Containment Source Terms for Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor Accidents

Containment Source Terms for Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor Accidents
Author: Marissa Umbel
Publisher:
Total Pages: 65
Release: 2011
Genre:
ISBN:

Abstract: The objective of this research was to develop a methodology to determine containment source terms for sodium fast reactors as well as to develop a code to be used for modeling severe accident progressions in SFRs. An integrated analysis tool comparable to MELCOR does not exist for SFR accident scenario analysis that is capable of predicting radionuclide release and transport, so it was necessary to develop the RCS code. The RCS code developed in this project assesses transient RCS thermal-hydraulic conditions, release of radionuclides from fuel, transport of gases, vapors, and aerosols via bubbles to the cover gas region, and vaporization of sodium from the pool and partitioning of radionuclides in solution in the pool to the cover gas region. The RCS code also performs a mass and energy balance of a two-region pool and calculates reactor kinetics. In order to support the demonstration of risk-informed approach to the design optimization of an SFR in a DOE-funded research program, it was necessary to make realistic estimates of the consequences of severe accident scenarios. This thesis describes the assumptions used to estimate the magnitude of representative containment source terms for characteristic accident scenarios, which are used as surrogates for licensing basis events in the DOE study . The results of this paper were used in the DOE study as input to the MELCOR code to determine radionuclide release from containment and the magnitude of offsite doses. The results were also compared with NUREG-1465 which describes the NRC's light water reactor containment source terms.

Modelling and Simulation of the Source Term for a Sodium Cooled Fast Reactor Under Hypothetical Severe Accident Conditions

Modelling and Simulation of the Source Term for a Sodium Cooled Fast Reactor Under Hypothetical Severe Accident Conditions
Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2022-10-30
Genre:
ISBN: 9789201353221

Within the overall objective to support the development of fast reactor technology and to extend the predictive capabilities of existing simulation tools for design and safety analysis, this publication aims to improve the understanding of key phenomena involving radioactive material transport and reduce uncertainties in the estimation of potential releases to the environment. It arises from an IAEA coordinated research project (CRP), launched to perform modelling and simulation of the source term for sodium cooled fast reactors under hypothetical severe accident conditions. The publication presents the results and conclusions of the CRP to verify and validate modelling the in-vessel and in-containment source terms. The technical aspects addressed by the CRP are divided into three main parts: the in-vessel source term estimation, the primary system/containment interface source term estimation and the in-containment phenomenology. This publication documents the models, simulations, results and discussions.

A Methodology for Analyzing the Consequences of Accidents in Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors

A Methodology for Analyzing the Consequences of Accidents in Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors
Author: Acacia Joann Brunett
Publisher:
Total Pages: 118
Release: 2010
Genre:
ISBN:

Several accident scenarios are examined in the radionuclide release and transport analysis: varying sizes of sodium spills inside containment, arrested melt scenarios, an energetic recriticality event, core uncovery and a case of sustained sodium vaporization. The scenarios will be analyzed for both containment intact and containment failed, where the containment has a design basis leak rate of 1.0 v/o per day. Resulting offsite consequences are then compared with the NRC'S frequency-consequence (F-C) curve in the Technology Neutral Framework (TNF) for compliance. Calculations are also performed to examine the implications of satisfying the F-C curve and its relationship to satisfaction of the NRC's Quantitative Health Objectives.

Toward a Mechanistic Source Term in Advanced Reactors

Toward a Mechanistic Source Term in Advanced Reactors
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2016
Genre:
ISBN:

A vital component of the U.S. reactor licensing process is an integrated safety analysis in which a source term representing the release of radionuclides during normal operation and accident sequences is analyzed. Historically, source term analyses have utilized bounding, deterministic assumptions regarding radionuclide release. However, advancements in technical capabilities and the knowledge state have enabled the development of more realistic and best-estimate retention and release models such that a mechanistic source term assessment can be expected to be a required component of future licensing of advanced reactors. Recently, as part of a Regulatory Technology Development Plan effort for sodium cooled fast reactors (SFRs), Argonne National Laboratory has investigated the current state of knowledge of potential source terms in an SFR via an extensive review of previous domestic experiments, accidents, and operation. As part of this work, the significant sources and transport processes of radionuclides in an SFR have been identified and characterized. This effort examines all stages of release and source term evolution, beginning with release from the fuel pin and ending with retention in containment. Radionuclide sources considered in this effort include releases originating both in-vessel (e.g. in-core fuel, primary sodium, cover gas cleanup system, etc.) and ex-vessel (e.g. spent fuel storage, handling, and movement). Releases resulting from a primary sodium fire are also considered as a potential source. For each release group, dominant transport phenomena are identified and qualitatively discussed. The key product of this effort was the development of concise, inclusive diagrams that illustrate the release and retention mechanisms at a high level, where unique schematics have been developed for in-vessel, ex-vessel and sodium fire releases. This review effort has also found that despite the substantial range of phenomena affecting radionuclide release, the current state of knowledge is extensive, and in most areas may be sufficient. Several knowledge gaps were identified, such as uncertainty in release from molten fuel and availability of thermodynamic data for lanthanides and actinides in liquid sodium. However, the overall findings suggest that high retention rates can be expected within the fuel and primary sodium for all radionuclides other than noble gases.

Liquid Metal Cooled Reactors

Liquid Metal Cooled Reactors
Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2007
Genre: Liquid metal cooled reactors
ISBN: 9789201079077

Presents a survey of worldwide experience gained with fast breeder reactor design, development and operation. Coverage includes state of the art of liquid metal fast reactor development; lead-bismuth cooled (LBC) ship reactor operation experience and LBC fast power reactor development; and treatment and disposal of spent sodium.

Status of Fast Reactor Research and Technology Development

Status of Fast Reactor Research and Technology Development
Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2012
Genre: Fast reactors
ISBN: 9781523130191

"Based on a recommendation from the Technical Working Group on Fast Reactors, this publication is a regular update of previous publications on fast reactor technology. The publication provides comprehensive and detailed information on the technology of fast neutron reactors. The focus is on practical issues that are useful to engineers, scientists, managers, university students and professors. The main issues of discussion are experience in design, construction, operation and decommissioning, various areas of research and development, engineering, safety and national strategies, and public acceptance of fast reactors. In the summary the reader will find national strategies, international initiatives on innovative (i.e. Generation IV) systems and an assessment of public acceptance as related to fast reactors."--Résumé de l'éditeur.

Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors

Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors
Author: Masaki Morishita
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 666
Release: 2022-07-22
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0128240776

Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors is the third volume in the JSME Series on Thermal and Nuclear Power Generation, which presents a comprehensive view of the latest research and activities from around the globe. Volume Editors Masaki Morishita and Hiroyuki Ohshima, along with their team of expert contributors, combine their knowledge and experience to provide a solid understanding of the history of SFRs and work carried out in Japan to date. This book uniquely includes case studies from these global regions to highlight SFR uses, benefits and challenges, focusing on their safety, design, operation, and maintenance. Unique to this publication, the JSME cover key technological advances which will shape power generation of the future, including developments in the use of AI for design. Drawing on their unique experience, the authors pass on lessons learned and best practices to support professionals and researchers in their development and design of this advanced reactor type. - Written by the leaders and pioneers in nuclear research at the Japanese Society of Mechanical Engineers and draws upon their combined wealth of knowledge and experience - Includes real examples and case studies mainly from Japan to provide a deeper learning opportunity with practical benefits - Considers the societal impact and sustainability concerns and goals throughout the discussion - Includes safety factors and considerations, as well as unique results from performance testing of SFR systems

Handbook of Generation IV Nuclear Reactors

Handbook of Generation IV Nuclear Reactors
Author: Igor Pioro
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
Total Pages: 1112
Release: 2022-12-07
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0128226536

Handbook of Generation IV Nuclear Reactors, Second Edition is a fully revised and updated comprehensive resource on the latest research and advances in generation IV nuclear reactor concepts. Editor Igor Pioro and his team of expert contributors have updated every chapter to reflect advances in the field since the first edition published in 2016. The book teaches the reader about available technologies, future prospects and the feasibility of each concept presented, equipping them users with a strong skillset which they can apply to their own work and research. - Provides a fully updated, revised and comprehensive handbook dedicated entirely to generation IV nuclear reactors - Includes new trends and developments since the first publication, as well as brand new case studies and appendices - Covers the latest research, developments and design information surrounding generation IV nuclear reactors