MAAP5 simulation of the PWR severe accident induced by pressurizer safety valve stuck-open accident

The Modular Accident Analysis Program version 5 (MAAP5) is a computer code that can simulate the response of light water reactor power plants during severe accident sequences. The present work aims to simulate the severe accident of a typical Chinese pressure water reactor (PWR) with MAAP5. The pressurizer safety valve stuck-open accident is essentially a small break loss-of-coolant accident (SBLOCA), which becomes one of the major concerns on core melt initiating events of the PWR. Six cases with different assumptions in the pressurizer (PZR) safety valves (SVs) stuck-open accident stuck open accident were analyzed for comparison. The results of first three cases show that the severe accident sequence is correlated with the number of the stuck open valve. The primary system depressurized faster in a more SVs stuck open case, and the consequences in which is hence slighter. The remaining 3 cases along with the case 2 were then analyzed to study the effect of operator intervention to the accident. The results show that the auxiliary feed water (AFW) is effective to delay the core degradation and hence delayed the finally system recovery. The high pressure injection (HPI) operation and manually opening the steam generator (SG) SVs are effective to mitigate this kind of severe accident. The results are meaningful and significant for comprehending the detailed process of PWR severe accident, which is the basic standard for establishing the severe accident management guidelines.     

Analysis of PWR SBO sequences with RCP passive thermal shutdown seals

The operation of recently implanted low-leakage seals after Fukushima has altered the analysis of classical PWR Station Blackout (SBO) sequences , as Seal Loss of Coolant Accident (SLOCA) is no longer one of the dominant factors in the accident progression . An analysis of different management strategies in non-SLOCA sequences has been performed by means of the Integrated Safety Assessment (ISA) methodology using the SCAIS-MAAP model of a 3-Loop PWR Westinghouse design. Through the use of the Damage Domain concept(i.e. the region of the uncertain crew actuation times or physical parameters space where each damage limit is exceeded for each sequence), the times for reaching different damage limits are obtained. Results evidence the positive impact of low-leakage seals, which greatly increase the margin to core uncoveryand reduce core damage frequency. Results also allow concluding that an SBO is dominated, namely by the Auxiliary Feed-Water (AFW) mass flow(turning blind AFW management into an essential procedure), SLOCA (in case the new low-leakage seals fail or they are not present), an excessive AFW mass flow (leading to Turbine-Driven Pump failure) and the DC failure time (losing control valves and the instrumentation).     

高压安全注射系统对压水堆全厂断电事故的缓解能力分析

选择一个典型的3环路压水堆作为参考对象,采用最佳估算程序RELAP/SCDAPSIM/MOD3.2建立了一个典型的3环路压水堆严重事故计算模型。分析了全厂断电(SBO)事故引发的堆芯熔化基准事故后,高压安全注射系统对该事故的缓解能力。敏感性分析表明,堆芯出口温度达到920 K时,采用卸压充水缓解措施可以有效地阻止堆芯熔化,维持堆芯长期处于稳定、安全状态。     

压水堆一回路卸压措施影响因素研究

研究压水堆一回路管道小小破口失水事故叠加辅助给水失效导致的高压堆芯熔化严重事故进程，对比验证不同严重事故缓解措施入口温度条件下一回路卸压缓解途径的充分性和有效性，并确认较佳的一回路冷却系统（RCS）降压途径。结果显示，以低于650℃的温度作为降压缓解措施入口条件，可及时恢复可能的堆芯冷却能力。一、二回路卸压效果分析表明，考虑了长期衰变热移出注水流量和堆芯过冷度要求，较佳的卸压配置为初期打开一列稳压器卸压阀，同时迅速恢复辅助给水并开启蒸汽发生器卸压阀。      

秦山核电厂SGTR事故及其处置研究

用ＲＥＬＡＰＳ／ＭＯＤ２程序和ＭＡＲＣＨ３程序对秦山核电厂多种假想ＳＧＴＲ事故及其所致严重事故进行了计算，分析了主要事故序列的事故进程，估算了严重事故下的熔堆时序，探讨了一些有效的事故处置措施及其干预效果。     

秦山一期核电站SGTR导致堆芯熔化进程及事故缓解措施的研究

采用自行研制的核反应堆严重事故分析平台,对秦山一期核电站蒸汽发生器传热管破裂(SGTR)初因导致堆芯熔化严重事故进程进行了分析研究,并根据美国SAN ONOFRE核电站的1PE结果以及SURRY的PSA评估结果,选择适当的缓解措施,如一回路补给水、二回路补给水、一回路卸压等,对该事故做了相应的严重事故管理。通过计算分析,对阻止SGTR导致堆芯熔化进程的缓解措施的有效性进行了验证：     

Severe accident management strategy verification for VVER-1000 (V320) reactor

Severe accident analysis of a reactor is an important aspect in evaluation of source term. This in turn helps in emergency planning and Severe Accident Management (SAM). The use of the Severe Accident Management Guideline (SAMG) is required for accident situation which is not handled adequately through the use of Emergency Operating Procedures (EOP), thus leading to a partial or a total core melt. Actions recommended in the SAMG aim at limiting the risk of radiologically significant radioactive releases in the short- and mid-term (a few hours to a few days). Initiation of SAMG for VVER-1000 is considered at two core exit temperatures viz. 650 °C as a desirable entry temperature and 980 °C as a backup action. Analyses have been carried out for VVER-1000 (V320) for verification of some of the strategies namely water injection in primary and secondary circuit. These strategies are analysed for a high and low pressure primary circuit transients. Station Black Out (SBO) is one such high pressure transient for which core heat can be removed by natural circulation of the primary circuit inventory by maintaining the secondary side inventory. This strategy has been verified where the feed water injection to secondary side of SG is considered from external power sources (e.g. mobile DG sets) as suggested in SAM guidelines. The second transient, a low pressure event is analysed for verification of the SG flooding and core flooding strategies. The analysis shows that SG flooding is not adequate to arrest the degradation of the core. In case of core flooding strategy, the analyses show that core flooding is not adequate to arrest the degradation of the core for the large break LOCA where as for small break LOCA the injections through available safety systems are adequate. The assessments are carried out with integral severe accident computer code ASTEC V1.3.     

秦山一期核电站小破口冷却剂丧失初因严重事故以及缓解措施的研究

采用基于SCDAP／RELAP5的核反应堆严重事故分析平台．分析研究了秦山一期核电站一回路冷段小破口冷却剂流失(SBLOCA)初因导致严重事故进程,并根据美国SANONOFRE核电站的IPE结果以及SURRY的PSA评估结果,选择适当的缓解措施,即进行一回路补给水,对该事故做了相应的干预。通过计算分析,对阻止SBLOCA引发的严重事故进程的缓解措施的有效性进行了验证。     

Analysis on hydrogen risk mitigation in severe accidents for Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor

Hydrogen source term and hydrogen mitigation under severe accidents is evaluated for most nuclear power plants (NPPs) after Fukushima Daiichi accident. Two units of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) are under operating in China, and hydrogen risk control should be evaluated in detail for the existing design. The distinguish feature of PHWR, compared with PWR, is the horizontal reactor core surrounded by moderator in calandria vessel (CV), which may influence the hydrogen source term. Based on integral system analysis code of PHWR, the plant model including primary heat transfer system (PHTS), calandria, end shield system, reactor cavity and containment has been developed. Two severe accident sequences have been selected to study hydrogen generation characteristic and the effectiveness of hydrogen mitigation with igniters. The one is Station Blackout (SBO) which represents high-pressure core melt accident, and the other is Large Break Loss of Coolant Accident (LLOCA) at reactor outlet header (ROH) which represents low-pressure core melt accident. Results show that under severe accident sequences, core oxidation of zirconium–steam reaction will produce hydrogen with deterioration of core cooling and the water in CV and reactor cavity can inhibits hydrogen generation for a relatively long time. However, as the water dries out, creep failure happens on CV. As a result, molten core falls into cavity and molten core concrete interaction (MCCI) occurs, releasing a large mass of hydrogen. When hydrogen igniters fail, volume fraction of hydrogen in the containment is more than 15% while equivalent amount of hydrogen generate from a 100% fuel clad-coolant reaction. As a result, hydrogen risk lies in the deflagration–detonation transition area. When igniters start at the beginning of large hydrogen generation, hydrogen mixtures ignite at low concentration in the compartments and the combustion mode locates at the edge of flammable area. However, the power supply to igniters should be ensured.     

REA 3D-dynamic analysis in Almaraz NPP with RELAP5/PARCS v2.7 and SIMTAB cross-sections tables

The Rod Ejection Accident (REA) belongs to the Reactivity-Initiated Accidents (RIA) category of accidents and it is part of the licensing basis accident analyses required for pressurized water reactors (PWR). The REA at Hot Zero Power (HZP) is characterized by a single rod ejection from a core position with a very low power level. The evolution consists basically of a continuous reactivity insertion. The main feature limiting the consequences of the accident in a PWR is the Doppler Effect. To check the performance of the coupled code RELAP5/PARCS v2.7 a REA in Almaraz NPP is simulated. These analyses will allow knowing more accurately the PWR real plant phenomenology in the RIA most limiting conditions.     

REA 3D-dynamic analysis in Almaraz NPP with RELAP5/PARCS v2.7 and SIMTAB cross-sections tables

The Rod Ejection Accident (REA) belongs to the Reactivity-Initiated Accidents (RIA) category of accidents and it is part of the licensing basis accident analyses required for pressurized water reactors (PWR). The REA at Hot Zero Power (HZP) is characterized by a single rod ejection from a core position with a very low power level. The evolution consists basically of a continuous reactivity insertion. The main feature limiting the consequences of the accident in a PWR is the Doppler Effect. To check the performance of the coupled code RELAP5/PARCS v2.7 a REA in Almaraz NPP is simulated. These analyses will allow knowing more accurately the PWR real plant phenomenology in the RIA most limiting conditions.     

Severe accident analysis of a 1300 MWe PWR to address the hydrogen issue

The behaviour of the potentially large quantity of hydrogen generated during a severe accident has been recognised as an issue of importance since the accident at Three Mile Island. In this article, we describe a severe accident analysis for the Neckarwestheim 2 1300 MWe PWR “Konvoi” plant, performed primarily to investigate the behaviour of hydrogen in the containment, and draw conclusions regarding the need for hydrogen control systems (igniters). The Modular Accident Analysis Program (MAAP) developed by IDCOR in the United States, and the Westinghouse COMPACT multi-compartment containment code were used. The study investigated the generation, release to containment, distribution within containment and potential combustion of hydrogen produced during two severe accident sequences. Results are summarized which show that hydrogen mixing in containment is generally good and that even without hydrogen control systems, hydrogen combustion, although possible, does not threaten containment integrity.     

Accident management following loss of residual heat removal during mid-loop operation in a Westinghouse two-loop PWR

The possibility of an accident or component failure during mid-loop operation has been identified in probabilistic studies as a major contributor to core melt frequency and source term risk during shutdown conditions. The wide range of plant states encountered and the unavailability of certain safety features make it difficult to guarantee that safety systems operation will always be sufficient to terminate the accident evolution. In this context analyses are performed using MELCOR 1.8.5 for loss of residual heat removal (RHR) at various times during mid-loop operation of a Westinghouse two-loop PWR. In the absence of recovery of RHR or other accident management (AM) measures, the sequences necessarily lead to a long term core uncovery, heat-up and degradation, loss of geometry and eventual failure of the reactor pressure vessel (RPV). The results show an extensive time window before uncovery and additionally before core damage, which increase progressively with increasing time after shutdown at which loss of RHR occurs. Significant oxidation of the cladding may result in concentrations of hydrogen sufficient for deflagration. The slow evolution implies an opportunity for the plant operators to initiate AM measures even after core uncovery has started. The analyses indicate a substantial time window during the uncovery within which the injection can recover the core without damage. The upper end of the window is determined by the temperature at which heat from cladding oxidation becomes a dominant factor, marking a critical point for the effectiveness of this recovery mode. The results provide confidence in the inherent robustness of the plant with respect to accident sequences of this type.     

注水时机对压水堆严重事故进程的影响

以典型的3环路压水堆为参考对象,建立了详细的严重事故计算模型。选择一回路热段当量直径为18 cm的失水事故(LOCA)作为初始事件,采用RELAP5/SCDAP/MOD3.2为分析工具,对无注水、无缓解措施下的基准事故进程进行计算分析,研究3种不同注水时机对严重事故进程的影响。3种注水时机分别为堆芯表面峰值温度达到1100 K、1300 K、1500 K时开始注水。计算结果显示,压水堆严重事故进程对于注水的时机非常敏感。较早阶段的注水对于阻止堆芯熔化十分有效,注水较晚会恶化事故进程,加速堆芯熔化。     

Stepwise integral scaling method for severe accident analysis and its application to corium dispersion in direct containment heating

Accident sequences which lead to severe core damage and to possible radioactive fission products into the environment have a very low probability. However, the interest in this area increased significantly due to the occurrence of the small break loss-of-coolant accident at TM1–2 which led to partial core damage, and of the Chernobyl accident in the former USSR which led to extensive core disassembly and significant release of fission products over several countries. In particular, the latter accident raised the international concern over the potential consequences of severe accidents in nuclear reactor systems. One of the significant shortcomings in the analyses of severe accidents is the lack of well-established and reliable scaling criteria for various multiphase flow phenomena. However, the scaling criteria are essential to the severe accident, because the full scale tests are basically impossible to perform. They are required for (1) designing scaled down or simulation experiments, (2) evaluating data and extrapolating the data to prototypic conditions, and (3) developing correctly scaled physical models and correlations. In view of this, a new scaling method is developed for the analysis of severe accidents. Its approach is quite different from the conventional methods. In order to demonstrate its applicability, this new stepwise integral scaling method has been applied to the analysis of the corium dispersion problem in the direct containment heating.     

严重事故下正常余热排出系统向堆芯注水策略分析

选取导致堆芯熔化频率最高的始发严重事故--直接注入（DVI）管线断裂事故,以及典型高压熔堆事故--丧失主给水始发事故(LOFW),利用MAAP4程序,分析反应堆堆芯热工水力行为,并对正常余热排出系统（RNS）堆芯注水策略的有效性与负面效应进行评估。分析结果表明,在DVI管线断裂事故和LOFW严重事故序列中,利用RNS进行堆芯注水可有效终止堆芯熔化进程,维持堆芯长期冷却。但堆芯再淹没会产生更多的氢气,存在增加安全壳氢气燃烧风险的可能性。此外通过分析利用严重事故管理导则中辅助计算文件给出的堆芯最小流量实施堆芯注水策略,讨论注水流量对堆芯冷却的影响,结果表明,在实施堆芯注水策略时,建议在系统允许的情况下采用更高的流速进行堆芯冷却。     

先进非能动压水堆防火喷淋对严重事故的缓解作用研究

依据先进非能动压水堆的严重事故管理导则(SAMG),消防系统中的防火喷淋系统,尽管属于非安全相关的系统,仍可以作为严重事故缓解策略,在以下三个方面起到严重事故缓解的作用:减少放射性气溶胶的质量;安全壳降温降压;安全壳注水。因此本文利用一体化严重事故分析程序,选取典型事故序列,评估防火喷淋系统在严重事故中的三种缓解作用的有效性为防火喷淋在严重事故管理导则中的应用提供技术支持。分析结果表明,防火喷淋系统能够实现堆腔淹没,在一定时间内进行安全壳降压,以及减少安全壳中放射性气溶胶的含量的作用,但由于系统限制,防火喷淋进行堆腔淹没的流量不能满足安全限值,并且只能推迟而不能够避免安全壳的失效。防火喷淋系统对严重事故的缓解作用虽然是有限的,但可为其他相关系统或设备的修复提供一定时间。     

Simulation of the structure-mechanical behaviour of a PWR coolant loop under extreme loads

Finite element models of a loop of the coolant system of a PWR (primary side and parts of secondary side) have been developed. The structural response of the models relating to an accident management (AM) load case involving secondary side bleed and feed as well as the fictitious extreme case of a blocked steam generator movement were analyzed.     

秦山一厂严重事故管理导则典型事故缓解对策有效性验证

在日本福岛核事故后,国家核安全局要求核电运营单位提升应对严重事故的能力。按照国家核安全局要求,秦山一厂开发了严重事故管理导则。应用MELCOR程序建立了秦山一厂严重事故分析模型,模拟典型严重事故序列,根据严重事故管理导则的缓解对策,分析实施事故缓解对策对核电厂主要参数的影响,从而验证事故缓解对策的有效性。分析结果表明:在严重事故情况下,按照严重事故管理导则实施缓解对策,可有效地延缓或终止堆芯损坏的过程。