown that at the beginning of an accident, if fuel rods geometry is maintained, criticality might appear even if the emergency protection rods is triggered. With further development of the accident, the melt of fuel and structural materials will be deeply subcritical if water cannot penetrate into the pores or voids of the melt. In the case of the formation of pores or voids in the melt and the ingress of water into them, a recriticality may arise. A compensating measure is the addition of a boric acid solution to a cooling water with a certain concentration. According to the results of the computation analysis, a reactor core loaded with TVSA fuel (Russian production) requires a higher concentration of boric acid in water to compensate the multiplication properties of the fuel system in emergency situations compared to the core loaded with TVS-WR fuel (manufactured by Westinghouse), i.e. TVS-WR fuel is safer from the criticality point of view.

The analysis of emergency situations related to fires at nuclear power plants

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 66-75
Author(s):  
S. A. Titov ◽  
N. M. Barbin ◽  
A. M. Kobelev
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Nuclear Power Plants ◽  
Nuclear Reactor ◽  
Reactor Core ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Large Fires ◽  
Short Circuits ◽  
Nuclear Reactor Core

Introduction. The article provides a system and statistical analysis of emergency situations associated with fires at nuclear power plants (NPPs) in various countries of the world for the period from 1955 to 2019. The countries, where fires occurred at nuclear power plants, were identified (the USA, Great Britain, Switzerland, the USSR, Germany, Spain, Japan, Russia, India and France). Facilities, exposed to fires, are identified; causes of fires are indicated. The types of reactors where accidents and incidents, accompanied by large fires, have been determined.The analysis of major emergency situations at nuclear power plants accompanied by large fires. During the period from 1955 to 2019, 27 large fires were registered at nuclear power plants in 10 countries. The largest number of major fires was registered in 1984 (three fires), all of them occurred in the USSR. Most frequently, emergency situations occurred at transformers and cable channels — 40 %, nuclear reactor core — 15 %, reactor turbine — 11 %, reactor vessel — 7 %, steam pipeline systems, cooling towers — 7 %. The main causes of fires were technical malfunctions — 33 %, fires caused by the personnel — 30 %, fires due to short circuits — 18 %, due to natural disasters (natural conditions) — 15 % and unknown reasons — 4 %. A greater number of fires were registered at RBMK — 6, VVER — 5, BWR — 3, and PWR — 3 reactors.Conclusions. Having analyzed accidents, involving large fires at nuclear power plants during the period from 1955 to 2019, we come to the conclusion that the largest number of large fires was registered in the USSR. Nonetheless, to ensure safety at all stages of the life cycle of a nuclear power plant, it is necessary to apply such measures that would prevent the occurrence of severe fires and ensure the protection of personnel and the general public from the effects of a radiation accident.

scholarly journals Моделирование окисления расплава активной зоны ядерного реактора при наличии оксидной корки на поверхности расплава

2021 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 232
Author(s):  
В.Б. Хабенский ◽  
В.И. Альмяшев ◽  
В.С. Грановский ◽  
Е.В. Крушинов ◽  
С.А. Витоль ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Reactor Vessel ◽  
Hydrogen Release ◽  
Severe Accident ◽  
Water Steam ◽  
Exothermic Reactions ◽  
Realistic Situation ◽  
Water Reactors

At a severe accident of nuclear power plants with light-water reactors, the most effective way to localize the forming melt (corium) is to keep it in the cooled reactor vessel, the integrity of which depends on the value of heat flux from the melt to the reactor vessel. In this case, one of the critical processes is the melt oxidation by a water steam or a steam-air mixture. It process can lead to a significant increase in the thermal load on the reactor vessel due to a heat of exothermic reactions of oxidation of reducing agents, which presents in the melt, a thickness decreasing of the metallic part of the molten pool, and a hydrogen release. All of these factors strictly depends on the rate of oxidation. When considering the conditions of melt oxidation, it taken into account that for the accepted scenarios of a severe accident, the most realistic situation is the presence of a solid-phase oxide layer (oxidic crust) on the melt surface. Under these conditions, a dependence for calculating the rate of core melt oxidation based on the diffusion model proposed and its validation by using the obtained experimental data performed.

Korean Regulatory Experience on PWSCC in Korean NPP

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung-Cho Kim ◽  
Sung-bu Choi ◽  
Koo-Kab Chung ◽  
Hae-Dong Chung
Keyword(s):  
Residual Stress ◽  
Boric Acid ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Reactor Vessel ◽  
Inside Surface ◽  
Alloy 600 ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Weld Material ◽  
Alloy 690

The degradation of alloy 600 and its weld material (alloy 82/182) has been reported in many nuclear power plants. In Korea, the crack induced by PWSCC was discovered in the drain nozzle of Yongkwang units 3 & 4 in 2006∼2008 and SG plug weld of Yongkwang unit 3 in 2007. In July 2007, during visual inspections of SG tube plugs at Yonggwang unit 4, boric acid deposits were observed around five Alloy 600 welded plugs. The root cause of the cracking in alloy 600 plugs was revealed to be due to the fact that the cracks were mainly caused by residual stress induced from the welding, expanding and tight-fitting. Younggwang unit 3 found the white small deposits on the drain nozzle on the 10th RFO in 2007. The root cause of the cracking in drain nozzle was revealed to be due to the initiation of a crack on the inside surface of drain nozzle and propagated to through wall cracks in the axial and circumferential direction. Younggwang unit 3 found the white widespread deposits on the upper head of a reactor vessel on the 12th RFO in 2010. Utility is trying to reveal the root cause of the cracking in the vent line of the reactor head according the KINS requirement. In this article, Korean regulatory experiences for PWSCC are introduced. After these PWSCC experiences, all SG tubes welded by Alloy 600 were replaced and all SG drain and instrumentation nozzles with Alloy 600 have been replaced into Alloy 690 material.

The CANDLE burnup strategy applied to small modular pressurized water reactor loading with fully ceramic microencapsulated fuel

Kerntechnik ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinfeng Huang ◽  
Jiaming Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Equilibrium State ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Reactor Core ◽  
Severe Accident ◽  
Pressurized Water Reactor ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Water Reactor ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Height ◽  
Optimization Schemes

Abstract For post-Fukushima nuclear power plants, there has been interested in accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) since it has better tolerant in the event of a severe accident. The fully ceramic microencapsulated (FCM) fuel is one kind of the ATF materials. In this study, the small modular pressurized water reactor (PWR) loading with FCM fuels was investigated, and the modified Constant Axial shape of Neutron flux, nuclide number densities and power shape During Life of Energy producing reactor (CANDLE) burnup strategy was successfully applied to such compact reactor core. To obtain ideal CANDLE shape, it’s necessary to set the infinity or enough length of the core height, but that is impossible for small compact core setting infinity or enough length of the core height. Due to the compact and finite core, the equilibrium state can only be maintained short periods and is not obvious, other than infinitely long active core to reach the long equilibrium state for ideal CANDLE. Consequently, the modified CANDLE shape would be presented. The approximate characteristics of CANDLE burnup are observed in the finite and compact core, and the power density and fuel burnup are selected as main characteristic of modified CANDLE burnup. In this study, firstly, lots of optimization schemes were discussed, and one of optimization schemes was chosen at last to demonstrate the modified CANDLE burnup strategy. Secondly, for chosen compact small rector core, the modified CANDLE burnup strategy is applied and presented. Consequently, the new characteristics of this reactor core can be discovered both in ignition region and in fertile region. The results show that application of CANDLE burnup strategy to small modular PWR loading with FCM fuels suppresses the excess reactivity effectively and reduces the risk of small PWR reactivity-induced accidents during the whole core life, which makes the reactor control more safety and simple.

Development of Approaches to Simulate Fuel Rod Destruction With Different Fuel Type

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduard Usov ◽  
Nikolay Pribaturin ◽  
Vladimir Chukhno ◽  
Ilya Klimonov ◽  
Anton Butov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Liquid Metals ◽  
Numerical Algorithms ◽  
Severe Accident ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Detailed Calculation ◽  
Fuel Rods ◽  
Fuel Rod ◽  
The Core

Abstract Due to the revival of interest to the development of fast reactors cooled by liquid metals, the problem of carrying out theoretical research in support of their safety is actual. A detailed calculation of all stages of the accident from the beginning to the end requires knowledge of the laws for modeling physical processes occurring in the reactor in an emergency. The most serious are accidents with the destruction of the core. Simulation of severe accident in nuclear reactor is the key element in safety analysis of nuclear power plants. Destruction of fuel rods is one of the most important processes that should be calculated during core degradation. For different type of fuels the mechanism of the degradation are different too. For example, oxide and metallic fuels usually melt congruently at high temperature, but nitride fuel dissociates. The main objective of the proposed research is developing of models and numerical algorithms for calculation fuel rods destruction with oxide, metallic and nitride fuels. The models of the destruction processes and some calculation results are presented in the paper. The processes are investigated for the first phase of severe accidents covering the period from the onset of fuel-rod melting to the melt escape from the core center.

Creation of Automatic System for Monitoring, Forecasting and Control of Condition of Lead-Bismuth (Lead) Coolant and Surfaces of Circuits of Nuclear Power Plants

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. N. Martynov ◽  
R. Sh. Askhadullin ◽  
A. A. Simakov ◽  
A. Yu. Chaban’ ◽  
M. E. Chernov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Reactor Core ◽  
Heat Removal ◽  
Severe Accident ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Safety Level ◽  
Nitride Fuel ◽  
Active Safety Systems ◽  
Accident Conditions

Lead-bismuth coolant is preferable for the medium size reactors, since, in contrast to the sodium coolant, it does not interact with water and air, it is radiation resistant, insignificantly activated and it is not combustible [1]. Combination of natural properties of lead-based coolants, mono-nitride fuel, fast reactor neutronics and design approaches used for the reactor core and heat removal system brings SVBR 75/100 NPP [2] to achieve a new safety level and assures its stability without operation of active safety systems even under severe accident conditions. Analysis of possible sequences of the events even under conditions of such severe accidents as addition of total excess reactivity or all pumps trip accompanied by safety system failure leads to the conclusion on that power unit with SVBR 75/100 reactor plant (RP) has high safety level.

scholarly journals Determination of 18-month fuel cycle parameters for the purpose of fuel costs minimization at the basis of use constructions of fuel assemblies in VVER-1200 reactors

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-15
Author(s):  
Taha M. Hashlamoun ◽  
Sergey B. Vygovsky ◽  
Sergey T. Leskin ◽  
A. Safa Duman
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Nuclear Power Plants ◽  
Fuel Cycle ◽  
Life Time ◽  
Reactor Vessel ◽  
Reactor Fuel ◽  
The Core ◽  
Fuel Assemblies ◽  
Fuel Costs

This article presents the results of research, that were focused on determining the optimal parameters of the extension of (reactor life-time) reactor fuel cycle in order to reduce the total operating costs of nuclear power plants during the transition from 12-month reactor fuel cycle to 18-month fuel cycle. The relevance of the research is related to the fact that, in recent years, there is a transition at all operating nuclear power plants VVER-1000 (1200) from 12-month reactor fuel cycle to extended 18-month fuel cycle. At the same time, represent the interests to solve the problem of conservation the extension of reactor life-time while reducing the number of loaded fuel assemblies with fresh fuel assemblies, which would reduce the total operating, and fuel costs. Search for solutions of this problem is associated with mandatory implementation of all requirements for the safe operation of the reactor and the reduction of the maximum fast neutron fluence on the reactor vessel in comparison with its value at the operating nuclear power plants. In the present work, with using the program PROSTOR software complex researched the neutron-physical characteristics of the core at the nominal parameters of the VVER-1200 reactor through the implementation of various fuel cycle strategies. The article developed various schemes of fuel-reloading for an 18-month fuel cycle with a different number of fuel assemblies. The article carries out a comparative analysis of the main parameters in the core for fuel-reloading schemes options of an 18- and 12-month fuel cycle with each other. Determine the minimum amount of fuel assemblies and provide the necessary duration of the reactor life-time for 18-month fuel cycle with using the extension of reactor life-time by reducing the power at the end of the reactor cycle to 70% of the nominal power. In the article, the arrangements of fuel assemblies were developed to provide limitations of local power by volume of the core, which reduce the fluence of fast neutrons on the reactor vessel in comparison with the projected value of the fluence. This article shows that the 18-month fuel cycle for the VVER-1200 reactor is more economical than the 12-month fuel cycle. These studies were carried out for the VVER-1200 reactor at the power of 100% of the nominal.

Preliminary Core Design of the Long Life S-CO2 Cooled Fast Reactor With 300WMth

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baolin Liu ◽  
Hongchun Wu ◽  
Youqi Zheng ◽  
Liangzhi Cao ◽  
Xianbao Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Fast Reactor ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Reactor Core ◽  
Fuel Temperature ◽  
The Core ◽  
Long Life ◽  
High Conversion Ratio ◽  
Thermal Hydraulic Analysis

Gas cooled fast reactors are one of the Generation 4 nuclear power plants with hard neutron spectrum and high conversion ratio. In the study a long life Supercritical CO2 (S-CO2) cooled fast reactor core design with 300 MWth is presented. Physical calculation was carried out based on Dragon and CITATION, and thermal hydraulic analysis was performed based on the single channel code. The MOX fuel was utilized in the core design, and the tube-in-duct (TID) assembly was chosen for its excellent characteristics. According to the physical and thermal hydraulic coupling calculation, the reactor in the study can be operated with 300MWth for 20Ys without shuffling or refueling. Through the core life power peaking was kept relatively low, and the fuel temperature was kept below the 1800 degree centigrade.

Structural Integrity of a Reactor Vessel Lower Head Under In-Vessel Steam Explosion Loads

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guohong Xue ◽  
Yinbiao He ◽  
Ming Cao ◽  
Hao Yu ◽  
Yongjian Gao
Keyword(s):  
Steam Explosion ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Equivalent Plastic Strain ◽  
Cooling Water ◽  
Reactor Vessel ◽  
Severe Accident ◽  
Conservation Of Energy ◽  
Lower Head ◽  
Pressure Pulses

Passive nuclear power plants emphasize the “In vessel retention” idea such that, after a postulated severe accident event, the reactor vessel wall, flooded with emergency cooling water, will maintain its structural integrity and consequently keep the molten core inside the reactor vessel. However, steam explosion may still occur when the melting core or molten metal is mixed with cooling water. The huge pressure pulses from the steam explosion may be a threat to the structural integrity of the reactor vessel lower head and the potential failure may make the situation difficult to control. This paper presents a detailed analysis on the structural integrity of a reactor vessel lower head. First, a mathematical model is built to relate the equivalent plastic strain in the lower head under explosive loads based on the law of conservation of energy. Then a finite element model, using the computer code ABAQUS, is built and the material’s yield strength as a function of strain rate was simulated using the Bodner-Symonds methodology. With this model, the dynamic response and the structural integrity of the reactor vessel lower head is studied, considering the effect of the magnitude, the shape and the duration of the pressure pulses. The method used in this paper is believed to be applicable to other types of devices containing potential explosive materials and thus could provide guiding significance to similar problems.

scholarly journals Simulation of a Station Blackout Accident for the SMART Using the CINEMA Code

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyoung Tae Kim ◽  
Jin Ho Song ◽  
Rae-Joon Park
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Hydrogen Generation ◽  
Alternate Current ◽  
Reactor Vessel ◽  
Severe Accident ◽  
Fukushima Accident ◽  
Active Safety Systems ◽  
Station Blackout ◽  
Safety Systems

SMART is a small-sized integral type PWR containing major components within a single reactor pressure vessel. Advanced design features implemented into SMART have been proven or qualified through experience, testing, or analysis according to the applicable approved standards. After Fukushima accident, a rising attention is posed on the strategy to cope with a Station Blackout (SBO) accident, which is one of the representative severe accidents related to the nuclear power plants. The SBO is initiated by a loss of all offsite power with a concurrent failure of both emergency diesel generators. With no alternate current power source, most of the active safety systems that perform safety functions are not available. The purpose of SBO analysis in this paper is to show that the integrity of the containment can be maintained during a SBO accident in the SMART (System-integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor). Therefore, the accident sequence during a SBO accident was simulated using the CINEMA-SMART (Code for INtegrated severe accidEnt Management and Analysis-SMART) code to evaluate the transient scenario inside the reactor vessel after an initiating event, core heating and melting by core uncovery, relocation of debris, reactor vessel failure, discharge of molten core, and pressurization of the containment. It is shown that the integrity of the containment can be maintained during a SBO accident in the SMART reactor. It has to be mentioned that the assumptions used in this analysis are extremely conservative that the passive safety systems of PSIS and PRHRS were not credited. In addition, as ANS73 decay heat with 1.2 multiplier was used in this analysis, actual progression of the accident would be much slow and amount of hydrogen generation will be much less.

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