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Conceptual design of an in-vessel core catcher

Journal Article · · Nuclear Engineering and Design
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An enhanced in-vessel core catcher is being designed and evaluated as part of a joint United States (US)–Korean International Nuclear Energy Research Initiative (INERI) investigating methods to insure retention of materials that may relocate to the lower head of a reactor vessel under severe accident conditions in advanced reactors. This enhanced core catcher design consists of several interlocking sections that are machined to fit together when inserted into the lower head. Each section of the core catcher consists of two material layers with an option to add a third layer (if deemed necessary): a base material, which has the capability to support and contain the mass of core materials that may relocate during a severe accident; an insulator coating material on top of the base material, which resists interactions with high-temperature core materials; and an optional coating on the bottom side of the base material to prevent any potential oxidation of the base material during the lifetime of the reactor. This paper summarizes results from thermal, flow, and structural analyses as well as initial scoping materials interaction tests that were completed to support the conceptual design of the core catcher.
Research Organization:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE - NE
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-99ID13727
OSTI ID:
912204
Report Number(s):
INEEL/JOU-03-00801
Journal Information:
Nuclear Engineering and Design, Journal Name: Nuclear Engineering and Design Journal Issue: 1-3 Vol. 230; ISSN NEDEAU; ISSN 0029-5493
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
ACCIDENTS
COATINGS
CORE CATCHERS
DESIGN
INERI
LIFETIME
NUCLEAR ENERGY
OXIDATION
REACTOR VESSELS
RETENTION
advance reactors
in-vessel core catcher
lower head
relocate