ISSN:
1573-8205
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
,
Physics
Notes:
Conclusions From the results of experimental studies on models, computer investigations based on methods which have been developed, and the analysis of malfunctions in BN-350 steam generators, it is now possible, to give a fairly complete description of the evolution of breakdown processes for various leaks of water into sodium (large and small leaks) The experience of the BN-350 is of fundamental importance from the point of view of the possibility of combining sodium and water in an NPS scheme and the validity of separating them by one wall in industrial steam generators. It was shown that even when considerable water enters the sodium, it is possible to contain the breakdown processes within the sodium circuit without it disintegrating. The presently available information about breakdown processes associated with a leak of water into sodium makes it possible to formulate the main requirements for a steam generator and its stand-by shielding system (the sensitivity of leak-indicating instruments, the response speed of protective devices, the characteristics of the discharge and separation devices, etc.) which would not only ensure the safety of the NPS, but also to reduce to a minimum the size of the failure of the steam-generator elements and the extent of contamination of the coolant by the reaction products in a breakdown regime. In view of this, a steam generator with sectioned construction and an appropriate shielding system has certain advantages which make it possible to contain the breakdown effects within the confines of the damaged section and to ensure (when necessary) the continuous operation of the steam generator on the effective sections no matter what the size of the initial leak of water into the sodium.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01120346
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