Data report of ROSA/LSTF experiment SB-PV-09; 1.9% pressure vessel top small break LOCA with SG depressurization and gas inflow

Takeda, Takeshi 

An experiment denoted as SB-PV-09 was conducted on November 17, 2005 using the Large Scale Test Facility (LSTF) in the Rig of Safety Assessment-V (ROSA-V) Program. The ROSA/LSTF experiment SB-PV-09 simulated a 1.9% pressure vessel top small-break loss-of-coolant accident in a pressurized water reactor (PWR). The test assumptions included total failure of high pressure injection system and non-condensable gas (nitrogen gas) inflow to the primary system from accumulator (ACC) tanks of emergency core cooling system (ECCS). In the experiment, liquid level in the upper-head was found to control break flow rate. When maximum core exit temperature reached 623 K, steam generator (SG) secondary-side depressurization was initiated by fully opening the relief valves in both SGs as an accident management (AM) action. The AM action, however, was ineffective on the primary depressurization until the SG secondary-side pressure decreased to the primary pressure. Meanwhile, the core power was automatically reduced when maximum cladding surface temperature of simulated fuel rods exceeded the pre-determined value of 958 K to protect the LSTF core due to late and slow response of core exit temperature. After the automatic core power reduction, loop seal clearing (LSC) was induced in both loops by steam condensation on the ACC coolant injected into cold legs. The whole core was quenched because of core recovery after the LSC. After the ACC tanks started to discharge nitrogen gas, the pressure difference between the primary and SG secondary sides became larger. After the continuous core cooling was confirmed through the actuation of low pressure injection system of ECCS, the experiment was terminated. This report summarizes the test procedures, conditions, and major observations in the ROSA/LSTF experiment SB-PV-09.