Testing of Nuclear Qualified Cables and Pressure Transmitters in Simulated Hydrogen Deflagrations to Determine Survival Margins and Sensitivities.

摘要

A series of tests was conducted at Sandia National Laboratories Central Receiver Test Facility that addressed the margin for survival of nuclear reactor safety equipment in hydrogen burns. The tests Exposed aged and unaged specimens of nuclear qualified electrical cable and pressure transmitters to simulated hydrogen burns of increasing severity. Starting with a base heat flux pulse corresponding to that resulting from a 75 percent core metal-water reaction in a large dry containment, the heat flux levels of each successive pulse increased in increments of 50 percent of the base pulse. The heat flux levels of the most severe pulse were 300 percent of the base pulse. All specimens functioned properly during exposure to all of the simulated hydrogen burns. Cables maintained a constant applied potential; no shorts or open circuits were detected. The pressure transmitters delivered steady signals indicating no significant degradation in performance. Post exposure tests indicated slight differences between the aged and unaged cable insulation characteristics. The insulation of one cable failed during the 2400 Vac high potential withstand test. Transmitter calibration checks performed between exposures and after completion of the test series indicated slight changes in calibration for both the aged and unaged transmitter.