The evolution of the break preclusion concept for nuclear power plants in Germany
- Gesellschaft fuer Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit, Koeln (Germany)
In the updating of the Guidelines for PWR`s of the {open_quotes}Reaktor-Sicherheitskommission{close_quotes} (RSK) in 1981 the requirements on the design have been changed with respect to the postulated leaks and breaks in the primary pressure boundary. The major change was a revision in the requirements for pipe whip protection. As a logical consequence of the {open_quotes}concept of basic safety{close_quotes} a guillotine type break or any other break type resulting in a large opening is not postulated any longer for the calculation of reaction and jet forces. As an upper limit for a leak an area of 0, 1 A (A = open cross section of the pipe) is postulated. This decision was based on a general assessment of the present PWR system design in Germany. Since then a number of piping systems have been requalified in the older nuclear power plants to comply with the break preclusion concept. Also a number of extensions of the concept have been developed to cover also leak-assumptions for branch pipes. Furthermore due considerations have been given to other aspects which could contribute to a leak development in the primary circuit, like vessel penetrations, manhole covers, flanges, etc. Now the break preclusion concept originally applied to the main piping has been developed into an integrated concept for the whole pressure boundary within the containment and will be applied also in the periodic safety review of present nuclear power plants.
- Research Organization:
- US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Washington, DC (United States). Div. of Engineering Technology; Electricite de France (EDF), 69 - Villeurbanne (France); Battelle Memorial Inst., Columbus, OH (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 489294
- Report Number(s):
- NUREG/CP-0155; CONF-9510432-; ON: TI97004806; TRN: 97:011434
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Seminar on leak before break in reactor piping and vessels, Lyon (France), 9-11 Oct 1995; Other Information: PBD: Apr 1997; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the seminar on leak before break in reactor piping and vessels; Faidy, C. [ed.] [Electricite de France, Villeurbanne (France)]; Gilles, P. [ed.] [Framatome, Paris (France)]; PB: 773 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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