Analysis of a passive ex-vessel core retention device during a postulated core melt event
An assessment has been carried out on the penetration of a molten core into a passive ex-vessel retention device (constructed from MgO). The MELSAC computer code has been developed to model molten UO/sub 2/ penetrating MgO. The model also accounts for the feedback effect of heating-up surrounding structures. The sensitivity of MgO penetration and heating-up of structures to a range of MELSAC input variables was evaluated. The scoping study indicated that the amount of heat that can be rejected to structures above the pool tends to control the penetration of MgO. The installation of a core retention device greatly increases the time at which a molten core would be released from containment. However, structures in the reactor cavity would have to be protected to prevent damage by thermal radiation from the pool surface.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76CH00016
- OSTI ID:
- 6409732
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-NUREG-27594; CONF-800403-44; ON: TI85003570
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: ANS thermal reactor safety meeting, Knoxville, TN, USA, 8 Apr 1980
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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