Benchmark analysis of main circulation pump trip events at the Ignalina NPP using RELAP5 code

The state-of-the-art code RELAP5/MOD3 was originally designed for PWRs. Because of unique RBMK designs the application of this code to RBMK-1500 encountered several problems. A successful best estimate RELAP5 model of the Ignalina NPP has been developed. This model includes the reactor main circulation circuit (MCC) and reactor control and protection system required for this kind of transient analysis. Benchmark analysis of all operating main circulation pump (MCP) trip events was performed. During the analysis the characteristics of isolation control valves and MCP throttling regulating valves were established. Comparison of calculated and measured parameters was also used to establish realistic resistances of different MCC components and realistic behaviour of the controllers of the reactor systems. Calculations performed with the RELAP5 model, which includes these modifications, compare favourably with plant data.     

Analysis of decay heat removal from RBMK-1500 reactor in decommissioning phase by natural circulation of water and air

The main problem in nuclear energy is providing of safety at all stages of lifetime of nuclear installations in conditions of normal operation, accidents and at shutdown. Ignalina NPP, located in Lithuania, is one of the latest with RBMK reactors at highest capacity. Ignalina NPP has two units, both are closed for decommissioning now (in 2004 and 2009). Both units are equipped with RBMK-1500 reactors, the thermal power output is 4200 MW, the electrical power capacity is 1500 MW for each. In RBMK-1500 reactor the fuel assemblies remain for long time inside reactor core after the final shutdown. The paper discusses possibility of heat removal from the RBMK-1500 core at shutdown condition by natural circulation of water (1) and air (2) inside the fuel channels. In first case the decay heat from fuel assemblies is removed due to natural circulation of water and the piping above reactor core should be cooled by means of ventilation in the drum separator compartments. To warrant free access of air in to fuel channels (in the second case) the reactor cooling system should be completely dry out and the pressure headers and the steam discharge valves in steam lines should be opened. If mentioned conditions will be fulfilled, the reactor core will be cooled by natural circulation of water or air and fuel rods remain intact.     

Development of accident management measures for RBMK-1500 in the case of loss of long-term core cooling

Results of the Level 1 Probabilistic Safety Assessment of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant have shown that in the risk topography transients are dominating. Analysis has shown that failure of the long-term core cooling is the main contributor to the core damage frequency. However, the reactor core damage in the long-term indicates the potential opportunities for the accident management. The main goal of accident management is to avoid a multiple fuel channel rupture because considering the design of RBMK reactors the consequences of rupture of more than 11–16 FC at full pressure would be close to the consequences of Chernobyl accident. This paper presents a detailed thermal–hydraulic analysis of the accidents with the loss of long-term core cooling, performed using the RELAP5 model of Ignalina NPP reactor cooling circuit and safety systems. Different ways of potential accident management are discussed. On the basis of this analysis the accident management strategy was developed.     

Analysis of BDBA in RBMK-1500 reactor with long-term loss of heat removal from the core

The Ignalina nuclear power plant (NPP) is a twin-unit with two RBMK-1500, graphite moderated, boiling water, multichannel reactors. The accident management guidelines for beyond design basis accidents (BDBAs) are in a stage of preparation at Ignalina NPP. The most challenging event from BDBAs is the unavailability of water sources for heat removal from fuel channels (FCs). Due to specific design of RBMK, there are a few possibilities for heat removal from reactor core by non-regular means: depressurisation of reactor cooling system (RCS) (if pressure in cooling circuit is high) and supply of water into cooling system from low pressure water sources, removal of heat from graphite stack by reactor gas circuit, removal of heat from reactor core using cooling circuit of control and protection system channels, etc. The possibility to remove the heat using cooling circuit of control and protection system channels looks very attractive, because the channels with control rods are cooled with water supplied by the system totally independent from the reactor cooling system. The heat from fuel channels, where heat is generated, through graphite columns is transferred in radial direction to cooled channels with control rods. Therefore, the heat removal from RBMK-1500 reactor core using control rods cooling circuit can be used as non-regular mean for reactor cool-down in case of BDBAs with loss of long-term heat removal from the core.     

Development of Ignalina NPP RBMK-1500 reactor RELAP5-3D model

This paper deals with the development of an integrated thermal-hydraulics–neutronics model for RBMK-1500 reactors for the analysis of specific plant transients in which the neutronic response of the core is important. A successful best estimate coupled RELAP5-3D model of Ignalina nuclear power plant (NPP) has been developed. The validation of the thermal-hydraulic model has been performed using operational transients from Ignalina NPP. The results of the calculations obtained with the RELAP5-3D model compare reasonably with the real plant data. The RELAP5-3D nodal kinetics model provides reasonable agreement with Ignalina NPP reactor power and coolant density profiles. The eigenvalue is close to unity, indicating that reasonable values are calculated for the neutron fluxes.     

Reactor cavity and ALS thermal-hydraulic evaluation in the case of fuel channels ruptures at Ignalina NPP

This paper presents the work analysis of the thermal-hydraulic parameters behavior in the RBMK-1500 reactor cavity (RC) and other connected volumes in the case of fuel channels ruptures. The analysis is performed with CONTAIN code using the models of accident localization system (ALS) and reactor cavity venting system (RCVS). The RCVS capacity is assessed and expressed as a number of ruptured fuel channels at which the integrity of RC is maintained. The uncertainty analysis of pressure behavior in RC during multiple fuel channel rupture was performed. The initial and boundary conditions and the code models were selected and their influence on the results is estimated.Calculation of coolant mass and energy release to the reactor cavity in case of fuel channels rupture performed using the main circulation circuit model of Ignalina NPP, which was developed by employing state-of-the-art code RELAP5/MOD3.2 [Fletcher et al., RELAP5/MOD3 code manual user’s guidelines, Idaho National Engineering Lab., NUREG/CR-5535 (1992)]. These results were applied further as the initial data for the analysis of the thermal-hydraulic parameters behavior in the affected compartments employing CONTAIN code.     

Validation of coupled neutronic/thermal-hydraulic code RELAP5-3D for RBMK-1500 reactor analysis application

This paper summarizes RELAP5-3D code validation activities carried out at the Lithuanian Energy Institute, which was performed through the modeling of RBMK-1500 specific transients taking place at Ignalina NPP. A best estimate RELAP5-3D model of the INPP RBMK-1500 reactor has been developed and validated against real plant data, as well as with the calculation results obtained using the Russian STEPAN/KOBRA code. The obtained calculation results demonstrate reasonable agreement with Ignalina NPP measured data. Behaviors of the separate MCC thermal-hydraulic parameters, as well as physical processes are predicted reasonably well to the real processes, occurring in the primary circuit of RBMK-1500 reactor. The calculated reactivity and the total reactor core power behavior in time are also in reasonable agreement with the measured plant data, which demonstrates the correct modeling of the neutronic processes taking place in RBMK-1500 reactor core. The performed validation of RELAP5-3D model of Ignalina NPP RBMK-1500 reactor allowed to improve the model, which in the future would be used for the safety substantiation calculations of RBMK-1500 reactors. Future activities are discussed.     

Comparison of RELAP5 calculations of VVER-1000 coolant transient benchmark phase 1 at different power

This paper provides comparisons between experimental data of “MCP switching on when the other three MCPs are in operation” and RELAP5 calculations with different initial levels of the reactor power 29.45% and 27.47% from the nominal.

The reference power plant for this analysis is Unit 6 at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant (NPP) site. RELAP5/MOD3.2 computer code has been used to simulate the investigated transient. Operational data from Kozloduy NPP have been used for the purpose of assessing how the RELAP5 model compares against plant data. During the plant-commissioning phase at Kozloduy NPP Unit 6 a number of experiments have been performed. One of them is switching on MCP when the other three MCPs are in operation.

This investigation was possible through the participation of leading specialists from Kozloduy NPP and with the support of Argonne National Laboratory, under the International Nuclear Safety Program (INSP) of the United States Department of Energy.     

Modeling of void, fast power and graphite temperature reactivity coefficients measurements for the validation of RELAP5-3D RBMK-1500 reactor model

This paper deals with the modeling of RBMK-1500 specific transients taking place at Ignalina NPP: measurements of void and fast power reactivity coefficients, as well as change of graphite cooling conditions transient. The simulation of these transients was performed using RELAP5-3D code model of RBMK-1500 reactor. At the Ignalina NPP void and fast power reactivity coefficients are measured on a regular basis and based on the obtained experimental results the actual values of these reactivity coefficients are determined. Graphite temperature reactivity coefficient at the plant is determined by changing graphite cooling conditions in the reactor cavity. This type of transient is unique and important from the point of view of model validation for the gap between fuel channel and the graphite bricks. The measurement results, obtained during this transient, enabled to determine the thermal conductivity coefficient for this gap and to validate the graphite temperature reactivity feedback model. The performed validation of RELAP5-3D model of Ignalina NPP RBMK-1500 reactor allowed to improve the model, which in the future would be used for the safety substantiation calculations of RBMK-1500 reactors.     

Analysis of potential waterhammer at the Ignalina NPP using thermal–hydraulic and structural analysis codes

The RBMK (Russian acronym for ‘channeled large power reactor’)-1500 reactors at the Ignalina nuclear power plant (NPP) have a series of check valves in the main circulation circuit (MCC) that serve the coolant distribution in the fuel channels. In the case of a hypothetical guillotine break of pipelines upstream of the group distribution headers (GDH), the check valves and adjusted piping integrity is a key issue for the reactor safety during the rapid closure of check valve. An analysis of the waterhammer effect (i.e. the pressure pulse generated by the valves slamming closed) is needed. The thermal–hydraulic and structural analysis of waterhammer effects following the guillotine break of pipelines at the Ignalina NPP with RBMK-1500 reactors was conducted by employing the RELAP5 and PipePlus codes. Results of the analysis demonstrated that the maximum values of the pressure pulses generated by the check valve closure following the hypothetical accidents remain far below the value of pressure of the hydraulic tests, which are performed at the NPP and the risk of failure of the check valves or associated pipelines is low. Sensitivity analysis of pressure pulse dependencies on calculation time step and check valve closure time was performed. Results of RELAP5 calculations are benchmarked against waterhammer transient data obtained by employing structural mechanics code BOS fluids.     

Modelling of the spatial distribution of the induced activities in the RBMK-1500 reactor graphite blocks and rings/sleeves

There is one nuclear power plant (NPP) in Lithuania – the Ignalina NPP – which is under decommissioning now. The Ignalina NPP has two units with RBMK-1500 reactors, which are the most powerful and the most advanced versions of RBMK-type reactor design. Unit 1 of the Ignalina NPP was shut down at the end of 2004 and Unit 2 was shut down at the end of 2009. RBMK is a water-cooled graphite-moderated channel-type power reactor and the decommissioning of these reactors faces specific challenges for proper characterisation and disposal of irradiated reactor graphite.Apart from radiological inventory, the spatial distribution of radionuclides in the reactor graphite is also very important because it could indicate the possibilities for decontamination/treatment of the irradiated graphite. This is important for consideration of the near surface disposal option for irradiated graphite, as without treatment it usually does not meet the waste acceptance criteria.Based on that, the work presented in this paper is focused on the modelling of the induced activity spatial distribution in the Ignalina NPP RBMK-1500 reactor graphite components: blocks and rings/sleeves. The modelling was performed with MCNP and SCALE computer codes and consisted of two mains stages: modelling of the neutron flux in the reactor graphite components, and then modelling of the neutron activation in them using the already modelled neutron flux. In such a way, the spatial induced activity distribution in the analysed reactor components was obtained. Modelling results show that the thermal neutron flux is more intensive in the outer radial regions of the graphite components and this, in general, results in higher induced activities there.     

Advanced treatment of zircaloy cladding high-temperature oxidation in severe accident code calculations: PART II. Best-fitted parabolic correlations

Pressurized water vessel-type reactor (VVER) safety has become a very important issue, in particular for countries in Central and Eastern Europe. For thermal-hydraulic analyses the western codes like RELAP5, CATHARE and ATHLET were used.The purpose of the study was to quantitatively assess the RELAP5 capability to predict the main circulation pump (MCP) trip at nearly full power transient in Mochovce VVER 440/213 nuclear power plant (NPP). The transient parameters were recorded during the start up test program implementation. For accuracy quantification the improved fast Fourier transform based method (FFTBM) was used. The RELAP5/MOD3.2.2 computer code was used for calculation. The results showed very good agreement between calculated and plant measured data. The results also confirmed some previous studies that the simpler is the transient the higher code accuracy is generally achieved.     

核动力装置强迫循环与自然循环过渡过程特性研究

针对某型压水堆核动力装置,建立反应堆及一回路系统强迫循环与自然循环的计算分析模型,并与试验值进行比较,验证了建立的模型计算精度高,满足工程分析的要求.利用建立的数学模型,对自然循环与强迫循环过渡过程进行分析计算,结果表明:强迫循环向自然循环转换过程中冷却剂流量、蒸汽发生器压力、反应堆出口温度是几个约束参数;自然循环向强迫循环的转换过程中反应堆功率变化与周期变化幅度较大.     

中国先进研究堆停堆冷却措施及其主要特点

停堆后冷却问题是中国先进研究堆(CARR)重要的安全问题之一.冷却措施的实施对CARR的安全和建设投资有较重要的影响.CARR采用停堆初期的强迫循环及停堆后期全堆芯自然循环相结合的策略实现正常停堆和事故停堆后的堆芯冷却.停堆冷却的过程具体分为主泵大质量惯性飞轮惰转强迫冷却、应急堆芯冷却系统强迫冷却、自然循环功能部件动作实现全堆芯自然循环3个阶段.3个阶段既相互衔接又相互独立,每个阶段各有特点.停堆冷却策略的实施证明,CARR停堆冷却过程是可靠、有效、合理的,符合先进研究堆的发展趋势.     

冷却剂流量降低停堆保护系统整定值分析

在确保反应堆安全的基础上 ,尽量扩大电厂的运行区域是反应堆停堆保护系统设计以及整定值确定的原则。本文通过对电网运行要求的分析 ,得到了恰希玛核电厂主泵低转速和一回路低流量停堆整定值 ,随后的安全验证表明了其对冷却剂流量降低事故保护的有效性     

Ignalina NPP RBMK-1500 gas gap evaluation

This paper presents Ignalina NPP Unit 1 RBMK-1500 reactor core lifetime analysis. The closure of the gas gap between the pressure tubes and the graphite bricks is one of the criteria for the evaluation of the reactor core lifetime. The rate of closure of the approximately 1.5 mm gaps between the pressure tubes and the graphite is largely a function of accumulated fast neutron dose and graphite operating temperatures. The main task of this paper is development of strategy and methodology for gas gap closure evaluation.     

COCOSYS code validation against measured data during unintended single main safety valve opening at Ignalina NPP

The analysis of an unintended main safety valve opening at Ignalina NPP was performed with COCOSYS code in order to assess its capability in simulation of the transient processes that occur inside Accident Localisation System of Ignalina NPP. COCOSYS has several user-selected options, e.g. zone model (EQUIL._MOD, NONEQUILIB), water flow model (BAL_DRAIN, DRAIN_BOT), etc for nodalisation development. The influence of a zone model selection, a water overflow model selection and efficiency of heat exchanger in Condenser Tray Cooling System was investigated and presented in the paper. The performed analysis supported introduction of new water overflow model in COCOSYS code and showed that COCOSYS code can be applied for the analysis of Accident Localisation System of Ignalina NPP.     

核动力装置自然循环及其过渡过程计算模型的建立

为准确分析含反应性反馈的核动力装置自然循环及其过渡过程中重要参数的响应特性,以核动力装置瞬态最佳估算程序RELAP5/MOD3为基础,采用两群三维时空中子动力学模型替代RELAP5/MOD3的点堆模型,并建立三维空间内中子物理与热工水力的耦合模型,编制相应的计算程序。利用所研制的程序对实际核动力装置的自然循环及其过渡过程进行分析计算,并与试验结果进行比较。结果表明:本文建立的时空中子动力学计算模型克服了点堆方程不能准确计算反应性反馈的缺点,计算精度高,研制的程序可作为核动力装置强迫循环与自然循环及其过渡过程的计算分析工具。     

RELAP5/MOD3.2 investigation of a VVER-1000 MCP switching on Benchmark problem

This paper provides comparisons between experimental data of Kozloduy NPP “MCP switching on when the other three MCP are in operation”, with Relap5 calculations. The investigated thermal-hydraulic driven transient is characterized by spatially dependant non-symmetric processes. RELAP5/MOD3.2 computer code has been used to simulate the investigated transient. Operational data from Kozloduy NPP have been used for the purpose of assessing how the RELAP5 model compares against plant data. During the plant-commissioning phase at Kozloduy NPP Unit 6 a number of experiments have been performed. One of them is switching on MCP when the other three MCPs are in operation. The event is characterized by rapid increase in the flow through the core resulting in a coolant temperature decrease, which leads to insertion of positive reactivity due to the modeled feedback mechanisms. The main purpose of this investigation was to improve the discrepancy between the calculations and the plant data. The sensitivity calculation investigates the mixing in reactor vessel and influence of heat structure on the hot legs temperature. The areas of improvements to the Relap5 model are:

• •The non-symmetrical mixing in downcomer and reactor vessel annular exit.
• •The influence of heat structure temperature on the time delay for equipments measurements.
• •Investigation of pressurizer water level – using the hot legs temperature correction.

The RELAP5/MOD3.2 model of Kozloduy NPP VVER-1000 for investigation of operational occurrences, abnormal events, and design basis scenarios have been developed and validated in the Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (INRNE-BAS) Sofia, and Kozloduy NPP. The model provides a significant analytical capability for the specialists working in the field of NPP safety.This investigation is a process that compares the analytical results obtained by the RELAP5 computer model of the VVER-1000 against the experimental transient data received from the Kozloduy NPP Unit 6. The comparisons indicate good agreement between the RELAP5 results and the experimental data. The sensitivity investigation improves the discrepancy between the calculation and the plant data.This investigation was possible through the participation of leading specialists from Kozloduy NPP and with the support of Argonne National Laboratory, under the International Nuclear Safety Program (INSP) of the United States Department of Energy.     

Thermal-hydraulic analysis of accidents leading to local coolant flow decrease in the main circulation circuit of RBMK-1500

There are a few transient and loss-of-coolant accident conditions in RBMK-1500 reactors that lead to a local flow decrease in fuel channels. Because the coolant flow decreases in fuel channels (FC) leads to overheating of fuel claddings and pressure tube walls, mitigation measures are necessary. The accident analysis enabled the suggestion of the new early reactor scram actuation and emergency core cooling system (ECCS) initiation signal, which ensures the safe shutdown of the reactor and compensates the stagnation flow. Analysis of such conditions is presented in this paper. Thermal-hydraulic analysis was conducted using the state-of-the-art RELAP5 code. Results of the analysis demonstrated that, after implementation of the developed management strategy for destruction of local flow stagnation, the Ignalina nuclear power plant (NPP) would be adequately protected following accidents, leading to local coolant flow decrease in the primary circuit.