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

Takeda, Takeshi ; Onuki, Akira*; Kanamori, Daisuke*; Otsu, Iwao 

Two tests related to a new safety system for PWR were performed with ROSA/LSTF. 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 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 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. 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.