3:55 PM - 4:10 PM
[2K10] Study on mitigation measures for steam explosions
Keywords:Steam explosion, Molten core, Accident management
In Japanese BWRs, as a countermeasure against severe accidents, water is injected into the lower part of the containment vessel before the molten core falls. The fuel-coolant interaction (FCI) when the molten core falls into water causes a rapid steam generation. The case accompanied by shock wave development is called a steam explosion. Past experimental results with prototypic melt materials show a very low possibility of steam explosions. Nevertheless, we pursued measures to reduce steam explosion risks for further safety improvement.
This paper describes the outline of the measures, a brief review of past knowledge about the steam explosion and analytical examination on the effect of the countermeasure equipment.
This paper describes the outline of the measures, a brief review of past knowledge about the steam explosion and analytical examination on the effect of the countermeasure equipment.