Features of a control blade degradation observed during severe accidents in boiling water reactors

Pshenichnikov, A. ; Yamazaki, Saishun; Bottomley, D.; Nagae, Yuji ; Kurata, Masaki 

In the present paper new results using video, are presented regarding BWR control blade degradation up to 1750 K at the beginning of a nuclear severe accident. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) mapping indicated stratification of the absorber blade melt with formation of a chromium and boride-enriched layer. High content-B- and C-containing material with increased melting temperature acted like a shielding and was found to prevent further relocation of control blade claddings. The interacted layers around the BC granules prevented direct steam attack of residual BC. The results provide new insights for understanding of the absorber blade degradation mechanism under reducing conditions specific to Fukushima Dai-Ichi Unit 2 resulting from prolonged steam starvation.