PLUTONIUM RECYCLE TEST REACTOR FINAL SAFEGUARDS ANALYSIS. SUPPLEMENT 2. CONSEQUENCES OF A PRIMARY COOLANT LEAK
The emergency light water injection system is designed to automatically supply coolant to the reactor upon loss of the primary coolant. Two separate systems are provided for light water injection, a high pressure system supplied by the boiler feed pumps and a low pressure injection system supplied by the diesel driven well pump. The high pressure light water injection system can provide an adequate supply of back up coolant for primary system leaks of any size. However, if lightwater injection must be accomplished with the low pressure injection system, for example because of boiler feed pump failure, a small leak would necessitate rapid depressurization of the primary coolant system so that light water could be injected before any fuel element melting occurred. A 2-inch vent valve on the pressurizer, opened automatically upon initiation of light water injection, is provided for rapid depressurization of the primary coolant system. Deaks in the primary coolazt system have been shown to have little effect on reactivity. Process tube ruptures have a negative reactivity effect, except when the primary coolant is cold and pressurized. A process tube leak when the primary coolant is cold and pressurized, would result in a very small positive reactivity addition of 0.25 mk. After light water injection has been sturted, the size and location of the leak will determine what action must be taken to assure continued adequate cooling. For a leak in the upper access space, a process tube leak, a leak in the heat exchanger leg, snd a small leak in the lower access space, the 14-inch valve in the primary coolant outlet line should be opened. However, for a large leak in the lower access space, the 14- inch valve must be kept closed. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co. Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(45-1)-1350
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-019664
- OSTI ID:
- 4069886
- Report Number(s):
- HW-61236(Suppl. 2)
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-61
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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