Transient Hydraulic Response of a Pressurized Water Reactor Steam Generator to a Feedwater Line Break Using the Nonflashing Liquid Flow Model

2016 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong Chull Jo ◽  
Jae Jun Jeong ◽  
Frederick J. Moody
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Model ◽  
Steam Generator ◽  
Liquid Flow ◽  
Transient Flow ◽  
Cfd Analysis ◽  
Simple Analytical Model ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Hydraulic Loading ◽  
Transient Velocity ◽  
Secondary Side

In this study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the transient flow field inside the secondary side of a nuclear reactor steam generator (SG) during blowdown following a feedwater line break (FWLB) accident is performed to evaluate the transient hydraulic loading (pressure) on the SG internals and tubes. The nonflashing liquid flow is assumed for a conservative prediction of the transient blowdown loading. The CFD analysis results are illustrated in terms of the transient velocity and pressure disturbances at some selected monitoring points inside the SG secondary side and compared with those predictions obtained from the existing simple analytical model to examine the physical validity of the CFD analysis model. As a result, the existing simple analytical model cannot yield the transient velocity and pressure disturbances and results in underestimation during blowdown as compared to the CFD calculations. Based on the present CFD analysis results, it is seen that an FWLB may result in excessive disastrous transient hydraulic loading on the SG internal structures and tubes near the feedwater inlet nozzle due to the significant pressure changes (pressure wave with very high amplitude) and abruptly increased velocity of water near the feedwater nozzle.

Transient Thermal-Hydraulic Responses of the Nuclear Steam Generator Secondary Side to a Main Steam Line Break1

2015 ◽  
Vol 137 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong Chull Jo ◽  
Frederick J. Moody
Keyword(s):  
Steam Generator ◽  
Steam Line ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Main Steam Line ◽  
Main Steam ◽  
Transient Thermal ◽  
Secondary Side

This paper presents a multidimensional numerical analysis of the transient thermal-hydraulic response of a steam generator (SG) secondary side to a double-ended guillotine break of the main steam line attached to the SG at a pressurized water reactor (PWR) plant. A simplified analysis model is designed to include both the SG upper space, which the steam occupies and a part of the main steam line between the SG outlet nozzle and the pipe break location upstream of the main steam isolation valve. The transient steam flow through the analysis model is simulated using the shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model. The steam is treated as a real gas. To model the steam generation by heat transfer from the primary coolant to the secondary side coolant for a short period during the blow down process following the main steam line break (MSLB) accident, a constant amount of steam is assumed to be generated from the bottom of the SG upper space part. Using the numerical approach mentioned above, calculations have been performed for the analysis model having the same physical dimensions of the main steam line pipe and initial operational conditions as those for an actual operating plant. The calculation results have been discussed in detail to investigate their physical meanings and validity. The results demonstrate that the present computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is applicable for simulating the transient thermal-hydraulic responses in the event of the MSLB accident including the blowdown-induced dynamic pressure disturbance in the SG. In addition, it has been found that the dynamic hydraulic loads acting on the SG tubes can be increased by 2–8 times those loads during the normal reactor operation. This implies the need to re-assess the potential for single or multiple SG tube ruptures due to fluidelastic instability for ensuring the reactor safety.

scholarly journals ROSA/LSTF Tests and RELAP5 Posttest Analyses for PWR Safety System Using Steam Generator Secondary-Side Depressurization against Effects of Release of Nitrogen Gas Dissolved in Accumulator Water

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Takeshi Takeda ◽  
Akira Ohnuki ◽  
Daisuke Kanamori ◽  
Iwao Ohtsu
Keyword(s):  
Steam Generator ◽  
Safety System ◽  
Injection System ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Gas Release ◽  
Dissolved Gas ◽  
Nitrogen Gas ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Secondary Side

Two tests related to a new safety system for a pressurized water reactor were performed with the ROSA/LSTF (rig of safety assessment/large scale test facility). The tests simulated cold leg small-break loss-of-coolant accidents with 2-inch diameter break using an early steam generator (SG) secondary-side depressurization with or without release of nitrogen gas dissolved in accumulator (ACC) water. The SG depressurization was initiated by fully opening the depressurization valves in both SGs immediately after a safety injection signal. The pressure difference between the primary and SG secondary sides after the actuation of ACC system was larger in the test with the dissolved gas release than that in the test without the dissolved gas release. No core uncovery and heatup took place because of the ACC coolant injection and two-phase natural circulation. Long-term core cooling was ensured by the actuation of low-pressure injection system. The RELAP5 code predicted most of the overall trends of the major thermal-hydraulic responses after adjusting a break discharge coefficient for two-phase discharge flow under the assumption of releasing all the dissolved gas at the vessel upper plenum.

Degradation of Alloy 800 Under Steam Generator Secondary Side Crevice Conditions

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. C. Lu ◽  
G. Goszczynski ◽  
S. Ramamurthy
Keyword(s):  
Steam Generator ◽  
Safety Issue ◽  
Cold Work ◽  
Orientation Imaging Microscopy ◽  
Pressurized Water Reactor ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Electrochemical Tests ◽  
Orientation Imaging ◽  
Alloy 800 ◽  
Secondary Side

Alloy 800 is the preferred steam generator (SG) tube materials for CANDU™ reactors and is also used extensively in SGs in some pressurized water reactor (PWR) systems. Degradation of Alloy 800 SG tubing has only been found in a few tubes at a limited number of stations despite the large number of SG tube operating years accumulated to date. Recently, underdeposit corrosion was detected in a few ex-service tubs removed from some CANDU SGs. Pits like wall loss of about 5% to 10% through-wall depth were found in these ex-service tubes. Evidence of intra-tubesheet cracking of Alloy 800 tubes was detected in a few European PWR SGs. There is no degradation in mechanical properties of these ex-service CANDU SG tubes. In addition, the degradation of Alloy 800 tubes observed so far is not a safety issue. However, the findings suggest that Alloy 800 tubing may have some aging degradation susceptibility after many years of service. Whether the degradation of Alloy 800 tubing is due to imperfections in its compositional or metallurgical properties inherent from manufacturing, or due to the aggressive chemistry conditions that should have been precluded by modern chemistry control strategy require clarification. Comprehensive examinations, including metallurgical examinations, orientation imaging microscopy (OIM), surface analyses and electrochemical measurements were performed on the removed ex-service CANDU SG tubes that had some underdeposit corrosion. The results were compared with a reference nuclear grade Alloy 800 tubing and with archive Alloy 800 new SG tubes from several CANDU stations. High-temperature electrochemical tests, scanning vibrating electrode Technique (SVET) measurements as well as C-ring autoclave tests were performed to determine the possible factors leading to Alloy 800 SG tubing degradation. SCC was initiated in a few C-ring specimens in the presence of artificial cold work flaws under simulated acidic SG secondary-side crevices chemistry conditions. OIM and surface analysis were also performed to characterize the degradation initiated in Alloy 800 tubing under the influence of cold work flaws. The possible factors leading to Alloy 800 SG tubing degradation under SG secondary crevices conditions are discussed.

Evaluation of a Numerical Analysis Model for the Transient Response of Nuclear Steam Generator Secondary Side to a Sudden Steam Line Break

2016 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong Chull Jo ◽  
Bok Ki Min ◽  
Jae Jun Jeong
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Analysis ◽  
Steam Generator ◽  
Steam Line ◽  
Pressurized Water Reactor ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Transient Thermal ◽  
Phase Change Heat Transfer ◽  
Secondary Side ◽  
Good Agreement

This paper presents an evaluation of the applicability of a numerical analysis model to the transient thermal-hydraulic response of steam generator (SG) secondary side to blowdown following a steam line break (SLB) at a pressurized water reactor (PWR). To do this, the numerical analysis model was applied to simulate the same blowdown situation as in an available experiment which was conducted for a simplified SG blowdown model, and the numerical results were compared with the measurements. As a result, both are in reasonably good agreement with each other. Consequently, the present numerical analysis model is evaluated to have the applicability for numerical simulations of the transient phase change heat transfer and flow situations in PWR SGs during blowdown following a SLB.

Evaluation of single heated channel and subchannel modeling of a nuclear once through steam generator (OTSG)

Kerntechnik ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-67
Author(s):  
A. Hamedani ◽  
O. Noori-Kalkhoran ◽  
R. Ahangari ◽  
M. Gei
Keyword(s):  
Steam Generator ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Axial Direction ◽  
Pressurized Water Reactors ◽  
Steam Generators ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Heated Channel ◽  
Water Reactors ◽  
Secondary Side

Abstract Steam generators are one of the most important components of pressurized-water reactors. This component plays the role of heat transfer and pressure boundary between primary and secondary side fluids. The Once Through Steam Generator (OTSG) is an essential component of the integrated nuclear power system. In this paper, steady-state analysis of primary and secondary fluids in the Integral Economizer Once Through Steam Generator (IEOTSG) have been presented by Single Heated Channel (SHC) and subchannel modelling. Models have been programmed by MATLAB and FORTRAN. First, SHC model has been used for this purpose (changes are considered only in the axial direction in this model). Second, the subchannel approach that considers changes in the axial and also radial directions has been applied. Results have been compared with Babcock and Wilcox (B&W) 19- tube once through steam generator experimental data. Thermal- hydraulic profiles have been presented for steam generator using both of models. Accuracy and simplicity of SHC model and importance of localization of thermal-hydraulic profiles in subchannel approach have been proved.

The PSI Artist Project: Aerosol Retention and Accident Management Issues Following a Steam Generator Tube Rupture

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salih Gu¨ntay ◽  
Abdel Dehbi ◽  
Detlef Suckow ◽  
Jon Birchley
Keyword(s):  
Steam Generator ◽  
Tube Bundle ◽  
Severe Accident ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Steam Generator Tube ◽  
Full Size ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Accident Management ◽  
Dry Conditions ◽  
Secondary Side

Steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) incidents, such as those, which occurred in various operating pressurized, water reactors in the past, are serious operational concerns and remain among the most risk-dominant events. Although considerable efforts have been spent to understand tube degradation processes, develop improved modes of operation, and take preventative and corrective measures, SGTR incidents cannot be completely ruled out. Under certain conditions, high releases of radionuclides to the environment are possible during design basis accidents (DBA) and severe accidents. The severe accident codes’ models for aerosol retention in the secondary side of a steam generator (SG) have not been assessed against any experimental data, which means that the uncertainties in the source term following an unisolated SGTR concurrent with a severe accident are not currently quantified. The accident management (AM) procedures aim at avoiding or minimizing the release of fission products from the SG. The enhanced retention of activity within the SG defines the effectiveness of the accident management actions for the specific hardware characteristics and accident conditions of concern. A sound database on aerosol retention due to natural processes in the SG is not available, nor is an assessment of the effect of management actions on these processes. Hence, the effectiveness of the AM in SGTR events is not presently known. To help reduce uncertainties relating to SGTR issues, an experimental project, ARTIST (AeRosol Trapping In a Steam generaTor), has been initiated at the Paul Scherrer Institut to address aerosol and droplet retention in the various parts of the SG. The test section is comprised of a scaled-down tube bundle, a full-size separator and a full-size dryer unit. The project will study phenomena at the separate effect and integral levels and address AM issues in seven distinct phases: Aerosol retention in 1) the broken tube under dry secondary side conditions, 2) the near field close to break under dry conditions, 3) the bundle far-field under dry conditions, 4) the separator and dryer under dry conditions, 5) the bundle section under wet conditions, 6) droplet retention in the separator and dryer sections and 7) the overall SG (integral tests). Prototypical test parameters are selected to cover the range of conditions expected in severe accident as well as DBA scenarios. This paper summarizes the relevant issues and introduces the ARTIST facility and the provisional test program which will run between 2003 and 2007.

Transient Thermal-Hydraulic Responses of the Nuclear Steam Generator Secondary Side to a Main Steam Line Break

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong Chull Jo ◽  
Frederick J. Moody
Keyword(s):  
Steam Generator ◽  
Steam Line ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Main Steam Line ◽  
Main Steam ◽  
Transient Thermal ◽  
Secondary Side

This paper presents a multi-dimensional numerical analysis of the transient thermal-hydraulic response of a steam generator secondary side to a double-ended guillotine break of the main steam line attached to the steam generator at a pressurized water reactor plant. A simplified analysis model is designed to include both the steam generator upper space where steam occupies and a part of the main steam line between the steam generator outlet nozzle and the pipe break location upstream of the main steam isolation valve. The transient steam flow through the analysis model is simulated using the shear stress transport turbulence model. The steam is treated as a real gas. To model the steam generation by heat transfer from the primary coolant to the secondary side coolant for a short period during the blow down process following the main steam line break accident, a constant amount of steam is assumed to be generated from the bottom of the steam generator upper space part. Using the numerical approach mentioned above, calculations have been performed for the analysis model having the same physical dimensions of the main steam line pipe and initial operational conditions as those for an actual operating plant. The calculation results have been discussed in detail to investigate their physical meanings and validity. The results demonstrate that the present CFD model is applicable for simulating the transient thermal-hydraulic responses in the event of the MSLB accident including the blowdown-induced dynamic pressure disturbance in the SG. In addition, it has been found that the dynamic hydraulic loads acting on the SG tubes can be increased by 2 to 8 times those loads during the normal reactor operation. This implies the need to re-assess the potential for single or multiple SG tube ruptures due to fluidelastic instability for ensuring the reactor safety.

Thermal-Hydraulic Response of the Secondary Side of a PWR Steam Generator With an Internal Structure to a Main Steam Line Break

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong Chull Jo
Keyword(s):  
Internal Structure ◽  
Steam Generator ◽  
Steam Line ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Main Steam Line ◽  
Main Steam ◽  
Secondary Side ◽  
Hydraulic Response

This study addresses a numerical analysis of the thermal-hydraulic response of the secondary side of a steam generator (SG) model with an internal structure to a main steam line break (MSLB) at a pressurized water reactor (PWR) plant. The analysis model is comprised of the SG upper space where steam occupies and the part of the main steam pipe between the SG outlet nozzle and the broken pipe end upstream of the main steam isolation valve. To investigate the effects of the presence of the SG internal structure on the thermal-hydraulic response to the MSLB, the numerical calculation results for the analysis model having a perforated horizontal plate as the SG internal structure are compared to those obtained for a simple analysis model having no SG internal structure. Both analysis models have the same physical dimensions except for the internal structure. The initial operating conditions for both SG models are identical to those for an actual operating plant. To simplify the analyses, it is assumed that steam is constantly generated from the bottom of the SG secondary side space during the blowdown process. As the results, it has been found that the pressure wave significantly attenuates as it passes through the perforated internal structure and as time elapses. This leads to reduction in instantaneous hydraulic load on the internal structure including tubing. However, it is seen that the presence of the internal structure does not affect the transient velocities of steam passing through the SG tube bundle during the blowdown, which are 2 to 8 times the velocities during the normal reactor operation as in the case for the empty SG. Consequently, the present findings should be considered for the design of the steam generator to ensure the reactor safety as such elevated high steam velocities can cause fluidelastic instability of tubes which results in high cycle fatigue failure of the tubes.

Effects of Initial Pressure and Length of a Broken Pipe on the Transient Hydraulic Loads Acting on Nuclear Steam Generator Tubes and Supports During Blowdown Following a Sudden Feedwater Pipe Break

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong Chull Jo ◽  
Jae-Jun Jeong ◽  
Byong-Jo Yun
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Steam Generator ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Transient Flow ◽  
Initial Pressure ◽  
Pressurized Water Reactor ◽  
Pipe Length ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Steam Generator Tubes ◽  
Transient Flow Fields

Abstract This paper investigates the effects of steam generator initial pressure and length of a broken feedwater pipe on the transient hydraulic loads on the pressurized water reactor (PWR) steam generator (SG) tubes and supports during blowdown following a sudden feedwater line break (FWLB). To do this, the transient flow fields inside the SG and the connected broken feedwater pipe are calculated by realistically treating the discharge flow as the sub-cooled water flashing flow. Then, the calculated transient flow field data are used to predict the transient hydraulic loads on the PWR SG tubes and supports for some specified cases where the SG initial pressure or the broken feedwater pipe length are different from each other.

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