Analysis of noncondensable effect during small break transient in VVER-440 geometry with CATHARE V1.3L. Preliminary results

摘要

The report presents a study of the transport and dissolution-release of non- condensable gas into the fluid of the primary loop for the VVER-440 geometry. The analysis has been done using a new model developed for the CATHARE thermal hydraulic code. Results are presented, obtained from calculations of small break loss-of-coolant (SBLOCA) accidents for the Loviisa nuclear power plant (NPP) geometry. The influence of nitrogen dissolved in the water of the accumulators of the emergency core coolant system (ECCS) on natural circulation is discussed. Possibilities of formation of nitrogen bubbles in the main vessels upper plenum, top of the downcomer, steam generators collectors, and upper structures of RCP's are investigated. First results show that there is potentiality for interruption, mainly due to the presence of nitrogen in the top of the downcomer and the upper parts of the RCP's. These preliminary results should be confirmed by carrying out calculations now prematurely stopped for numerical reasons. (8 refs.).