Virginijus Vileiniškis

Best estimate analysis of group distribution header blockage events in RBMK-1500 reactors

Abstract The analysis of Group Distribution Header (GDH) blockage events shows that the integrity of several fuel channels could be violated. A best estimate analysis of GDH blockage events in the RBMK-1500 reactor (Large Channel Type Water-cooled Graphite-moderated Reactor) of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant is performed. Uncertainties of the initial and boundary conditions as well as ATHLET code models were taken into account during the simulation. The analysis is performed employing the code ATHLET Mod. 1.2 Cycle D and the package SUSA 3.5. In this paper the ATHLET code model of Ignalina NPP, event scenarios and results of the analysis are presented. Analysis results show that GDH blockage events do not lead to severe consequences.

Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of MCPs’ trip events at Ignalina NPP

Abstract Eight main circulation pumps (MCPs) are employed for the cooling water forced circulation through the RBMK-1500 reactor at the Ignalina nuclear power plant (NPP). There have been a few events when one or more MCPs were inadvertently tripped. This paper presents investigation of a one MCP trip event and all MCPs’ trip events at Ignalina NPP. Thermal-hydraulic analysis was conducted using the best estimate system code RELAP5/MOD3.3. Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of flow energy loss in different parts of the main circulation circuit (MCC), initial conditions and code-selected models was performed. Such analysis allows to estimate the influence of separate parameters on the calculation results and find those modelling parameters that have the largest impact on the investigated events. Uncertainty analysis indicates that natural circulation provides adequate cooling in the case of all MCPs tripped, and that the reactor is reliably cooled by forced circulation in the case of a single tripped MCP. On the basis of this analysis, recommendations for the further improvement of model are developed.

Analysis of the Processes in Spent Fuel Pools in Case of Loss of Heat Removal due to Water Leakage

The safe storage of spent fuel assemblies in the spent fuel pools is very important. These facilities are not covered by leaktight containment; thus, the consequences of overheating and melting of fuel in the spent fuel pools can be very severe. On the other hand, due to low decay heat of fuel assemblies, the processes in pools are slow in comparison with processes in reactor core during LOCA accident. Thus, the accident management measures play a very important role in case of some accidents in spent fuel pools. This paper presents the analysis of possible consequences of fuel overheating due to leakage of water from spent fuel pool. Also, the accident mitigation measure, the late injection of water was evaluated. The analysis was performed for the Ignalina NPP Unit 2 spent fuel pool, using system thermal hydraulic code for severe accident analysis ATHLET-CD. The phenomena, taking place during such accident, are discussed. Also, benchmarking of results of the same accident calculation using ASTEC and RELAP/SCDAPSIM codes is presented here.

Best estimate analysis of PHEBUS FPT1 experiment bundle phase using ASTEC code ICARE module

Abstract The main objective of the PHEBUS FPT1 experiment was to study the release of fission products and their subsequent transport and deposition in the primary circuit and the containment under the conditions representative of a severe accident of a Pressurised Water Reactor. The FPT1 test was divided into the bundle degradation, aerosol, washing and chemistry phases. The objective of this paper is related to the best estimate analysis of the bundle degradation phase using ASTEC code ICARE module. GRS (Germany) best estimate method was used for the simulation of FPT1 test by employing SUSA 3.5 package. The performed best estimate analysis showed that ICARE module is capable to model the main severe accidents phenomena in the fuel bundle, heating and melting, taking into account the used physical and code parameters uncertainties.

Modelling of QUENCH-03 and QUENCH-06 Experiments Using RELAP/SCDAPSIM and ASTEC Codes

To prevent total meltdown of the uncovered and overheated core, the reflooding with water is a necessary accident management measure. Because these actions lead to the generation of hydrogen, which can cause further problems, the related phenomena are investigated performing experiments and computer simulations. In this paper, for the experiments of loss of coolant accidents, performed in Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, QUENCH-03 and QUENCH-06 are modelled using RELAP5/SCDAPSIM and ASTEC codes. The performed benchmark allowed analysing different modelling features. The recommendations for the model development are presented.

The Solution of Two-Dimensional Neutron Diffusion Equation with Delayed Neutrons

The distribution of neutron population in nuclear reactor is described by using transport equations. One of possible approximations of neutron transport equation is given by the neutron diffusion equation. The paper presents numerical solution method of one group neutron diffusion equation with one group of delayed neutrons.

Best Estimate Analysis of PHEBUS FPT1 Test Using RELAP/SCDAPSIM Code

The PHEBUS-FP program is an outstanding example of an international cooperative research program that is yielding valuable data for validating severe accident analysis computer codes. The main objective of the PHEBUS FPT1 experiment was to study the processes in the overheated reactor core, release of fission products and their subsequent transport and deposition under conditions representative of a severe accident of a Pressurised Water Reactor. The FPT1 test could be divided in the bundle degradation, aerosol, washing and chemistry phases. The objective of this article is the best estimate analysis of the bundle degradation phase. GRS (Germany) best estimate method with the statistic tool SUSA used for uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of calculation results and RELAP/SCDAPSIM code, designed to predict the behaviour of reactor systems during severe accident conditions, was used for the simulation of this test. The RELAP/SCDAPSIM calculation results were compared with the experimental measurements and calculations results, received by employing ICARE module of ASTEC V2 code. The performed analysis demonstrated, that the best estimate method, employing RELAP/SCDAPSIM and SUSA codes, is capable to model main severe accidents phenomena in the fuel bundle during the overheating and melting of reactor core.Copyright