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Title: Correlation for predicting reactor power during a BWR ATWS

Conference · · Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6992950

An anticipated transient without scram (ATWS), while of low probability, has received much attention because of its potentially serious consequences. Under certain ATWS sequences for a boiling water reactor (BWR), it would be desirable to reduce system power, particularly where the primary system has been isolated by closure of all main steam isolation valves and is discharging steam through its safety/relief valve system to the suppression pool. Reducing reactor power increases the time available to shut down the reactor by minimizing the heat dumped to the suppression pool and thereby helping to keep the suppression pool temperature and the containment stresses with limits. This paper describes the correlation developed to provide the degree of power reduction which can be achieved for a BWR during ATWS conditions by intentionally reducing the system coolant inventory and pressure. Under proposed emergency procedure guidelines for the ATWS event, the reactor water level would be lowered to reduce system power. The correlation is based on three-dimensional quasi-static analysis based on Electric Power Research Institute computer codes NATBWR and verified by the transient code RETRAN-02.

Research Organization:
EPRI, Palo Alto, CA
OSTI ID:
6992950
Report Number(s):
CONF-861102-; TRN: 87-008125
Journal Information:
Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States), Vol. 53; Conference: American Nuclear Society and Atomic Industrial Forum joint meeting, Washington, DC, USA, 16 Nov 1986
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English