A Rapid evaluation method of the heat removed by a VCS before rise-to-power tests

Takamatsu, Kuniyoshi  

Before rise-to-power tests, the actual measured value of heat released from the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) or removed by the Vessel Cooling System (VCS) cannot be obtained. It is difficult for operators to evaluate the reactor outlet coolant temperature supplied from the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) before rise-to-power tests. Therefore, when the actual measured value of heat released from the RPV or removed by the VCS are changed during rise-to-power tests, operators need to evaluate quickly, within a few minutes, the heat removed by the VCS and the reactor outlet coolant temperature of 30 (MW), at the 100% of the reactor power, before the temperature achieves to 967 (C) which is the maximum temperature limit generating the reactor scram. In this paper, a rapid evaluation method for use by operators is presented.