Melt seepage and plugging in an ex-vessel core-retention device composed of magnesia bricks

Conference · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:6320676

Pilch, M; Fish, J

A magnesia brick crucible, used as an ex-vessel core retention device, has been proposed for floating nuclear plants. The refractory brick concept has also been suggested for LMFBR plants, including Clinch River. The purpose of an ex-vessel core retention device is to prevent core-concrete interactions following a core melt accident. One disadvantage of the brick crucible concept is the design requirement for some spacing between bricks to allow for thermal expansion. Cracks resulting from thermal stress or mechanical damage will also be present. Both types of channels introduce a major failure mode. Penetration of the channels by melt could initiate catastrophic and rapid failure of the crucible by eroding the interlocking network and freeing bricks to float away. PLUGM, a coupled, thermal-hydraulic, computer model, answers questions concerning melt seepage and plugging in a cold channel. This paper also describes a series of experiments in which high-temperature steel and oxide melts are poured onto Harklase magnesia bricks. The experiments are designed to validate PLUGM predictions using prototypic materials.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6320676
• Report Number(s): SAND-82-2891C; CONF-830702-2; ON: DE83004955
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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