Natural convection and in-cavity oxidation of combustible gases

Conference · Sat Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:6438915

Wong, C Channy

The question of complete in-cavity oxidation of combustible gases produced by core-concrete interactions following vessel breach has been investigated. It is overly optimistic to assume a complete oxidation because a variety of phenomena, such as steam inerting and oxygen transport by natural convection, may influence the degree of in-cavity oxidation that takes place. HECTR analyses of an ice-condenser containment during an S2HF drain-closed accident show that the in-cavity oxidation process is limited by the rate at which oxygen is transported into the reactor cavity region. Accumulation and subsequent combustion of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the upper and lower compartments generate a peak pressure of 384 kPa (56 psig) at 7.4 hours, that an earlier IDCOR analysis did not predict.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6438915
• Report Number(s): SAND-86-2508C; CONF-870816-13; ON: DE87007847
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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