Sodium fire analysis using a sodium chemistry package in MELCOR

Aoyagi, Mitsuhiro ; Uchibori, Akihiro ; Takata, Takashi  ; Louie, D. L. Y.*; Clark, A. J.*

The Sodium Chemistry (NAC) package in MELCOR has been developed to enhance application to sodium cooled fast reactors. The models in the NAC package have been assessed through benchmark analyses of the F7-1 pool fire experiment. This study assesses the capability of the pool fire model in MELCOR and provides recommendations for future model improvements. The MELCOR analysis yields lower values than the experimental data in pool combustion rate and pool, catch pan, and gas temperature during early time. The current heat transfer model for the catch pan is the primary cause of the difference. After sodium discharge stopping, the pool combustion rate and temperature become higher than experimental data. This is caused by absence of a model for pool fire suppression due to the oxide layer buildup on the pool surface. Based on these results, recommendations for future works are needed, such as heat transfer modification for the catch pan and consideration of the effects of the oxide layer.