Effects of vent size and wind on dispersion of hydrogen leaked in a partially open space; Studies by numerical analysis

Terada, Atsuhiko  ; Nagaishi, Ryuji 

In order to understand dispersion of hydrogen leaked in a partially open space practically, which can be considered as a basic model for all processes of transfer, treatment, storage and disposal of radioactive materials containing fuel debris in the decommissioning of nuclear facilities after a severe accident, by using a CFD code, the effects of vent size and outer wind on the H dispersion were analytically studied by adopting the experimental Hallway model, which has H release hole on the ceiling, one vent on the Roof vent and Door vent. Air flowed in the model from the Door vent, while H was discharged outside from the Roof vent. The discharged amount of H increased in conjunction with the air inflow when the size of Roof and or Door vents was increased. The effect of wind depended on the direction to the Door vent: wind from the same direction as the Door vent promoted the H discharge, while wind from the opposite direction suppressed. The dispersion characteristics of indoor leaked H was clarified for comparing model tests with the same Froude number and different scales. It was found from the analysis results of comparing model tests with the same Froude number and different scales that when the H leaked into the room and diffused to the air, the flow generated by the buoyancy of mixed gas created the stack effect which caused the natural ventilation by drawing in the air from the outside through vent. In addition, it was speculated that the H concentration decreased after its leak by quickly mixing with the air which flowed in from the vents and reached to the floor due to the Coanda effect, which is the effect of the free jet being drawn to a nearby wall.