Transient Analysis of a Reactor Coolant Pump Rotor Seizure Nuclear Accident

The reactor coolant pump(RCP)rotor seizure accident is defined as a short-time seizure of the RCP rotor.This event typically leads to an abrupt flow decrease in the corresponding loop and an ensuing reactor and turbine trip.The significant reduction of core coolant flow while the reactor is being operated at full load can have very negative consequences.This potentially dangerous event is typically characterized by a complex transient behavior in terms of flow conditions and energy transformation,which need to be analyzed and understood.This study constructed transient flow and rotational speed mathematical models under various degrees of rotor seizure using the test data collected from a dedicated transient rotor seizure test system.Then,bidirectional fluid-solid coupling simulations were conducted to investigate the flow evolution mechanism.It is found that the influence of the impeller structure size and transient braking acceleration on the unsteady head(Hu)is dominant in rotor seizure accident events.Moreover,the present results also show that the rotational acceleration additional head(Hu1)is much higher than the instantaneous head(Hu2).

Verification of VVER-1200 NPP Simulator in Normal Operation and Reactor Coolant Pump Coast-Down Transient

Verification of operation parameters of VVER-1200 NPP Simulator installed at Nuclear Training Center, VINATOM has been performed. This simulator has been supplied for Vietnam in the framework of IAEA TC Project VIE2010 on Developing Nuclear Power Infrastructure—Phase II hosted by the Vietnam Atomic Energy Agency (VAEA). The comparison of the main parameters in nominal power operation with design data given in safety analysis report of VVER-1200/V392M as well as Ninh Thuan FSSAR is presented. In this study, the reactor coolant coast-down transient is investigated using the VVER-1200 NPP simulator. The simulated results performed in the simulator through switching off one reactor coolant pump in comparisons with experiment results performed in VVER-1000 reactor are given. The similarity between the measured and simulated results shows that the thermal hydraulic characteristics and the control protection systems are modeled in a reasonable way. A good agreement in operating parameters was found between the VVER-1200 NPP simulator and VVER-1200/V392M’s PSAR.

Radionuclides in primary coolant of a fluoride salt-cooled hightemperature reactor during normal operation

The release of fission products from coated particle fuel to primary coolant, as well as the activation of coolant and impurities, were analysed for a fluoride saltcooled high-temperature reactor(FHR) system, and the activity of radionuclides accumulated in the coolant during normal operation was calculated. The release rate(release fraction per unit time) of fission products was calculated with STACY code, which is modelled mainly based on the Fick's law, while the activation of coolant and impurities was calculated with SCALE code. The accumulation of radionuclides in the coolant has been calculated with a simplified model, which is generally a time integration considering the generation and decay of radionuclides. The results show that activation products are the dominant gamma source in the primary coolant system during normal operation of the FHR while fission products become the dominant source after shutdown. In operation condition,health-impacts related nuclides such as ~3H, and ^(14)C originate from the activation of lithium and coolant impurities including carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. According to the calculated effective cross sections of neutron activation,~6Li and ^(14)N are the dominant ~3H production source and ^(14)C production source, respectively. Considering the high production rate,~3H and ^(14)C should be treated before being released to the environment.

Influence of the Impeller/Guide Vane Clearance Ratio on the Performances of a Nuclear Reactor Coolant Pump

An AP1000 nuclear reactor coolant pump is considered to assess the influence of the Impeller/Guide vane clearance on the performances of this type of pumps.Experiments and numerical simulations relying on an unidirectional fluid-solid coupling approach are used to investigate the problem(stress,strain and mode of the rotor).The results reveal the relationship existing between the hydraulic performance of the nuclear reactor coolant pump and the clearance ratio.The effect of clearance ratio on the maximum equivalent stress on the back surface of the impeller blade is greater than that on the working surface(the maximum equivalent stress on the back surface of impeller blade is about three times that on the working surface).The clearance ratio has a scarce effect on the first six natural frequencies of the rotor of the nuclear reactor coolant pump.The related vibrational modes have different waveforms.

Direct simulation of MHD flows in dual-coolant liquid metal fusion blanket using a consistent and conservative scheme

Direct simulation of 3-D MHD(magnetohydrodynamics) flows in liquid metal fusion blanket with flow channel insert(FCI) has been conducted.Two kinds of pressure equilibrium slot (PES) in FCI,which are used to balance the pressure difference between the inside and outside of FCI,are considered with a slot in Hartmann wall or a slot in side wall,respectively.The velocity and pressure distribution of FCI made of SiC/SiC_f are numerically studied to illustrate the 3-D MHD flow effects,which clearly show that the flows in fusion blanket with FCI are typical three-dimensional issues and the assumption of 2-D fully developed flows is not the real physical problem of the MHD flows in dual-coolant liquid metal fusion blanket.The optimum opening location of PES has been analyzed based on the 3-D pressure and velocity distributions.

Lead-Bismuth and Lead as Coolants for Fast Reactors

Fast reactors used lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) and lead as coolants possess very high level of inherent self-protection and passive safety against severe accident. So, population radiophobia can be overcome. That type of reactors can be simultaneously more safely and more cheaply. As all other coolants, LBE and lead coolant (LC) possess the certain virtues and shortcomings. The presented report includes the comparative analysis of characteristic properties of those coolants, their impact on reactor safety, reliability and operating characteristics. The conclusion is made about promising usage of FRs with these coolants in future NP after the experience in operating of the prototypes of such reactors has been obtained.

Effect of Potential Energy Stored in Reactor Facility Coolant on NPP Safety and Economic Parameters

Potential (non-nuclear) energy stored in reactor facility coolant is a crucial factor determining the NPP safety/hazard characteristics as it is inherent property of the material and cannot be changed. Enhancing safety of the NPP with traditional type reactor facilities, in which potential energy is stored in large quantities, requires buildup of the number of safety systems and in-depth defense barriers, which reduce the probability of severe accidents (but do not exclude the opportunity of their realization) and seriousness of their consequences. Keeping the risk of radioactivity release for different type reactor facilities at a same level of social acceptability, the number of safety systems and in-depth defense barriers, which determine essentially the NPP economical parameters, can be reduced with diminishing the potential energy stored in the reactor facility. To analyze the effect of potential energy on reactor facility safety/hazard, a diagram of reactor facility hazard has been proposed. It presents a probability of radioactivity release as a function of radioactivity release values for reactor facilities with identical radiation potential, which differ by values of potential energy stored in coolant. It is proposed to account NPP safety/hazard effect on economics by adding a certain interest on the electricity cost for making payments in a special insurance fund assigned to compensate the expenses for elimination of consequences of a possible accident.

Effect of coolant inhibitors on AZ91D

The inhibition effects of sodium vanadate along with inorganic coolantinhibitors were examined on corrosion of AZ91D in ASTM D1384-80 corrosive water by polarizationmeasurements. The galvanic corrosion of AZ91D coupled to 3003, 6063, and 356 Al alloys were alsotested. An effective combination of inhibitors containing (but not limited to) sodium vanadate,silicate, and nitrate was proposed for inhibition of AZ91D and prevention of galvanic corrosion.

Casting process design and practice for coolant pump impeller in AP1000 nuclear power station

The coolant pump impeller casting is the only rotating component in the nuclear island of an AP1000 nuclear power station, and is required to have a 60-year service time, which requires advanced materials and processing technologies to guarantee. In this paper, the casting process was studied, designed and modified by means of numerical simulation. The gating system was distributed symmetrically and the runner diameter was a little bigger for avoiding sand wash and turbulence;the feeding system focused on the solution of blades feeding, as some parts of which should reach Severity Level 1 radioactive testing standard. Therefore, upper and lower plates cooperating with chillers acted as feeding method besides additional 2-3 times thickness;in addition, lowering sand core strength, decreasing pouring temperature and increasing dimension allowance would be adopted to avoid crack defects. Finally, the pilot impeller was cast. The results show that the casting process design is reasonable, as the liquid rises very smoothly when pouring, and no volume defects are found by means of 100% radioactive testing. Based on this casting process, 16 coolant pump impellers have been successfully produced and delivered to customers.

Influence of Coolant in Machinability of Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V)

Application of titanium alloy has increased many fields since the past 50 years. The major drawback encountered during machining was difficult to cut and the formation of BUE (Built up Edge). This paper presents the tool wear study of TTI 15 ceramic insert (80% Aluminum oxide and 20 % Titanium carbide) on machining Ti-6Al-4V at moderate speed with and without the application of water soluble servo cut S coolant. Titanium alloy is highly refractory metal and machining titanium is challenging to the manufacturers. Experiments were carried out on medium duty lathe. Application of coolant tends to reduce toolwear and minimize adhesion of the work material on the cutting tool during machining and also improves the surface finish. Result provides some useful information.

Influence of Coolant on Cutting Tool Performance

This paper reports a Study carried out to substantiate or refute the belief that when coolant is applied, the cutting performance is actually improved. Experiments on cutting forces and chip geometry were conducted in which AISI 1050 Steel was machined by turning using P30 uncoated tungsten carbide tools. Experiments were performed on a CNC Okuma LH35-N lathe undermachining conditions commonly used in workshops in Singapore and many other parts of the world.

Surface Waviness in Grinding of Thin Mould Insert Using Chilled Air as Coolant

On going trend of miniaturization in electronic rel at ed parts, which is an average of two times in every 5～7 years introduce grindin g challenges. In grinding process, the surface waviness control of thin parts is an ardent task due to its warpage, induced by the high specific grinding energy (2～10 J/mm 3). Therefore, coolant is often used to avoid thermal damage, obtai n better surface integrity and to prolong wheel life. However coolant, the incomp ressibility media introduce high forces at the grinding zone creating dimensiona l as well as shape instability. In view of these situations chilled air was ap plied in place of conventional coolant. The chilled air is produced using a two -stage vapor compression refrigeration cycle with characteristics of: temperatu re -35 ℃, pressure 0.2～0.3 MPa and flow rate 0.4 m 3/min. Also traces of eco - oil mist that encompass the chilled air are supplied to the grinding zone. B oth chilled air and eco-oil mist are applied through two independent paths of a specially designed twin compartment nozzle for maximizing the penetration. This paper investigates the grinding characteristics of mold insert which is closer to M2 tool steel (component widely used in connector industries) when using chil led air as coolant media. Grinding experiments were conducted using a vitrified bond CBN wheel (B91N100V) and a surface grinder. Initial study was focussed on establishing the most suita ble clamping method for the thin mold insert. FEM analysis and grinding experime nt studies were performed to quantitatively analyze the clamping induced deflect ion. Waviness value (W t) of (24～62) μm was achieved for resin clampi n g whereas (4～8) μm, (4～6) μm were achieved for magnetic and wax clamping res pe ctively. Wax clamping is predominantly used in all the grinding experiments that characterize the grinding process, which use chilled air as the coolant media. Between 0.15 to 0.9 mm 3/mm.s of specific material removal rate, ground sur face temperature of mold insert was increased from 0.3 ℃ to 59.7 ℃ for chi lled air. For the similar grinding conditions with the coolant fluid an increase from 0.9 ℃ to 14.4 ℃ was recorded. With increase of specific material removal rate from 0.15 to 0.65 mm 3/mm.s, F t/F n ratio was increased from (0.2 to 0.4), (0.6 to 1.67) for wet coolant and chilled air respectively. Despite of high F t/F n ratio and ground surface temperature, chilled air method has shown a surface waviness, W t from (2 to 5.6) μm. Microstructure examination of chilled air produced ground surface was comparable to those of using coolant fluids. Surface finish, R a of (0.45～0.7) μm was achieved for mold insert . This work will enable to have clear understanding about the quantitative influe nce of chilled air as well as the clamping method against the surface waviness o f thin mold insert.

Surface Roughness Evaluation in Dry-Cutting of Magnesium Alloy by Air Pressure Coolant

In this paper, a studying of surface roughness in dry milling with air pressure coolant of wrought magnesium alloy AZ31B will be carried out. The effects of air flow, feed-rate per tooth, cutting velocity and number of inserts in a cutting tool on surface roughness have been examined. Surface roughness increases with increasing feed-rate per tooth and increasing number of inserts in the cutting tool. However, it is nearly unchanged under a specific range of cutting velocity in the experiment and improved by the flow of air cooling.

Effect of Kinetic Parameters on I-129 Activity from Fuel to Coolant in PWRs

Effect of kinetic model parameters on fission product (I-129) activity from fuel to coolant in PWRs has been studied in this work. First a computational model was developed for fission product release into primary coolant using ORIGEN-2 as subroutine. The model is based on set of differential equations of kinetic model which includes fuel-to-gap release model, gap-to-coolant leakage model, and Booths diffusion model. A Matlab based computer program FPAPC (Fission Product Activity in Primary Coolant) was developed. Variations of I-129 activity in Primary Heat Transport System were computed and computed values of i-129 were found in good agreement and deviations were within 2% - 3% of already published data values. Finally, the effects of coolant purification rate, diffusion constant and gas escape rate on I-129 activity were studied and results indicated that the coolant purification rate is the most sensitive parameter for fission product activity in primary circuit. For changes of 5% in steps from −10% to +10% in the coolant purification rate constant (Β), the activity variation after 200 days of reactor operation was 23.1% for the change.

Experimental Investigation on Fuel Coolant Interaction Using Simulant Ceramic Melts in Water: Insights and Conclusions

Steam explosion is one of the crucial and poorly understood phenomena which may occur during severe accident scenario and may lead to containment failure. In spite of several experimental and analytical studies, the root cause of steam explosion has not been understood. Recent claims in the literature suggest that the presence of fine fragmentation during steam explosion causes its occurrence. In order to investigate this and understand the root cause of steam explosion, series of experiments were performed with 50 g to 2500 g of CaO-B2O3, a corium simulant in 4.5 litre of water. It was observed that steam explosion may occur even in the absence of fine fragments, which is contrary to the claims in the literature. To investigate further, conversion efficiency analysis was performed. This suggested that the amount of thermal energy converted to mechanical energy is more important deciding factor in explaining the occurrence of steam explosion. The present study discusses the importance of conversion efficiency in deciding steam explosion and also gives a new perspective to look at steam explosion phenomenology.

Variants of Nuclear Power Plants of Small and Medium Power with Heavy Liquid-Metal Coolants

New design solutions have been proposed for a BRS-GPG type reactor circuit, which are different from transport and stationary low and medium-powered reactor installations cooled with heavy liquid-metal coolants, and which correspond to the evolutionary development of such installations. While developing these solutions, the available experience in creating and operating Soviet pilot and commercial power plants cooled with lead-bismuth coolants was used, including investigations, primarily experimental ones, carried out by team of authors in justification of a capacity range (50 - 250 MW) of low and medium-powered reactor plants with horizontal steam generators (BRS- GPG) proposed and elaborated at the NNSTU.

An approach for IC engine coolant energy recovery based on low-temperature organic Rankine cycle

To promote the fuel utilization efficiency of IC engine, an approach was proposed for IC engine coolant energy recovery based on low-temperature organic Rankine cycle(ORC). The ORC system uses IC engine coolant as heat source, and it is coupled to the IC engine cooling system. After various kinds of organic working media were compared, R124 was selected as the ORC working medium. According to IC engine operating conditions and coolant energy characteristics, the major parameters of ORC system were preliminary designed. Then, the effects of various parameters on cycle performance and recovery potential of coolant energy were analyzed via cycle process calculation. The results indicate that cycle efficiency is mainly influenced by the working pressure of ORC, while the maximum working pressure is limited by IC engine coolant temperature. At the same working pressure, cycle efficiency is hardly affected by both the mass flow rate and temperature of working medium. When the bottom cycle working pressure arrives at the maximum allowable value of 1.6 MPa, the fuel utilization efficiency of IC engine could be improved by 12.1%.All these demonstrate that this low-temperature ORC is a useful energy-saving technology for IC engine.

Main coolant pump resistance influence on single phase water reverse flow in the inverted U-tubes under natural circulation

Based on nuclear power plant(NPP) best-estimate transient analysis with RELAP5 / MOD3 code,the reactor point kinetics model in RELAP5 / MOD3 code is replaced by the two-group,3-D space and time dependent neutron kinetic model,and two-fluid model is replaced by drift flux model.A coupled three-dimensional physics and thermal-hydrodynamics model is used to develop its corresponding computing code,thus simulating natural circulation of single-phase flow for the PWR.In this paper,we report the forward and reverse flow distribution in the inverted U-tubes of the steam generator(SG) under some typical operating conditions in the natural circulation case, and analyze the influence of main coolant pump resistance on the forward and reverse flow distribution.The calculation results show that,the pressure drop between SG inlet and outlet plenum decreases,and the SG inlet and outlet mass flow decrease with an increased main coolant pump resistance,but net mass flux of reverse flow in inverted U-tubes,and the ratio of mass flow in all reverse flow tubes to that of main coolant pipeline increase, meanwhile,the secondary steam load is invariable in this process.