Leak detection capability in CANDU reactors

Conference · Tue Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:489338

Azer, N; Barber, D H; Boucher, P J ^[1]

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1. and others

This paper addresses the moisture leak detection capability of Ontario Hydro CANDU reactors which has been demonstrated by performing tests on the reactor. The tests confirmed the response of the annulus gas system (AGS) to the presence of moisture injected to simulate a pressure tube leak and also confirmed the dew point response assumed in leak before break assessments. The tests were performed on Bruce A Unit 4 by injecting known and controlled rates of heavy water vapor. To avoid condensation during test conditions, the amount of moisture which could be injected was small (2-3.5 g/hr). The test response demonstrated that the AGS is capable of detecting and annunciating small leaks. Thus confidence is provided that it would alarm for a growing pressure tube leak where the leak rate is expected to increase to kg/hr rapidly. The measured dew point response was close to that predicted by analysis.

• Research Organization: Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States). Div. of Engineering Technology; Electricite de France (EDF), 69 - Villeurbanne (France); Battelle, Columbus, OH (United States)
• OSTI ID: 489338
• Report Number(s): NUREG/CP--0155; CONF-9510432--; ON: TI97004806
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
CANDU TYPE REACTORS
LEAK DETECTORS
LEAKS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PIPES
PRESSURE TUBES