Development of TVSA VVER-1000 fuel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Samoilov, O.; Kaydalov, V.; Romanov, A.; Falkov, A.; Morozkin, O.; Sholin, E.

2013-01-01

The TVSA fuel assemblies with a rigid angle-piece skeleton operate at 21 VVER-1000 units of Kalinin NPP, and Ukrainian, and Czech and Bulgarian NPPs. The total of more than 6,000 TVSA fuel assemblies have been fabricated. High lifetime performance has been achieved, namely, the maximum FA burnup is 65 MW∙day/kgU; maximum fuel rod burnup is 72 MW∙day/kgU; the lifetime is 50,000 EFPH. The TVSA fuel assembly is being improved to enhance its technical and economic performance and competitiveness of the Russian fuel for the VVER-1000 reactor: 1) Reliability and safety are being enhanced; repairability is being ensured. 2) High burnup levels in fuel are being ensured. 3) The uranium content in FAs is being increased. 4) The operational life is being extended. 5) Thermal-technical characteristics of FAs are being improved. The basic TVSA fuel assembly design evolved into the TVSA-PLUS with the fuel column elongated by 150 mm. The TVSA-PLUS fuel assembly has been in operation since 2010 at Kalinin NPP power units; an eighteen-month cycle is implemented at the uprated power of 104%. The TVSA-12PLUS fuel assembly has been developed with an elongated fuel column, optimized spacer grid positions (the spacer grid pitch is 340 mm) and with ensuring higher rigidity for the skeleton. It is provided for that fuel rods with the elevated uranium content and mixing intensifier grids will be used. The TVSA-T is developed for VVER-1000 reactor cores at the Temelin NPP. The TVSA-T is characterized by a load-carrying skeleton formed with angle-pieces and combined spacer grids that incorporate mixer grids. The TVSA-T design won the international tender to supply fuel to the Temelin NPP in the Czech Republic, and currently Temelin NPP Unit 1 and 2 are operating with the cores fully loaded with TVSA-Ts

Large eddy simulation of a fuel rod subchannel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mayer, Gusztav

2007-01-01

In a VVER-440 reactor the measured outlet temperature is related to fuel limit parameters and the power upgrading plans of VVER-440 reactors motivated us to obtain more information on the mixing process of the fuel assemblies. In a VVER-440 rod bundle the fuel rods are arranged in triangular array. Measurement shows (Krauss and Meyer, 1998) that the classical engineering approach, which tries to trace the characterization of such systems back to equivalent (hydraulic diameter) pipe flows, does not give reasonable results. Due to the different turbulence characteristics, the mixing is more intensive in rod bundles than it would be expected based on equivalent pipe flow correlations. As a possible explanation of the high mixing, secondary flow was deduced from measurements by several experimentalists (Trupp and Azad, 1975). Another candidate to explain the high mixing is the so-called flow pulsation phenomenon (Krauss and Meyer, 1998). In this paper we present subchannel simulations (Mayer et al. 2007) using large eddy simulation (LES) methodology and the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) without the spacers at Reynolds number 21000. The simulation results are compared with the measurements of Trupp and Azad (1975). The mean axial velocity profile shows good agreement with the measurement data. Secondary flow has been observed directly in the simulation results. Reasonable agreement has been achieved for most Reynolds stresses. Nevertheless, the calculated normal stresses show small, but systematic deviation from the measurement data. (author)

Flow in rod bundles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hazi, G.; Mayer, G.

2005-01-01

For power upgrading VVER-440 reactors we need to know exactly how the temperature measured by the thermocouples is related to the average outlet temperature of the fuel assemblies. Accordingly, detailed knowledge on mixing process in the rod bundles and in the fuel assembly head have great importance. Here we study the hydrodynamics of rod bundles based on the results of direct numerical and large eddy simulation of flows in subchannels. It is shown that secondary flow and flow pulsation phenomena can be observed using both methodologies. Some consequences of these observations are briefly discussed. (author)

Model of cooling nuclear fuel rod in the nuclear reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lavicka, David; Polansky, Jiri

2010-01-01

The following topics are described: Some basic requirements for nuclear fuel rods; The VVER 1000 fuel rod; Classification of the two-phase flow in the vertical tube; Type of heat transfer crisis in the vertical tube; Experimental apparatus; Model of the nuclear fuel rod and spacers; Potential of the experimental apparatus (velocity profile measurement via PIV; thermal flow field measurement by the PLIF method; cooling graph in dependence on the fuel rod temperature; comparison of the hydrodynamic properties with respect to the design features of the spacers). (P.A.)

Hextran-Smabre calculation of the VVER-1000 coolant transient benchmark

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Elina Syrjaelahti; Anitta Haemaelaeinen [VTT Processes, P.O.Box 1604, FIN-02044 VTT (Finland)

2005-07-01

Full text of publication follows: The VVER-1000 Coolant Transient benchmark is intended for validation of couplings of the thermal hydraulic codes and three dimensional neutron kinetic core models. It concerns a switching on a main coolant pump when the other three main coolant pumps are in operation. Problem is based on experiment performed in Kozloduy NPP in Bulgaria. In addition to the real plant transient, two extreme scenarios concerning control rod ejection after switching on a main coolant pump were calculated. In VTT the three-dimensional advanced nodal code HEXTRAN is used for the core kinetics and dynamics, and thermohydraulic system code SMABRE as a thermal hydraulic model for the primary and secondary loop. Parallelly coupled HEXTRAN-SMABRE code has been in production use since early 90's, and it has been extensively used for analysis of VVER NPPs. The SMABRE input model is based on the standard VVER-1000 input used in VTT. Last plant specific modifications to the input model have been made in EU projects. The whole core calculation is performed in the core with HEXTRAN. Also the core model is based on earlier VVER-1000 models. Nuclear data for the calculation was specified in the benchmark. The paper outlines the input models used for both codes. Calculated results are introduced both for the coupled core system with inlet and outlet boundary conditions and for the whole plant model. Sensitivity studies have been performed for selected parameters. (authors)

Hextran-Smabre calculation of the VVER-1000 coolant transient benchmark

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Elina Syrjaelahti; Anitta Haemaelaeinen

2005-01-01

Full text of publication follows: The VVER-1000 Coolant Transient benchmark is intended for validation of couplings of the thermal hydraulic codes and three dimensional neutron kinetic core models. It concerns a switching on a main coolant pump when the other three main coolant pumps are in operation. Problem is based on experiment performed in Kozloduy NPP in Bulgaria. In addition to the real plant transient, two extreme scenarios concerning control rod ejection after switching on a main coolant pump were calculated. In VTT the three-dimensional advanced nodal code HEXTRAN is used for the core kinetics and dynamics, and thermohydraulic system code SMABRE as a thermal hydraulic model for the primary and secondary loop. Parallelly coupled HEXTRAN-SMABRE code has been in production use since early 90's, and it has been extensively used for analysis of VVER NPPs. The SMABRE input model is based on the standard VVER-1000 input used in VTT. Last plant specific modifications to the input model have been made in EU projects. The whole core calculation is performed in the core with HEXTRAN. Also the core model is based on earlier VVER-1000 models. Nuclear data for the calculation was specified in the benchmark. The paper outlines the input models used for both codes. Calculated results are introduced both for the coupled core system with inlet and outlet boundary conditions and for the whole plant model. Sensitivity studies have been performed for selected parameters. (authors)

Vver-1000 Mox core computational benchmark

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2006-01-01

The NEA Nuclear Science Committee has established an Expert Group that deals with the status and trends of reactor physics, fuel performance and fuel cycle issues related to disposing of weapons-grade plutonium in mixed-oxide fuel. The objectives of the group are to provide NEA member countries with up-to-date information on, and to develop consensus regarding, core and fuel cycle issues associated with burning weapons-grade plutonium in thermal water reactors (PWR, BWR, VVER-1000, CANDU) and fast reactors (BN-600). These issues concern core physics, fuel performance and reliability, and the capability and flexibility of thermal water reactors and fast reactors to dispose of weapons-grade plutonium in standard fuel cycles. The activities of the NEA Expert Group on Reactor-based Plutonium Disposition are carried out in close co-operation (jointly, in most cases) with the NEA Working Party on Scientific Issues in Reactor Systems (WPRS). A prominent part of these activities include benchmark studies. At the time of preparation of this report, the following benchmarks were completed or in progress: VENUS-2 MOX Core Benchmarks: carried out jointly with the WPRS (formerly the WPPR) (completed); VVER-1000 LEU and MOX Benchmark (completed); KRITZ-2 Benchmarks: carried out jointly with the WPRS (formerly the WPPR) (completed); Hollow and Solid MOX Fuel Behaviour Benchmark (completed); PRIMO MOX Fuel Performance Benchmark (ongoing); VENUS-2 MOX-fuelled Reactor Dosimetry Calculation (ongoing); VVER-1000 In-core Self-powered Neutron Detector Calculational Benchmark (started); MOX Fuel Rod Behaviour in Fast Power Pulse Conditions (started); Benchmark on the VENUS Plutonium Recycling Experiments Configuration 7 (started). This report describes the detailed results of the benchmark investigating the physics of a whole VVER-1000 reactor core using two-thirds low-enriched uranium (LEU) and one-third MOX fuel. It contributes to the computer code certification process and to the

Shaping of the axial power density distribution in the core to minimize the vapor volume fraction at the outlet of the VVER-1200 fuel assemblies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Savander, V. I.; Shumskiy, B. E., E-mail: borisshumskij@yandex.ru [National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Russian Federation); Pinegin, A. A. [National Research Center Kurchatov Institute (Russian Federation)

2016-12-15

The possibility of decreasing the vapor fraction at the VVER-1200 fuel assembly outlet by shaping the axial power density field is considered. The power density field was shaped by axial redistribution of the concentration of the burnable gadolinium poison in the Gd-containing fuel rods. The mathematical modeling of the VVER-1200 core was performed using the NOSTRA computer code.

Comparison of rod-ejection transient calculations in hexagonal-Z geometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Knight, M.P.; Brohan, P.; Finnemann, H.; Huesken, J.

1995-01-01

This paper proposes a set of 3-dimensional benchmark rod ejection problems for a VVER reactor, based on the well-known NEACRP PWR rod-ejection problems defined by Siemens/KWU. Predictions for these benchmarks derived using three hexagonal-z nodal transient codes, the PANTHER code of Nuclear Electric, the HEXTIME code of Siemens/KWU, and the DYN3D code of FZ-Rossendorf are presented and compared

Primary water chemistry for NPP with VVER-TOI

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Susakin, S.N.; Brykov, S.I.; Zadonsky, N.V.; Bystrova, O.S.

2012-09-01

Nowadays within the framework of development of the nuclear power industry in Russia the VVER-TOI reactor is under designing (Standard optimized design). The given design provides for improvement of operation safety level, of technical-economic, operational and load-follow characteristics, and for the raise of competitive capacity of reactor plant and NPP as a whole. In VVER-TOI reactor plant design the primary water chemistry has been improved considering operation experience of VVER reactor plants and a possibility of RP operation under load-follow modes from the viewpoint of meeting the following requirements: - suppression of generation of oxidizing radiolytic products under power operation; - assurance of corrosion resistance of structural materials of equipment and pipelines throughout the NPP design service life; - minimization of deposits on surfaces of the reactor core fuel rods and on heat exchange surface of steam generators; - minimization of accumulation of activated corrosion products; - minimization of the amount of radioactive processing waste. In meeting these requirements an important role is devoted to suppression of generation of oxidizing radiolytic products owing to accumulation of hydrogen in the primary coolant. At NPP with VVER-1000 reactor the ammonia-potassium water chemistry is used wherein the hydrogen accumulation is provided at the expense of ammonia proportioning. Usage of ammonia leads to generation of additional amount of radioactive processing waste and to increased irregularity of maintaining the water chemistry under the daily load-follow modes. In VVER TOI design the primary water chemistry is improved by replacing the proportioning of ammonia with the proportioning of gaseous hydrogen. Different process schemes were considered that provide for a possibility of hydrogen accumulation and maintaining owing to direct proportioning of gaseous hydrogen. The obtained results showed that transition to the potassium water chemistry

Development of fuel cycles with new fuel with 8.9 mm external diameter for VVER-440. Preliminary assessment of operating efficiency

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gagarinskiy, Alexey [National Research Centre ' ' Kurchatov Institute' ' , Moscow (Russian Federation)

2017-09-15

Since the introduction of VVERs-440, their fuel assemblies are subject to ongoing improvements. Until now, the basic structural parameters of fuel, such as rod diameter of 9.1 mm, have never changed. This paper focuses on computational estimates of basic neutronic parameters of the fuel cycle that involves assemblies consisting of fuel rods with diameter reduced to 8.9 mm.

State of fuel rods spent in the VVER-1000 reactor up to a fuel burnup of 75 MW·Day/KgU

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Markov, D.; Zvir, E.; Polenok, V.; Zhitelev, V.; Strozhuk, A.; Volkova, I.

2011-01-01

The presented material contains the data on change in form, corrosion state and mechanical properties of fuel rod claddings, change in fuel structure and release of gaseous fission products (GFP) under the cladding. The results of PIEs of the VVER-1000 fuel rods with the high burnup of fuel (average value is 72.3 MW·day/kgU and maximum is 75 MW·day/kgU) carried out in JSC 'SSC RIAR' show that by the basic operational characteristics the lifetime of fuel rods with such burnup of fuel is not exhausted. The state of fuel rods is characterized by following key parameters. The fuel-to-cladding gap on the most part of the fuel meat is absent. With the burnup growth, diameter of the fuel rod increases due to fuel meat swelling. In so doing, the reverse strain achieves the values of 0.40-0.47 %. Ridges on the cladding are formed practically along the entire length of the fuel meat, average height of ridges makes up 25 μm, maximum - 40 μm. At burnups exceeding 55 MW·day/kgU, the rate of the fuel rod elongation is less than at low and average burnups. So if within a burnup range of 20-55 MW·day/kgU, the rate of the fuel rod elongation makes up about 0.330mm per 1 MW·day/kgU, at burnups exceeding 55 MW·day/kgU it is only 0.085mm per 1 MW·day/kgU. Corrosion state of the claddings of fuel rods with high burnup of fuel is satisfactory. The oxide film, as a rule, is uniform, dense, without cracks and exfoliation, its thickness on the external surface does not exceed 13 μm, while on the internal surface - 15 μm. Hydrogenation is insignificant, mass fraction of hydrogen does not exceed 0.01 %. Interaction of fuel rods with spacer grids does not result in significant fretting-corrosion. Based of the results of tests, short-term mechanical properties of the claddings of fuel rods with high burnup of fuel remain at high level. The state of fuel is characterized by absence of the fuel-to-cladding gap on the most part of the fuel meat, fuel is tightly fixed to the cladding

3D analysis of the reactivity insertion accident in VVER-1000

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Abdullayev, A. M.; Zhukov, A. I.; Slyeptsov, S. M. [NSC Kharkov Inst. for Physics and Technology, 1, Akademicheskaya Str., Kharkov 61108 (Ukraine)

2012-07-01

Fuel parameters such as peak enthalpy and temperature during rod ejection accident are calculated. The calculations are performed by 3D neutron kinetics code NESTLE and 3D thermal-hydraulic code VIPRE-W. Both hot zero power and hot full power cases were studied for an equilibrium cycle with Westinghouse hex fuel in VVER-1000. It is shown that the use of 3D methodology can significantly increase safety margins for current criteria and met future criteria. (authors)

Axial stability of VVER-1000 reactor with control with minimum standard deviation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Afanas'ev, A.M.; Torlin, B.Z.

1980-01-01

Results are given of investigations on the stability of a reactor which has, in addition to an automatic controller, a height distribution regulator (HDR) based on an auxiliary control rod (CR) or a special shortened absorption rod (SAR). The HDR was controlled by using either a special ionization chamber (IC), generating an imbalance signal which sets the CR in motion, or two ionization chambers whose difference signal causes a displacement of the SAR. Since data from numerous pickups can be used to control the height field of the VVER-1000, it is of interest to analyze how this would affect the stability of the reactor. The analysis was carried out with the improved IRINA programs. 11 refs

Safety of VVER-440 reactors

CERN Document Server

Slugen, Vladimir

2011-01-01

Safety of VVER-440 Reactors endeavours to promote an increase in the safety of VVER-440 nuclear reactors via the improvement of fission products limitation systems and the implementation of special non-destructive spectroscopic methods for materials testing. All theoretical and experimental studies performed the by author over the last 25 years have been undertaken with the aim of improving VVER-440 defence in depth, which is one of the most important principle for ensuring safety in nuclear power plants. Safety of VVER-440 Reactors is focused on the barrier system through which the safety pri

Advanced designs of VVER reactor plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mokhov, V.A.

2010-01-01

The history of VVER reactors, current challenges and approaches to the challenges are highlighted. The VVER-1200 reactor of 3+ generation for AES-2006 units are under construction at the Leningrad 2 nuclear power plant (LNPP-2). The main parameters are listed and details are presented of the vessel, steam generator, and improved fuel. The issue of the NPP safety is discussed. Additional topics include the MIR-1200 reactor unit, VVER-600, and VVER-SCP (Generation 4). (P.A.)

The Procedure for Determination of Special Margin Factors to Account for a Bow of the VVER-1000 Fuel Assemblies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsyganov, Sergey V.; Marin, Stanislav V.; Shishkov, Lev K.

2008-01-01

Starting from 1980's, the problem of bow of the VVER-1000 reactor FAs and the effect of that on the operational safety is being discussed. At the initial period of time, the extension of time for dropping control rods of the control and protection system associated with this bow posed the highest threat. Later on, new more rigid structures were developed for FAs that eliminated the problems of control rods. However, bow of the VVER-1000 reactor FAs is observed up to now. The scale of this bow reduced significantly but it still effects safety. Even a minor bow available may lead to the noticeable increase of power of individual fuel pins associated with the local variation of the coolant amount. This effect must be taken into account on designing fuel loadings to eliminate the exceeding of set limitations. The introduction of additional special margins is the standard method for taking this effect into account. The present paper describes the conservative technique for the assessment of additional margins for bow of FAs of state-of-the-art designs. This technique is employed in the VVER-1000 reactor designing. The chosen conservatism degree is discussed as well as the method for its assurance and acceptable ways for its slackening. The example of the margin evaluation for the up-to-date fuel loading is given. (authors)

The Procedure for Determination of Special Margin Factors to Account for a Bow of the VVER-1000 Fuel Assemblies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tsyganov, Sergey V.; Marin, Stanislav V.; Shishkov, Lev K. [Russian Research Center ' Kurchatov Institute' , 1., Kurchatov sq., 123182 Moscow (Russian Federation)

2008-07-01

Starting from 1980's, the problem of bow of the VVER-1000 reactor FAs and the effect of that on the operational safety is being discussed. At the initial period of time, the extension of time for dropping control rods of the control and protection system associated with this bow posed the highest threat. Later on, new more rigid structures were developed for FAs that eliminated the problems of control rods. However, bow of the VVER-1000 reactor FAs is observed up to now. The scale of this bow reduced significantly but it still effects safety. Even a minor bow available may lead to the noticeable increase of power of individual fuel pins associated with the local variation of the coolant amount. This effect must be taken into account on designing fuel loadings to eliminate the exceeding of set limitations. The introduction of additional special margins is the standard method for taking this effect into account. The present paper describes the conservative technique for the assessment of additional margins for bow of FAs of state-of-the-art designs. This technique is employed in the VVER-1000 reactor designing. The chosen conservatism degree is discussed as well as the method for its assurance and acceptable ways for its slackening. The example of the margin evaluation for the up-to-date fuel loading is given. (authors)

The FARC fuel archive of VVER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zizin, M.N.; Parfenova, N.A.; Proselkov, V.N.; Shishkov, L.K.

1998-01-01

The principles of organisation are explained and the structure of the FARC fuel archive for VVER reactors is described. The objective of the archive is accumulation of fuel data, data storage and obtaining the fuel using characteristics. The working version of fuel archive on 01.07.98 is realised, in which the data tables for fuel assemblies for 169 VVER-440 cycles and 35 VVER-1000 cycles are stored. There are two different versions of fuel archive - for VVER-440 (FARC) and for VVER-1000 (FARC1000). A structure of some tables and the texts of programs for them differ. The algorithms and codes for checking integrity, reasonableness and reliability of fuel archive data are developed. (author)

Application of the SCANAIR code for VVER RIA conditions - Boron dilution accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arffman, A.; Cazalis, B.

2010-01-01

This paper consists of two parts. In part A, RIA pulse tests conducted at the Russian BIGR reactor are being analysed at IRSN with SCANAIR V6 fuel performance code as a part of the code validation for VVER fuel. Recently a new version of the SCANAIR code was made available to VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and part B of the paper covers the introduction of the code version at VTT by a calculation of a hypothetical boron dilution accident in a VVER-440 power reactor. Concerning part A, it appears that the SCANAIR V6 version, including a BIGR/NSRR heat transfer model, validated by Japanese NSRR experiments, and a Norton viscoplastic clad mechanical behaviour, is able to simulate the rod thermal behaviour in BIGR tests. Concerning the clad mechanics, it has been seen that a pellet swelling model is able to simulate the average rod deformation. Nonetheless, the current clad creep model associated with the free volume equilibrium assumption is not suited to predict the maximum clad deformation and the possible post DNB rod failure because they do not simulate local balloons. Furthermore, it has been shown that the clad deformation is strongly dependent on transient gas transfer. Concerning part B, a boron dilution accident previously calculated with SCANAIR V2 was recalculated with SCANAIR V6. A limited amount of result parameters were compared with the results of VTT's neutronics code TRAB. Divergence problems encountered previously when reaching the DNB limit were not present anymore. Fuel and cladding temperatures produced by SCANAIR were in good agreement with those calculated with TRAB

Enhancement of Training Capabilities in VVER Technology Through Establishment of VVER Training Academy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ilieva, M.; Miteva, R.

2015-01-01

Education and training (E&T) have always been key factor to the sustainability of the nuclear industry. With regard to E&T it is still the challenge to raise the interest of qualified young people of studies and professions related to nuclear technologies. CORONA Project is established to provide a special purpose structure for training and for gathering the existing and generating new knowledge in the VVER area as well as to contribute to transnational mobility and lifelong learning amongst VVER operating countries. CORONA Project consists of two parts: CORONA I (2011–2014) “Establishment of a regional centre of competence for VVER technology and Nuclear Applications”, co-financed by the EC Framework Programme 7 and CORONA II “Enhancement of training capabilities in VVER technology through establishment of VVER training academy”, co-financed by the EURATOM 2014-2015 Working programme of HORIZON 2020. The project is focused on development of training schemes for VVER nuclear professionals, subcontractors, students and for non-nuclear specialists working in support of nuclear applications as civil engineers, physical protection employees, government employees, secondary school teachers, journalists. Safety culture and soft skills training are incorporated as an integral part of all training schemes because they require continuous consideration. It is vital for the acceptance of nuclear energy by the public and for the safe performance of the nuclear installations. CORONA II project is to proceed with the development of state-of-the-art virtual training centre — CORONA Academy. This objective will be realised through networking between universities, research organizations, regulatory bodies, industry and any other organizations involved in the application of nuclear science, ionising radiation and nuclear safety. It will bring together the most experienced trainers and will allow trainees from different locations to access the needed knowledge on demand

Determination of the Effectiveness of Control Rods in the VVER Reactor Fuel Assemblies; Determination de l'Efficacite des Barres de Reglage dans les Ensembles Combustibles du reacteur VVER; Opredelenie ehffektivnosti reguliruyushchikh sterzhnej v sborkakh reaktora VVEHR; Determinacion de la Eficacia de las Barras de Control en los Conjuntos de Elementos Combustibles del Reactor VVER

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Semenov, V. N.; Lunin, G. L.; Komissarov, L. V.; Kamyshan, A. N.; Halizev, V. I.; Andrianov, G. Ja.; Voznesenskij, V. A.; Kuz' micheva, V. A.; Lebedev, V. I. [Ordena Lenina Institut Atomnoj Energii Im. I.V. Kurchatova, Moskva, SSSR (Russian Federation)

1964-06-15

The paper describes experiments done in homogeneous mock-ups of the fuel assemblies from the VVER Reactor (at one level of enrichment) to determine the effectiveness of absorbing systems comprising shim fuel assemblies or water cavities and of absorbing rods clad in jackets made of differing materials. The paper also gives data on some experiments that have been done in mock-ups of assemblies with differing levels of enrichment. These experiments make it possible to verify the methods used in calculation and to evaluate the prospects of using them for heterogeneous reactors. (author) [French] Le memoire decrit les experiences qui ont ete faites pour determiner l 'efficacite des absorbants contenus dans les barres de compensation, l'effet cavitaire et l 'efficacite des absorbants gaines de materiaux divers, au moyen d'assemblages homogenes de cartouches de combustible du reacteur VVER (reacteur de puissance ralenti et refroidi a l 'eau ayant le meme taux d'enrichissement. On y trouve en outre des donnees sur certaines experiences executees a l 'aide d'assemblages de cartouches de combustible taux d'enrichissement differents. Ces travaux permettent de verifier la methode de calcul et d'evaluer ses possibilites d'application aux reacteurs non homogenes. (author) [Spanish] Se describen en la memoria experimentos para determinar la eficacia de los materiales absorbentes contenidos en las barras de compensacion, el efecto de cavitacion y la eficacia de los materiales absorbentes revestidos de diversos materiales, realizados con ayuda de los conjuntos homogeneos de elementos combustibles del reactor VVER (reactor de potencia moderado y refrigerado por agua) con un solo grado de enriquecimiento. Ademas, se exponen datos sobre los experimentos efectuados con ayuda de conjuntos de grados de enriquecimientos; variados. Tales experimentos permiten verificar el metodo de calculo teorico, utilizad o y evaluar la posibilidad de aplicarlo a los reactores no homogeneos. (author

Validation of Advanced Computer Codes for VVER Technology: LB-LOCA Transient in PSB-VVER Facility

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Del Nevo

2012-01-01

Full Text Available The OECD/NEA PSB-VVER project provided unique and useful experimental data for code validation from PSB-VVER test facility. This facility represents the scaled-down layout of the Russian-designed pressurized water reactor, namely, VVER-1000. Five experiments were executed, dealing with loss of coolant scenarios (small, intermediate, and large break loss of coolant accidents, a primary-to-secondary leak, and a parametric study (natural circulation test aimed at characterizing the VVER system at reduced mass inventory conditions. The comparative analysis, presented in the paper, regards the large break loss of coolant accident experiment. Four participants from three different institutions were involved in the benchmark and applied their own models and set up for four different thermal-hydraulic system codes. The benchmark demonstrated the performances of such codes in predicting phenomena relevant for safety on the basis of fixed criteria.

Upper plenum break LOCA investigation in the ISB-VVER and PSB-VVER facilities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Blinkov, V. N.; Melikhov, O. I.; Lipatov, I. A.; Nikonov, S. M.; Dremin, G. I.; Galchanskaya, S. A.; Gashenko, M. P.; Rovnov, A. A.; Kapustin, A. V.; Elkin, I. V. [EREC, Moscow (Russian Federation)

2003-07-01

The capability to define the actual NPP transient/accident scenario depends to a great extent on facilities' scaling and reliability of the system thermalhydraulic codes which, in turn, are assessed against the experimental data taken in the same facilities. At the present time, it is received fact that the rigorous modeling of the cumulative set of all thermalhydraulic processes in the plant primary and secondary sides during accident is unfeasible. Therefore, the extrapolation of the facilities loops behavior to the actual systems constitutes a fundamental problem in this area. In the paper, some aspects for the problem have been discussed in the course of comparative analysis of the data derived from the 11 % upper plenum break LOCA tests performed in the PSB-VVER and ISB-VVER integral test facilities under the close scenarios. Both facilities, PSB-VVER and ISB-VVER, are modeled the same VVER-1000 reactor in different scales. The thermalhydraulic behavior of the primary systems in both facilities has been discussed in the paper, and shown to be similar. Also, the attention has been focused upon the discrepancies in the significant variables trends. The discrepancies are shown to be caused by influence of peculiarities of the facilities hardware and due to the scale factor. The scaling study is an important aspect of the thermalhydraulic codes verification procedure. Being qualified against the experimentally simulated accident sequence in two test facilities of different scales, the thermalhydraulic codes will be capable of evaluation of the prototype behavior to greater accuracy.

Perspectives for practical application of the combined fuel kernels in VVER-type reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baranov, V.; Ternovykh, M.; Tikhomirov, G.; Khlunov, A.; Tenishev, A.; Kurina, I.

2011-01-01

The paper considers the main physical processes that take place in fuel kernels under real operation conditions of VVER-type reactors. Main attention is given to the effects induced by combinations of layers with different physical properties inside of fuel kernels on these physical processes. Basic neutron-physical characteristics were calculated for some combined fuel kernels in fuel rods of VVER-type reactors. There are many goals in development of the combined fuel kernels, and these goals define selecting the combinations and compositions of radial layers inside of the kernels. For example, the slower formation of the rim-layer on outer surface of the kernels made of enriched uranium dioxide can be achieved by introduction of inner layer made of natural or depleted uranium dioxide. Other potential goals (lower temperature in the kernel center, better conditions for burn-up of neutron poisons, better retention of toxic materials) could be reached by other combinations of fuel compositions in central and peripheral zones of the fuel kernels. Also, the paper presents the results obtained in experimental manufacturing of the combined fuel pellets. (authors)

Integration of post-irradiation examination results of failed WWER fuel rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smirnov, A.; Markov, D.; Smirnov, V.; Polenok, V.; Perepelkin, S.

2003-01-01

The aim of the work is to investigate the causes of WWER fuel rod failures and to reveal the dependence of the failed fuel rod behaviour and state on the damage characteristics and duration of their operation in the core. The post-irradiation examination of 12 leaky fuel assemblies (5 for WWER-440 and 7 for WWER-1000) has been done at SSC RF RIAR. The results show that the main mechanism responsible for the majority of cases of the WWER fuel rod perforation is debris-damage of the claddings. Debris fretting of the claddings spread randomly over the fuel assembly cross-section and they are registered in the area of the bundle supporting grid or under the lower spacer grids along the fuel assembly height. In the WWER fuel rods, the areas of secondary hydrogenating of cladding are spaced from the primary defects by ∼2500-3000 mm, as a rule, and are often adjacent closely to the upper welded joints. There is no pronounced dependence of the distance between the primary and secondary cladding defects neither on the linear power, at which the fuel rods were operated, nor on the period of their operation in the leaky state. The time period of the significant secondary damage formation is about 250 ± 50 calendar days for the WWER fuel rods with slight through primary defects (∼0.1 - 0.5 mm 2 ) operated in the linear power range 170-215 W/cm. Cladding degradation, taking place due to the secondary hydrogenating, does not occur in case of large through debris-defects during operation up to 600 calendar days

A study of different cases of VVER reactor core flooding in a large break loss of coolant accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bezrukov, Y.A.; Schekoldin, V.I.; Zaitsev, S.I.; Churkin, A.N.; Lisenkov, E.A.

2016-01-01

The paper covers a brief review of reflooding studies performed in different countries and the relevant tests performed in OKB GIDROPRESS (Russia) are discussed in more detail. The OKB GIDROPRESS test facility simulates the primary circuit of the VVER-440 reactor, with a full-scale fuel assembly (FA) mockup as the core simulator. The VVER core reflooding was studied in a FA mockup containing 126 fuel rod simulators with axial power peaking. The experiments were performed for two types of flooding. The first type is top flooding of the empty (steamed) FA mockup. The second type is bottom flooding of the FA mockup with level of boiling water. The test parameters are as follows: the range of the supplied power to the bundle is from 40 to 320 kW, the cooling water flow rate is from 0.04 to 1.1 kg/s, the maximum temperature of the fuel rod simulator is 800 C. degrees and the linear heat flux is from 0.1 to 1.0 kW/m. The test results were used for computer code validation, especially for the TRAP package code. The experiments show that as the transverse dimension of the FA mockup increases, the flow choking of the water supplied from the top by the steam flow significantly decreases

CORONA project -contribution to VVER nuclear education and training

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ilieva, M.; Miteva, R.; Takov, T.

2016-01-01

CORONA Project is established to stimulate the transnational mobility and lifelong learning amongst VVER end users. The project aims to provide a special purpose structure for training of specialists and to maintain the nuclear expertise by gathering the existing and generating new knowledge in the VVER area. CORONA Project consists of two parts: CORONA I (2011-2014) ''Establishment of a regional center of competence for VVER technology and Nuclear Applications'', co-financed by the Framework Program 7 of the European Union (EU) and CORONA II (2015-2018) ''Enhancement of training capabilities in VVER technology through establishment of VVER training academy'', co-financed by HORIZON 2020, EURATOM 2014-2015. The selected form of the CORONA Academy, together with the online availability of the training opportunities will allow trainees from different locations to access the needed knowledge on demand. The project will target also new-comers in VVER community like Vietnam, Turkey, Belarus, etc. (authors)

Nuclear fuel for VVER reactors. Actual state and trends

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Molchanov, V.

2011-01-01

The main tasks concerning development of FA design, development and modernization of structural materials, improvement of technology of structural materials manufacturing and FA fabrication and development of methods and codes are discussed in this paper. The main features and expected benefit of implementation of second generation and third generation fuel assembly for VVER-440 Nuclear Fuel are given. A brief review of VVER-440 and VVER-1000 Nuclear Fuel development before 1997 since 2010 is shown. A summary of VVER-440 and VVER-1000 Nuclear Fuel Today, including details about TVSA-PLUS, TVSA-ALFA, TVSA-12 and NPP-2006 Phase 2 tasks (2010-2012) is presented. In conclusion, as a result of large scope of R and D performed by leading enterprises of nuclear industry modern nuclear fuel for VVER reactors is developed, implemented and successfully operated. Fuel performance (burnup, lifetime, fuel cycles, operating reliability, etc.) meets the level of world's producers of nuclear fuel for commercial reactors

Overview of VVER water chemistry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ganesh, S.; Selvaraj, S.; Balasubramanian, M.R.; Selvavinayagam, P.; Sundar, R.S.

2007-01-01

Kudankulam Nuclear Power project is having twin units of 1000MWe of VVER type. This paper highlights the different analytical techniques that are followed to maintain the system chemistry within the technical specifications. This paper also briefs the different chemicals that are added to the systems and how they are monitored. Basic differences with respect to chemistry between a PHWR and VVER are also highlighted in this paper. (author)

Spatial mode discriminator based on leaky waveguides

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Jing; Liu, Jialing; Shi, Hongkang; Chen, Yuntian

2018-06-01

We propose a conceptually simple and experimentally compatible configuration to discriminate the spatial mode based on leaky waveguides, which are inserted in-between the transmission link. The essence of such a spatial mode discriminator is to introduce the leakage of the power flux on purpose for detection. Importantly, the leaky angle of each individual spatial mode with respect to the propagation direction are different for non-degenerated modes, while the radiation patterns of the degenerated spatial modes in the plane perpendicular to the propagation direction are also distinguishable. Based on these two facts, we illustrate the operation principle of the spatial mode discriminators via two concrete examples; a w-type slab leaky waveguide without degeneracy, and a cylindrical leaky waveguide with degeneracy. The correlation between the leakage angle and the spatial mode distribution for a slab leaky waveguide, as well as differences between the in-plane radiation patterns of degenerated modes in a cylindrical leaky waveguide, are verified numerically and analytically. Such findings can be readily useful in discriminating the spatial modes for optical communication or optical sensing.

Present status and recent improvements of water chemistry at Russian VVER plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mamet, V.; Yurmanov, V.

2001-01-01

Water chemistry is an important contributor to reliable plant operation, safety barrier integrity, plant component lifetime, radiation safety, environmental impact. Primary and secondary water chemistry guidelines of Russian VVER plants have been modified to meet the new safety standards. At present 14 VVER units of different generation are in operation at 5 Russian NPPs. There are eight 4-loop pressurised water reactors VVER-1000 (1000 MWe) and six 6-loop pressurised water reactors VVER-440 (440 MWe). Generally, water chemistry at East European VVER plants (about 40 VVER-440 and VVER-1000 units in Ukraine, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Finland and Armenia) is similar to water chemistry at Russian VVER plants. Due to similar design and structural materials some water chemistry improvements were introduced at East European plants after they has been successfully implemented at Russian plants and vice versa. Some water chemistry improvements will be implemented at modern VVER plants under construction in Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Iran, China, India. (R.P.)

Diversification of the VVER fuel market in Eastern Europe and Ukraine

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kirst, Michael [Westinghouse EMEA, Brussels (Belgium); Benjaminsson, Ulf; Oenneby, Carina [Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB, Vaesteraes (Sweden)

2015-03-15

There are a total of 33 VVER active reactors in the EU and Ukraine, accounting for the largest percentage of the total electricity supply in the countries operating these. The responsible governments and utilities operating these units want too see an increased diversification of the nuclear fuel supply. Westinghouse is the only nuclear fuel producer outside Russia, which has taken the major steps to develop, qualify and manufacture VVER fuel designs - both for VVER-440 and VVER-1000 reactors. The company has delivered reloads of VVER-440 fuel to Loviisa 2 in Finland, VVER-1000 fuel for both the initial core and follow-on regions to Temelin 1-2 in the Czech Republic and more recently reloads of VVER-1000 fuel to South Ukraine 2-3. Technical challenges in form of mechanical interference with the resident fuel have been encountered in Ukraine, but innovative solutions have been developed and successfully implemented and today Ukraine has, for the first time in its history, a viable VVER-1000 fuel design alternative, representing a tremendous lever in energy security for the country.

Post-test examination of the VVER-1000 fuel rod bundle CORA-W2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hofmann, P.; Noack, V.; Burbach, J.; Metzger, H.; Schanz, G.; Hagen, S.; Sepold, L.

1995-01-01

The upper half of the bundle is completely oxidized, the lower half has kept the fuel rods relatively intact. The post-test examination results show the strong impact of the B 4 C absorber rod and the stainless steel grid spacers on the 'low-temperature' bundle damage initiation and progression. The B 4 C absorber rod completely disappeared in the upper half of the bundle. The multicomponent melts relocated and formed coolant channel blockages on solidification with a maximum extent of about 30% in the lower part of the bundle. At temperatures above the melting point of the ZrNb1 cladding extensive fuel dissolution occured. (orig./HP)

Post-test examination of the VVER-1000 fuel rod bundle CORA-W2

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hofmann, P.; Noack, V.; Burbach, J.; Metzger, H.; Schanz, G.; Hagen, S.; Sepold, L.

1995-08-01

The upper half of the bundle is completely oxidized, the lower half has kept the fuel rods relatively intact. The post-test examination results show the strong impact of the B{sub 4}C absorber rod and the stainless steel grid spacers on the `low-temperature` bundle damage initiation and progression. The B{sub 4}C absorber rod completely disappeared in the upper half of the bundle. The multicomponent melts relocated and formed coolant channel blockages on solidification with a maximum extent of about 30% in the lower part of the bundle. At temperatures above the melting point of the ZrNb1 cladding extensive fuel dissolution occured. (orig./HP)

Response of Soviet VVER-440 accident localization systems to overpressurization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kulak, R.F.; Fiala, C.; Sienicki, J.J.

1989-01-01

The Soviet designed VVER-440 model V230 and VVER-440 model V213 reactors do not use full containments to mitigate the effects of accidents. Instead, these VVER-440 units employ a sealed set of interconnected compartments, collectively called the accident localization system (ALS), to reduce the release of radionuclides to the atmosphere during accidents. Descriptions of the VVER accident localization structures may be found in the report DOE NE-0084. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the structural integrity of the VVER-440 ALS at the Soviet design pressure, and to determine their response to pressure loadings beyond the design value. Complex, three-dimensional, nonlinear, finite element models were developed to represent the major structural components of the localization systems of the VVER-440 models V230 and V213. The interior boundary of the localization system was incrementally pressurized in the calculations until the prediction of gross failure. 6 refs., 9 figs

Estimation of material degradation of VVER-1000 baffle

Science.gov (United States)

Harutyunyan, Davit; Koš'ál, Michal; Vandlík, Stanislav; Hojná, Anna; Schulc, Martin; Flibor, Stanislav

2017-09-01

The planned lifetime of the first commercial VVER-1000 units were designed for 30 to 35 years. Most of the early VVER plants are now reaching and/or passing the 35-year mark. Service life extension for another 10 to 30 years is now under investigation. Life extension requires the evaluation of pressure vessel internals degradation under long-term irradiation. One of the possible limiting factors for the service life of VVERs is a void swelling of the Russian type titanium stabilized stainless 08Ch18N10T steel used to construct the baffle surrounding the core. This article aims to show first steps towards deeper analysis of the baffle degradation process and to demonstrate the possibilities of precise calculation and measurements on the VVER-1000 mock-up in LR-0 reactor.

CODEX-B4C experiment. Core degradation test with boron carbide control rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hozer, Z.; Nagy, I.; Windberg, P.; Balasko, M.; Matus, L.; Prokopiev, O.; Pinter, A.; Horvath, M.; Gyenes, Gy.; Czitrovszky, A.; Nagy, A.; Jani, P.

2003-11-01

The CODEX-B4C bundle test has been successfully performed on 25 th May 2001 in the framework of the COLOSS project of the EU 5 th FWP. The high temperature degradation of a VVER-1000 type bundle with B 4 C control rod was investigated with electrically heated fuel rods. The experiment was carried out according to a scenario selected in favour of methane formation. Degradation of control rod and fuel bundle took place at temperatures ∼2000 deg C, cooling down of the bundle was performed in steam atmosphere. The gas composition measurement indicated no methane production during the experiment. High release of aerosols was detected in the high temperature oxidation phase. The on-line measured data are collected into a database and are available for code validation and development. (author)

Inter-assembly gap deviations in VVER-1000: Accounting for effects on engineering margin factors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shishkov, Lev; Gorodkov, Sergey; Mikailov, Eldar; Sukhino-Khomenko, Evgenia [Nuclear Research Centre ' ' Kurchatov Institute' ' , Moscow (Russian Federation)

2015-09-15

Jacketless fuel assemblies change their form in the course of operation. Often they bow lengthwise. Primarily, these fuel assembly (FA) bows threaten to reduce the control rods' fall rate, but at the same time they change (e.g. increase) the amount of moderator in inter-assembly gaps, thus producing additional power surges. Gap sizes vary randomly and their impact is accounted for with the help of engineering margin factors. For VVER-1000, this account of engineering margin factors increases the fuel component of electricity generation cost by 3 - 5 %, and a half of this increase is due to inter- assembly gap variations. This paper discusses the technique used to account for the impact produced by these gaps on fuel rod power; gives numerical values of sensitivity factors for power variations vs. gap sizes depending on the computational model assumed; and discusses the interference of gap effects and the account of power and coolant temperature feedbacks.

SCORPIO-VVER core monitoring and surveillance system with advanced capabilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Molnar, J.; Vocka, R.

2010-01-01

In this work authors present 12 years of operation experience of core monitoring and surveillance system with advanced capabilities on nuclear power plants on 6 unit of VVER-440 type of reactors at two different NPPs. The original version of the SCORPIO (Surveillance of reactor CORe by PIcture On-line display) system was developed for the western type of PWR reactors. The first version of the SCORPIO-VVER Core Monitoring System for Dukovany NPP (VVER-440 type of reactor, Czech Republic) was developed in 1998. For SCORPIO-VVER implementation at Bohunice NPP in Slovakia (2001) the system was enhanced with startup module KRITEX.

FP 6 EU - COVERS. Coordination action - VVER safety research

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vasa, I.

2008-01-01

In this work research program of the European Union FP 6 - COVERS coordinated by the NRI Rez is presented. COVERS is designed to improve professional and communication environment in the specific area covering all aspects of safe and reliable operation of nuclear power plants with VVER-440 and VVER-1000 reactors. Project Consortium is composed of 26 research and development, engineering and technical support organisations of European VVER-operating and other EU and non-EU countries.

Severe accident management development program for VVER-1000 and VVER-440/213 based on the westinghouse owners group approach

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Felix, E.; Dessars, N.

2003-01-01

The development of the Westinghouse Owners Group Severe Accident Management Guidelines (WOG SAMG) between 1991 and 1994 was initiated in response to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirement for addressing the regulatory severe accident concerns. Hence, the WOG SAMG is designed to interface with other existing procedures at the plant and is used in accident sequences that have progressed to the point where these other procedures are not applicable any longer, i.e. following core damage. The primary purpose of the WOG SAMG is to reach a controlled stable state, which can be declared when fission product releases are controlled, challenges to the confinement fission product boundary have been mitigated, and adequate heat removal is provided to the core and the containment. Although the WOG SAMG is a generic severe accident management guidance developed for use by the entirety of the operating Westinghouse PWR plants, provisions have been made in their development to address specific features of individual plants such as confinement type and the feasibility of reactor cavity flooding. Similarly, the generic SAMG does not address unique plant features and equipment, but rather allows for consideration of plant specific features and strategies. This adaptable approach has led to several SAMG development programs for VVER-1000 and VVER-440 type of power plants, under Westinghouse' s lead. The first of these programs carried out to completion was for Temelin NPP - VVER-1000 - in the first quarter of 2003. Other ongoing programs aim at providing a similar work for VVER-440 design, namely Dukovany, Mochovce and Bohunice NPPs. The challenge of adapting the existing generic WOG material to plants other than PWRs mainly arises for VVER-440 because of important differences in confinement design, making it more vulnerable to ex-vessel phenomena such as hydrogen burn. Also, for both eastern designs, cavity flooding strategy requires special consideration and

SCORPIO - VVER core surveillance system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hornaes, A.; Bodal, T.; Sunde, S.

1998-01-01

The Institutt for energiteknikk has developed the core surveillance system SCORPIO, which has two parallel modes of operation: the Core Follow Mode and the Predictive Mode. The main motivation behind the development of SCORPIO is to make a practical tool for reactor operators, which can increase the quality and quantity of information presented on core status and dynamic behavior. This can first of all improve plant safety, as undesired core conditions are detected and prevented. Secondly, more flexible and efficient plant operation is made possible. The system has been implemented on western PWRs, but the basic concept is applicable to a wide range of reactors including VVERs. The main differences between VVERs and typical western PWRs with respect to core surveillance requirements are outlined. The development of a VVER version of SCORPIO has been done in co-operation with the Nuclear Research Institute Rez, and industry partners in the Czech Republic. The first system is installed at Dukovany NPP, where the Site Acceptance Test was completed 6. March 1998.(author)

Containment leak-tightness enhancement at VVER 440 NPPs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prandorfy, M.

2001-01-01

The hermetic compartments of VVER 440 NPPs fulfil the function of the containment used at NPPs all over the word. The purpose of the containment is to protect the NPP personal against radioactive impact as well as to prevent radioactive leakage to the environment during a lost of coolant accident. Leak-tightness enhancement in NPPs with VVER 440/213 and VVER 440/230 reactors is an important safety issue. New procedures, measures and methods were adopted at NPPs in Mochovce, J. Bohunice, Dukovany and Paks for leak identification and sealing works performed by VUEZ Levice. (authors)

ASTEC applications to VVER-440/V213 reactors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Matejovic, Peter, E-mail: ivstt@nextra.sk; Barnak, Miroslav; Bachraty, Milan; Vranka, Lubomir

2014-06-01

Since the beginning of ASTEC development by IRSN and GRS the code was widely applied to VVER reactors. In this paper, at first specific features of VVER-440/V213 reactor design that are important from the modelling point of view are briefly described. Then the validation of ASTEC code with focus on its applicability to VVER reactors is briefly summarised and the results obtained with the ASTEC V2.0-rev1 version for the ISP-33 PACTEL natural circulation experiment are presented. In the next section the application of ASTEC V2.0-rev1 code in upgrade of VVER-440/V213 NPPs to cope with consequences of severe accidents is described. This upgrade includes adoption of in-vessel retention via external reactor vessel cooling and installation of large capacity passive autocatalytic recombiners. Results of analysis with focus on corium localisation and stabilisation inside reactor vessel, hydrogen control in confinement and prevention of long-term confinement pressurisation are presented.

Innovative instrumentation for VVERs based in non-invasive techniques

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jeanneau, H.; Favennec, J.M.; Tournu, E.; Germain, J.L.

2000-01-01

Nuclear power plants such as VVERs can greatly benefit from innovative instrumentation to improve plant safety and efficiency. In recent years innovative instrumentation has been developed for PWRs with the aim of providing additional measurements of physical parameters on the primary and secondary circuits: the addition of new instrumentation is made possible by using non-invasive techniques such as ultrasonics and radiation detection. These innovations can be adapted for upgrading VVERs presently in operation and also in future VVERs. The following innovative instrumentation for the control, monitoring or testing at VVERs is described: 1. instrumentation for more accurate primary side direct measurements (for a better monitoring of the primary circuit); 2. instrumentation to monitor radioactivity leaks (for a safer plant); 3. instrumentation-related systems to improve the plant efficiency (for a cheaper kWh)

Review of operational requirements with respect to PCMI in a VVER and the corresponding developments in the trans uranus code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Van Uffelen, P.; Lassman, K.; Schubert, A.; Van der Laar, J.; Gyori, C.; Elenkov, D.; Hatala, B.

2005-01-01

Since the mid-90's, a version of the TRANSURANUS code has been under development for the analysis of the fuel rod performance in Russian-type VVER reactors. This required, among other things, the implementation of specific thermal and mechanical properties for Nb-containing cladding. The first part of the paper summarises the present status of the models for normal operating conditions. Further refinements will include the correlation between the effective creep strain rate and the effective stress. In the second part of the paper we consider accident conditions for which new correlations have been developed, including plastic deformation, high-temperature oxidation and burst of the cladding. These conditions have been implemented in TRANSURANUS and verified by means of burst tests for as-received, oxidised and irradiated cladding specimens. Finally, an outlook of the planned activities for code development and validation, including experiments regarding PCMI-related safety criteria for VVER reactors, is presented. (author)

Contributions of Modranska potrubni a.s. to the safety improvement of piping systems and valves of NPS type VVER 440 and VVER 1000

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Slach, J.

2004-01-01

The following activities are described: (i) Installation of pipe whip restraints on piping for high pressure and temperature steam and feed piping; (ii) Installation of air receivers for quick-acting valves with air actuator on VVER 440 units at the Jaslovske Bohunice V2 NPP; (iii) Replacement of the technical water distribution system material in the reactor hall of the Temelin VVER 1000 units; Installation of measuring nozzles on main steam piping DN 600 at the Temelin VVER 1000 units. (P.A.)

CODEX-B4C experiment. Core degradation test with boron carbide control rod

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hozer, Z; Nagy, I; Windberg, P; Balasko, M; Matus, L; Prokopiev, O; Pinter, A; Horvath, M; Gyenes, Gy [KFKI Atomic Energy Research Institute, Budapest (Hungary); Czitrovszky, A; Nagy, A; Jani, P [Research Institute for Solid State Physics and Optics, Budapest (Hungary)

2003-11-01

The CODEX-B4C bundle test has been successfully performed on 25{sup th} May 2001 in the framework of the COLOSS project of the EU 5{sup th} FWP. The high temperature degradation of a VVER-1000 type bundle with B{sub 4}C control rod was investigated with electrically heated fuel rods. The experiment was carried out according to a scenario selected in favour of methane formation. Degradation of control rod and fuel bundle took place at temperatures {approx}2000 deg C, cooling down of the bundle was performed in steam atmosphere. The gas composition measurement indicated no methane production during the experiment. High release of aerosols was detected in the high temperature oxidation phase. The on-line measured data are collected into a database and are available for code validation and development. (author)

Peculiarity by Modeling of the Control Rod Movement by the Kalinin-3 Benchmark

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nikonov, S. P.; Velkov, K.; Pautz, A.

2010-01-01

The paper presents an important part of the results of the OECD/NEA benchmark transient 'Switching off one main circulation pump at nominal power' analyzed as a boundary condition problem by the coupled system code ATHLET-BIPR-VVER. Some observations and comparisons with measured data for integral reactor parameters are discussed. Special attention is paid on the modeling and comparisons performed for the control rod movement and the reactor power history. (Authors)

PIN99W, Modelling of VVER and PWR Fuel Rod Thermomechanical Behaviour

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Valach, M.; Strizhov, P.; Svoboda, R.

2000-01-01

1 - Description of program or function: The Code is developed to describe fuel rod thermomechanical behaviour in operational conditions. The main goal of this code is to calculate fuel temperature, gap conductivity, fission gas release and inner gas pressure. 2 - Methods: - fuel rod temperature response is solved by using one-dimensional finite element method combined with weighted residuals method; - the code involves models describing physical phenomena typical for the fuel irradiated in Light Water Power Reactors (densification, restructuring, fission gas release, swelling and relocation) ; - this code is updated and improves PIN-micro code. 3 - Restrictions on the complexity of the problem: - simplified mechanistic solution; - only steady-state solution; - no cladding failure criterion; - no model for axial fuel-cladding interaction

PSB-VVER counterpart experiment simulating a small cold leg break LOCA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Blinkov, V.N.; Melikhov, O.I.; Kapustin, A.V.; Lipatov, I.A.; Dremin, G.I.; Nikonov, S.M.; Rovnov, A.A.; Elkin, I.V.; Pylev, S.S.

2005-01-01

Full text of publication follows: An experiment simulating a small break LOCA has been performed in PSB-VVER facility, under PSB-VVER OECD Project. The test is intended to be a counterpart one to an experiment performed in the LOBI integral test facility. The objectives of the PSB-VVER small cold leg break test are: to study VVER-1000 thermal hydraulic response following a small break in the cold leg, to provide data for code assessment regarding phenomena indicated in the VVER-1000 code validation matrix and to study the scaling effect. The scenario for the PSB-VVER experiment has been designed taking the LOBI BL-34 test as reference. The ratio of primary system volumes (without volume of the pressurizer and the surge line) has been chosen to scale the reference experiment conditions and to generate the conditions of PSB-VVER cold leg break experiment. The resulting conditions are compared with the LOBI cold leg break test conditions by means of different counterpart test criteria. Comparing the two experiments in terms of the criteria shows that basic requirements to the counterpart test are fulfilled. A pretest analysis with RELAP5/MOD3.2 code has shown that the PSBVVER small break experiment is expected to show the same relevant phenomena and main events as the LOBI BL-34 test. The predicted PSB-VVER primary pressure is very close to that measured in the LOBI facility. The measured pressure in the PSB-VVER primary system has turned out to be very close to that registered in LOBI BL-34 test. This verifies the approach used for developing the conditions of the PSB-VVER counterpart test. The experiment results and the RELAP5/MOD3.2 pretest calculation are in good agreement. A posttest calculation of the experiment with RELAP5/MOD3.2 code has been performed in order to assess the codes capability to simulate the phenomena relevant to the test. The code has shown a reasonable prediction of the phenomena measured in the experiment. (authors)

PSB-VVER counterpart experiment simulating a small cold leg break LOCA

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Blinkov, V.N.; Melikhov, O.I.; Kapustin, A.V.; Lipatov, I.A.; Dremin, G.I.; Nikonov, S.M.; Rovnov, A.A. [Elektrogorsk Research and Engineering Center, EREC, Bezymiannaja Street, 6, Elektrogorsk, Moscow Region, 142530 (Russian Federation); Elkin, I.V.; Pylev, S.S. [NSI RRC ' Kurchatov Institute' , Kurchatov Sq., 1, Moscow, 123182 (Russian Federation)

2005-07-01

Full text of publication follows: An experiment simulating a small break LOCA has been performed in PSB-VVER facility, under PSB-VVER OECD Project. The test is intended to be a counterpart one to an experiment performed in the LOBI integral test facility. The objectives of the PSB-VVER small cold leg break test are: to study VVER-1000 thermal hydraulic response following a small break in the cold leg, to provide data for code assessment regarding phenomena indicated in the VVER-1000 code validation matrix and to study the scaling effect. The scenario for the PSB-VVER experiment has been designed taking the LOBI BL-34 test as reference. The ratio of primary system volumes (without volume of the pressurizer and the surge line) has been chosen to scale the reference experiment conditions and to generate the conditions of PSB-VVER cold leg break experiment. The resulting conditions are compared with the LOBI cold leg break test conditions by means of different counterpart test criteria. Comparing the two experiments in terms of the criteria shows that basic requirements to the counterpart test are fulfilled. A pretest analysis with RELAP5/MOD3.2 code has shown that the PSBVVER small break experiment is expected to show the same relevant phenomena and main events as the LOBI BL-34 test. The predicted PSB-VVER primary pressure is very close to that measured in the LOBI facility. The measured pressure in the PSB-VVER primary system has turned out to be very close to that registered in LOBI BL-34 test. This verifies the approach used for developing the conditions of the PSB-VVER counterpart test. The experiment results and the RELAP5/MOD3.2 pretest calculation are in good agreement. A posttest calculation of the experiment with RELAP5/MOD3.2 code has been performed in order to assess the codes capability to simulate the phenomena relevant to the test. The code has shown a reasonable prediction of the phenomena measured in the experiment. (authors)

Feasibility study of chabazite absorber tube utilization in online absorption of released gaseous fission products and substitution of burnable absorber rods with chabazite absorber tubes in VVER-1000 reactor series

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rahmani, Yashar

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Chabazite tubes are used for online removal of the released gaseous fission products. • The feasibility of using chabazite tubes instead of burnable absorber rods was studied. • A computational cycle was designed using the WIMSD5-B, CITATION-LDI2 and WERL codes. • In modeling fission gas release, the Weisman, Booth, Mason and T.S. models were used. • By this method, it is possible to increase cycle length and enhance heat transfer. - Abstract: As gaseous fission products, e.g. xenon and krypton have adverse effects such as reducing the rate of heat transfer in fuel rods and adding negative reactivity to the reactor core, the present manuscript was dedicated to development of a novel method for improving these defects. In the proposed method, chabazite absorber tubes were used for online removal of the released gaseous fission products from gaseous gap spaces. Moreover, in this research, feasibility of using chabazite absorber tubes instead of burnable absorber rods was examined. To perform the required modeling and calculations to successfully meet the mentioned objectives, a thermo-neutronic computational cycle was designed using the coupling of WIMSD5-B and CITATION-LDI2 codes in the neutronic section and the WERL code in the thermo-hydraulic calculations. In addition, in modeling the release process of gaseous fission products, the Weisman, Booth, Mason, and T.S. models were examined. It is worth mentioning that in this research, calculations and modeling procedures were based on the first cycle of Bushehr’s VVER-1000 reactor to study the feasibility of the proposed solution. The obtained results revealed that with application of the proposed method in this research, it is possible to increase cycle length, improve safety thresholds, and enhance heat transfer in the core of nuclear reactors.

Group Velocity for Leaky Waves

Science.gov (United States)

Rzeznik, Andrew; Chumakova, Lyubov; Rosales, Rodolfo

2017-11-01

In many linear dispersive/conservative wave problems one considers solutions in an infinite medium which is uniform everywhere except for a bounded region. In general, localized inhomogeneities of the medium cause partial internal reflection, and some waves leak out of the domain. Often one only desires the solution in the inhomogeneous region, with the exterior accounted for by radiation boundary conditions. Formulating such conditions requires definition of the direction of energy propagation for leaky waves in multiple dimensions. In uniform media such waves have the form exp (d . x + st) where d and s are complex and related by a dispersion relation. A complex s is required since these waves decay via radiation to infinity, even though the medium is conservative. We present a modified form of Whitham's Averaged Lagrangian Theory along with modulation theory to extend the classical idea of group velocity to leaky waves. This allows for solving on the bounded region by representing the waves as a linear combination of leaky modes, each exponentially decaying in time. This presentation is part of a joint project, and applications of these results to example GFD problems will be presented by L. Chumakova in the talk ``Leaky GFD Problems''. This work is partially supported by NSF Grants DMS-1614043, DMS-1719637, and 1122374, and by the Hertz Foundation.

An experimental investigation of 1% SBLOCA on PSB-VVER test facility

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lipatov, I.A.; Dremin, G.I.; Galtchanskaia, S.A.; Gorbunov, Yu.S. [Electrogorsk Research and Engineering Center, EREC, Electrogorsk (Russian Federation); Elkin, I.V. [Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Inst., Moscow (Russian Federation)

2001-07-01

The paper presents the results of the three tests carried out in the PSB-VVER large-scale integral test facility. The PSB-VVER test facility is a four loop, full pressure scaled down model bearing structural similarities to the primary system of the NRP with VVER-1000 Russian design reactor. Volume-power scale is 1/300 while elevation scale is 1/1. (orig.)

A 25% double-ended LOCA in the PSB-VVER facility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Blinkov, V.N.; Lipatov, I.A.; Dremin, G.I.

2003-01-01

The paper presents the results of the experimental investigation in the PSB-VVER facility and post-test analysis with RELAP5/MOD3.3 of the thermal-hydraulic response of the PSB-VVER to a 25% double-ended Hot Leg Break (HLB). The test scenario included loss of off-site power concurrently with the scram-signal and the safety system operation as described in the reference VVER-1000 operational manual in the case of this type of accident assuming one diesel-generator failure. The key transient parameter trends as well as sequence of events and phenomena are given in the paper. RELAP5/MOD3.3 a post-test analysis has been performed using the experimental data gained as a base. The reasonable qualitative agreement between the key calculated and measured variables has been shown. The quantitative code accuracy evaluation has shown that the total average amplitude of the main parameters' deviations AA tot tot < 0.28 that corresponds to satisfactory quality of the VVER-1000 hot leg guillotine break LOCA modeling in the PSB-VVER. (author)

NNSA / IAEA VVER reactor safety workshops. May 2002 - April 2003. Executive summary

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Evans, M.; Petri, M. C.

2003-01-01

Over the past year, the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has sponsored four workshops to compare the probabilistic risk assessments (PRAs) of Soviet-designed VVER power plants. The ''International Workshop on Safety of First-Generation VVER-440 Nuclear Power Plants'' was held on May 20-25, 2002, in Piestany, Slovakia. A short follow-on workshop was held in Bratislava, Slovakia, on November 5-6, 2002, to complete the work begun in May. Piestany was the location also for the ''International Workshop on Safety of Second-Generation VVER-440 Nuclear Power Plants'' (September 9-14, 2002) and the ''International Workshop on Safety of VVER-1000 Nuclear Power Plants'' (April 7-12, 2003). The four workshops were held in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Slovakia (UJD), the Center for Nuclear Safety in Central and Eastern Europe (CENS), and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). The objectives of the workshops were to identify the impact of the improvements on the core damage frequency; the contribution to the PRA results of different assumptions about events that can occur at the plants; and to understand, identify, and prioritize potential improvements in hardware and plant operation of VVER nuclear power plants. These objectives were achieved based on insights gained from recent PRAs completed by the plants and their technical support organizations. Nine first-generation VVER-440 plants (nominally of the VVER-440/230 design) are currently operating in Armenia, Bulgaria, Russia, and Slovakia. Sixteen VVER-440/213 plants are currently operating in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Twenty-three VVER-1000 plants are currently operating in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Russia, and Ukraine. Eleven addition plants are in the advanced stages of construction in various parts of the world. The workshops reviewed the current configuration and safety status of each plant

Feasibility of VVER-440 type SFAT

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kaartinen, J.; Tarvainen, M.

1995-05-01

Spent fuel attribute tester, SFAT, has been constructed and tested for gross defect verification of VVER-440 type spent fuel assemblies. Based on earlier optimisation studies, the VVER-440 SFAT is kept hanging from the mast of the fuel handling machine moved by the operator. The device tested includes a standard 2' x 2' NaI(T1) detector connected to a commercial MCA. The results achieved with normal VVER-440 spent fuel assemblies at the Loviisa npp in Finland in November 1994 show that the method is feasible. The design of the so-called fuel follower assemblies, however, prevents SFAT verification, at least with moderate measurement times. Verification of the presence of the assemblies based on the detection of the fission product 137 Cs (662 keV) is possible even in 10-30 seconds. Measurement times of the order of 1-2 minutes make it possible to draw also semi-quantitative conclusions of the burnup and cooling time of the operator declared data (consistency check). (orig.) (7 refs., 11 figs., 3 tabs.)

Fuel designs for VVER reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Simonov, K.V.; Carbon, P.; Silberstein, A.

1995-01-01

That progresses in efficiency and safety through progresses in technology and better prediction with fully benchmarked upgraded computer codes is a common goal for on the one hand the original designer of the VVER reactors and their respective fuels and on the other hand for EVF a western company resulting from a combined force with highly diversified and complementary talents in reactor and fuel design and manufacturing. It can be expected that this new challenge and dialogue between the two Russian and European industrial ventures will be mutually beneficial and yield innovative and high quality products and as a consequence strong return will be produced for the best interest of utilities operating VVER reactors. (orig./HP)

Corrosion products behaviour under VVER primary coolant conditions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Grygar, T.; Zmitko, M.

2002-01-01

The aim of this work was to collect data on thermodynamic stability of Cr, Fe, and Ni oxides, mechanisms of hydrothermal corrosion of stainless steels and to compare the real observation with the theory. We found that the electrochemical potential and pH in PWR and VVER are close to the thermodynamic boundary between two fields of stable spinel type oxides. The ways of degradation of the passivating layers due to changes in water chemistry were considered and PWR and VVER systems were found to be potentially endangered by reductive attack. In certain VVER systems the characteristics of the passivating layer on steels and also concentration of soluble corrosion products seem to be in contradiction with the theoretical expectations. (author)

Special features of embrittlement of welded joints in shells of VVER-type reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kasatkin, O.G.

1999-01-01

At present, the atomic power engineering of Russia and Ukraine is based on water-water energy reactors of the VVER-440 and VVER-1000 type, with the electric power of 440 and 1000 MW, respectively. The majority of the VVER-440 reactors are installed in Russia, and VVER-1000 reactors operate in Ukraine. The reactors' shell (RS) is produced from cylindrical shells and a dished end welded together by circular joints under a flux. The RS of the VVER-440 reactor is produced from 15Kh3MFA steel, and the VVER-1000 reactors are produced from 15Kh2NMFA steel. The shell of the VVER-1000 reactor has an internal austenite coating. The condition of the RS metal is determined mainly by the critical brittleness temperature T b at which the impact toughness of specimens with a sharp notch reaches 60 J/cm 2 . The energy reactors, working in western countries, are characterised by a service life of 40 years and discussion is being carried out to extend this lifetime to 60 years. The design service life of the domestic reactors varies from 30 (RS VVER-440) to 40 (RS VVER-1000) years. According to investigations, the service life of the shells of these reactors is restricted by the properties of welded joints which are characterised by higher susceptibility to embrittlement than that of the parent metal, especially due to a higher content in the weld of phosphorus (RS VVER-440) or nickel (RS VVER-1000). Therefore, some experts believe that the actual service life of the RS is shorter than the design life. The accurate evaluation of the service life of welded joints in the RS is very important for the safety of service and also in the economic aspects, because the unjustified decrease of the permissible service life and premature shutdown of units of the nuclear power station result in huge losses

Detailed modeling of KALININ-3 NPP VVER-1000 reactor pressure vessel by the coupled system code ATHLET/BIPR-VVER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nikonov, S.P.; Velkov, K.; Pautz, A.

2011-01-01

The paper gives an overview of the recent developments of a new reactor pressure vessel (RPV) model of VVER-1000 for the coupled system code ATHLET/BIPR-VVER. Based on the previous experience a methodology is worked out for modeling the RPV in a pseudo-3D way with the help of a multiple parallel thermal-hydraulic channel scheme that follows the hexagonal fuel assembly structure from the bottom to the top of the reactor. The results of the first application of the new modeling are discussed on the base of the OECD/NEA coupled code benchmark for Kalinin-3 NPP transient. Coolant mass flow distributions in reactor volume of VVER 1000 reactor are presented and discussed. It is shown that along the core height a mass flow re-distribution of the coolant takes place starting approximately at an axial layer located 1 meter below the core outlet. (author)

Modelling of thermal mechanical behaviour of high burn-Up VVER fuel at power transients with special emphasis on the impact of fission gas induced swelling of fuel pellets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Novikov, V.; Medvedev, A.; Khvostov, G.; Bogatyr, S.; Kuzetsov, V.; Korystin, L.

2005-01-01

This paper is devoted to the modelling of unsteady state mechanical and thermo-physical behaviour of high burn-up VVER fuel at a power ramp. The contribution of the processes related to the kinetics of fission gas to the consequences of pellet-clad mechanical interaction is analysed by the example of integral VVER-440 rod 9 from the R7 experimental series, with a pellet burn-up in the active part at around 60 MWd/kgU. This fuel rod incurred ramp testing with a ramp value ΔW 1 ∼ 250 W/cm in the MIR research reactor. The experimentally revealed residual deformation of the clad by 30-40 microns in the 'hottest' portion of the rod, reaching a maximum linear power of up to 430 W/cm, is numerically justified on the basis of accounting for the unsteady state swelling and additional degradation of fuel thermal conductivity due to temperature-induced formation and development of gaseous porosity within the grains and on the grain boundaries. The good prediction capability of the START-3 code, coupled with the advanced model of fission gas related processes, with regard to the important mechanical (residual deformation of clad, pellet-clad gap size, central hole filling), thermal physical (fission gas release) and micro-structural (profiles of intra-granular concentration of the retained fission gas and fuel porosity across a pellet) consequences of the R7 test is shown. (authors)

Leaky feeder: the communication backbone

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-01-01

The need to communicate with all areas of the underground operation in monitoring the movement of men, materials and vehicles, as well as the optimum performance of conveyor systems, has been effectively met with the installation of a Flexcom leaky feeder cable network at a coliery in Mpumalanga. Installed by the South African subsidiary of Mine Radio Systems (MRS), based in Canada, Flexcom is an RF communications highway for underground mines. The system can provide up to 32 voice/data control channels and up to 16 video channels, all operating simultaneously. The system uses a series of bi-directional amplifiers (or signal boosters) spaced at 350 m intervals along the leaky feeder cable, with branching units and termination units added as required. Communication is possible within 50 m of the leaky feeder cable. MRS has 11 conveyors monitored via the SCADA program at the mine and the system produces reports as required which are accessible via cellphone from anywhere in the world. The wireless monitoring of miners and equipment contributes to mine safety. 3 figs.

SCORPIO-VVER core monitoring and surveillance system with advanced capabilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Molnar, J.; Vocka, R.

2009-01-01

The SCORPIO-VVER system includes following features: 1) Validation of plant measurements and identification of sensor failures. 2) Optimum combination of measurements and calculations to obtain precise values of important parameters. 3) On-line 3D power distribution calculation with pin power reconstruction. 4) Limit checking and thermal margin calculation allowing for surveillance of VVER core limits such as DNBR, Sub-cooling margin, FdH and FQ peeking factors. 5) Integrated modules for monitoring fuel performance and coolant activity for identification of fuel failures. 6) Predictive capabilities and strategy planning, offering the possibility to check the consequences of operational manoeuvres in advance, prediction of critical parameters, etc. 7) Convenient monitoring of approach to criticality during reactor start-up. 8) Automated transition between cycles (fuel reload). The SCORPIO-VVER core monitoring system with its flexible and modular framework successfully responses to the plant operating needs and advances in nuclear fuel cycle strategies and fuel design. Modular framework allows for easy modifications of the system and implementation of new methods in physical modules. Even if the system is installed only on VVER-440 reactors, it could be adapted for VVER-1000 needs

APROS multifunctional simulator applications for VVER-440

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Porkholm, K.; Kantee, H.; Tiihonen, O.

2000-01-01

Fortum Engineering Ltd and the Technical Research Centre of Finland have developed APROS simulation software since 1986. APROS is a multifunctional simulator, which is used for process and automation design, safety analysis and training simulator applications. APROS has unique features and models developed especially for VVER-440 reactors. At first the paper gives a short overview of APROS multifunctional simulator. The rest of the paper deals with different kind of applications of APROS in VVER-440 reactors' improvement and operation development. (author)

Characterization of leaky faults

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shan, Chao.

1990-05-01

Leaky faults provide a flow path for fluids to move underground. It is very important to characterize such faults in various engineering projects. The purpose of this work is to develop mathematical solutions for this characterization. The flow of water in an aquifer system and the flow of air in the unsaturated fault-rock system were studied. If the leaky fault cuts through two aquifers, characterization of the fault can be achieved by pumping water from one of the aquifers, which are assumed to be horizontal and of uniform thickness. Analytical solutions have been developed for two cases of either a negligibly small or a significantly large drawdown in the unpumped aquifer. Some practical methods for using these solutions are presented. 45 refs., 72 figs., 11 tabs

Determination of mixing factors for VVER-440 fuel assembly head

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tóth, S., E-mail: toth@reak.bme.hu [Institute of Nuclear Techniques, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 9, H-1111 Budapest (Hungary); Aszódi, A. [Institute of Nuclear Techniques, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 9, H-1111 Budapest (Hungary)

2013-11-15

CFD models have been developed for the heads of the old, the present and the new type VVER-440 fuel assemblies using the experience of a former validation process. With these models temperature distributions are investigated in the heads of some typical assemblies and the in-core thermocouple signals are calculated. The analyses show that the coolant mixing is intensive but not-perfect in the assembly heads. The difference between the thermocouple signal and the cross-sectional average temperature at the measurement level depends on the assembly type. Using the results of these CFD calculations the weight factors of the rod bundle regions for the in-core thermocouple have been determined. With these factors the thermocouple signals are estimated and the results are statistically tested using the registered data of the Hungarian nuclear power plant. This test shows that the deviations between the measured and the calculated temperatures can be significantly decreased and consequently monitoring uncertainties can be reduced with using the weight factors.

PSB-VVER experimental and analytical investigation of station blackout accident in VVER-1000

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lipatov, I.A.; Kapustin, A.V.; Nikonov, S.M.; Rovnov, A.A.; Basov, A.V. [Electrogorsk Research and Engineering Centre (EREC), Moscow Region (Russian Federation); Elkin, I.V. [NSI RRC, Kurchatov Institute, Moscow (Russian Federation)

2007-07-01

In November 2003, an experiment simulating station blackout accident was carried out in the PSB-VVER integral test facility at the Electrogorsk Research and Engineering Centre (Russia). The purpose of the experiment was to provide missing data for code validation as well as to investigate the VVER thermohydraulics in the blackout conditions. The experiment covers a wide range of phenomena relating not only to transients but also to small break loss-of-coolant accidents. The data gained in the test has been used to assess the RELAP5/MOD3.3 code. In this paper, a special attention has been paid to the code assessment regarding the mixture level and entrainment in steam generator secondary side. The analysis of the recorded transient has shown that the calculation of the heat transfer on the secondary side of steam generators is very sensitive to the steam generator nodalization. (authors)

VVER-1000 backfitting programs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zabka, H.; Milhem, J.L.

1998-01-01

Russia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria have nineteen nuclear generating units of the VVER-1000/V-320 (1000 MWe PWR) type in operation. Most of these plants were built in the eighties. Their design is based on Soviet standards of the seventies. In the early eighties and, in particular, after the Chernobyl accident, new safety principles and supplementary specific standards were introduced. However, they were taken into account only to a limited extent in the design and construction of the VVER-1000/V-320 plants. A number of nuclear power plants, whose construction was stopped after the political changes in the countries of the former USSR, now are to be completed with the financial assistance of the Commission of the European Union and other Western organizations, respectively. This Western support is dependent on the condition that these plants attain a level of engineered safeguards comparable to that of PWR plants currently in operation in Western Europe. (orig.) [de

Leaky coaxial cable signal transmission for remote facilities

Science.gov (United States)

Smith, S. F.; Crutcher, R. I.

To develop reliable communications methods to meet the rigorous requirements for nuclear hot cells and similar environments, including control of cranes, transporters, and advanced servomanipulators, the Consolidated Fuel Reprocessing Program (CFRP) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has conducted extensive tests of numerous technologies to determine their applicability to remote operations. To alleviate the need for large bundles of cables that must accommodate crane/transporter motion relative to the boundaries of the cell, several transmission techniques are available, including slotted-line radio-frequency couplers, infrared beams, fiber-optic cables, free-space microwave, and inductively coupled leaky coaxial cable. This paper discusses the general characteristics, mode of operation, and proposed implementation of leaky coaxial cable technology in a waste-handling facility scheduled to be built in the near future at ORNL. In addition, specific system hardware based around the use of leaky coaxial cable is described in detail. Finally, data from a series of radiation exposure tests conducted by the CFRP on several samples of the basic leaky coaxial cable and associated connectors are presented.

Research on loading pattern optimization for VVER reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tran Viet Phu; Nguyen Thi Mai Huong; Nguyen Huu Tiep; Ta Duy Long; Tran Vinh Thanh; Tran Hoai Nam

2017-01-01

A study on fuel loading pattern optimization of a VVER reactor was performed. In this study, a core physics simulator was developed based on a multi-group diffusion theory for the use in the problem of fuel loading optimization of VVER reactors. The core simulator could handle the triangular meshes of the core and the computational speed is fast. Verification of the core simulator was confirmed against a benchmark problem of a VVER-1000 reactor. Several optimization methods such as DS, SA, TS and a combination of them were investigated and implemented in coupling with the core simulator. Calculations was performed for optimizing the fuel loading pattern of the core using these methods based on a benchmark core model in comparison with the reference core. Comparison among these methods have shown that a combination of SA+TS is the most effective for the problem of fuel loading pattern optimization. Advanced methods are being researched continuously. (author)

SCORPIO-VVER core monitoring and surveillance system with advanced capabilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Molnar, Jozef; Vocka, Radim

2010-01-01

The SCORPIO (SCORPIO-VVER) core monitoring system, its basic features and history of implementation at Czech NPPs are described. The most important improvements in the area of neutron physics, core thermal analysis and operation support are as follows: Moving to the 42 axial nodes across the whole system (2004); Implementation of new cross section library to support mixed reactor core with differences in axial geometry of used fuel types and enhancement of Core Simulator boundary conditions model, to properly address the 'wild' geometry in axial direction; Adjusting the thermohydraulic and neutron-physical models regarding to the Gd2 fuel needs; Support up to 5 types of FAs and 2 types of SPND (Posit, IST); Extension of form functions for pin-wise reconstruction to improve pin-power prediction in control rod coupler region; System adaptation to the new upgraded digital I and C unit system; Integration of the SCORPIO-VVER system and its workstation into the plant redundant in-core system; Implementation of new On-Line form function generation to module RECON; New design of the Strategy Generator with advanced predictions; Adaptation of the system to support the new up-rated reactor thermal power; Adding new online SDM calculation function into to system; Implementation of the new 3D power reconstruction with SPND interpretation; Extending the limit checking to the 'full core' checking. The control of margins to the technical specification: Extended to full core - all FA is controlled individually in core; The limits are definable up to 59 FA (1/6 symmetry); 4 limited parameters are controlled - Kr, qlin, Tout-fa, dTfa; 2 additional parameters are monitored - dTsat, DNBR; New MMI are developed to present the limited and controlled parameters in core. Upgrade 3 is planned for the Slovak Bohunice NPP in 2011-2012. (P.A.)

Subsonic leaky Rayleigh waves at liquid-solid interfaces.

Science.gov (United States)

Mozhaev, V G; Weihnacht, M

2002-05-01

The paper is devoted to the study of leaky Rayleigh waves at liquid-solid interfaces close to the border of the existence domain of these modes. The real and complex roots of the secular equation are computed for interface waves at the boundary between water and a binary isotropic alloy of gold and silver with continuously variable composition. The change of composition of the alloy allows one to cross a critical velocity for the existence of leaky waves. It is shown that, contrary to popular opinion, the critical velocity does not coincide with the phase velocity of bulk waves in liquid. The true threshold velocity is found to be smaller, the correction being of about 1.45%. Attention is also drawn to the fact that using the real part of the complex phase velocity as a velocity of leaky waves gives only approximate value. The most interesting feature of the waves under consideration is the presence of energy leakage in the subsonic range of the phase velocities where, at first glance, any radiation by harmonic waves is not permitted. A simple physical explanation of this radiation with due regard for inhomogeneity of radiated and radiating waves is given. The controversial question of the existence of leaky Rayleigh waves at a water/ice interface is reexamined. It is shown that the solution considered previously as a leaky wave is in fact the solution of the bulk-wave-reflection problem for inhomogeneous waves.

Analysis and design of efficient planar leaky-wave antennas

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ettore, M.

2008-01-01

This thesis deals with the effective design of planar leaky-wave antennas. The work describes a methodology based on the polar expansion of Green's function representations to address very different geometrical configurations which might appear to have little in common. In fact leaky waves with

Interactive nuclear plant analyzer for VVER-440 reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shier, W.; Horak, W.; Kennett, R.

1992-05-01

This document discusses an interactive nuclear plant analyzer (NPA) which has been developed for a VVER-440, Model 213 reactor for use in the training of plant personnel, the development and verification of plant operating procedures, and in the analysis of various anticipated operational occurrences and accident scenarios. This NPA is operational on an IBM RISC-6000 workstation and utilizes the RELAP5/MOD2 computer code for the calculation of the VVER-440 reactor response to the interactive commands initiated by the NPA operator

Topologically-protected one-way leaky waves in nonreciprocal plasmonic structures

Science.gov (United States)

Hassani Gangaraj, S. Ali; Monticone, Francesco

2018-03-01

We investigate topologically-protected unidirectional leaky waves on magnetized plasmonic structures acting as homogeneous photonic topological insulators. Our theoretical analyses and numerical experiments aim at unveiling the general properties of these exotic surface waves, and their nonreciprocal and topological nature. In particular, we study the behavior of topological leaky modes in stratified structures composed of a magnetized plasma at the interface with isotropic conventional media, and we show how to engineer their propagation and radiation properties, leading to topologically-protected backscattering-immune wave propagation, and highly directive and tunable radiation. Taking advantage of the non-trivial topological properties of these leaky modes, we also theoretically demonstrate advanced functionalities, including arbitrary re-routing of leaky waves on the surface of bodies with complex shapes, as well as the realization of topological leaky-wave (nano)antennas with isolated channels of radiation that are completely independent and separately tunable. Our findings help shedding light on the behavior of topologically-protected modes in open wave-guiding structures, and may open intriguing directions for future antenna generations based on topological structures, at microwaves and optical frequencies.

Improvement of MSLB transient analysis for VVER by the coupled code system KIKO3D/ATHLET

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hegyi, Gy.; Kereszturi, A.; Trosztel, I.

2001-01-01

An overview is given on the investigations of the Main Steam Line Break transient in a VVER- 440 NPP by using the KIKO3D/ATHLET 1.2.A coupled code system. Special attention was paid for the influence of modeling the outcore detector signals and the malfunctioning of the emergency control system (scram with stuck rod). The conservatism of the calculations was assured even in the case of application of the 3D best estimate KIKO3D code. The consequence of MSLB accident is investigated at the end of cycle (EOC), at full power (FP) and shut down initial conditions. Even if very strong conservative assumptions were applied, dangerous hot spots were not found in the supposed scenarios.(author)

Simpson's Paradox in the Interpretation of "Leaky Pipeline" Data

Science.gov (United States)

Walton, Paul H.; Walton, Daniel J.

2016-01-01

The traditional "leaky pipeline" plots are widely used to inform gender equality policy and practice. Herein, we demonstrate how a statistical phenomenon known as Simpson's paradox can obscure trends in gender "leaky pipeline" plots. Our approach has been to use Excel spreadsheets to generate hypothetical "leaky…

Control of selected VVER components life time SKODA JS a.s. experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zdebor, J.; Pribulla, E.

2005-01-01

Experience from the operation of nuclear power plants with type VVER reactors has shown that the life time management of a number of nuclear reactor components is technically as well as with respect to safety substantiated even at the time which exceeds their originally designed life time. To accept such solution it was necessary to develop and implement a number of programs based on which it was possible to evaluate the actual condition of monitored equipment. It is a condition allowing to adopt solution concerning the possibility of their further operation. Experience from the manufacture of 21 sets of reactor equipment for VVER 440 and 3 sets VVER 1000 has been gathered in SKODA JS a.s. which have been completed by experience from service activities performed at operated nuclear power plants. Analyses of manufacturing data and in-service inspection results completed by a lot of laboratory tests have become the basis for the development of selected VVER components life time management programs. The paper focuses on the life time management of those VVER components which SKODA JS a.s. has most experience with. (authors)

Recent results on the RIA test in IGR reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Asmolov, V.; Yegorova, L.

1997-01-01

At the 23d WRSM meeting the data base characterizing results of VVER high burnup fuel rods tests under reactivity-initiated accident (RIA) conditions was presented. Comparison of PWR and VVER failure thresholds was given also. Additional analysis of the obtained results was being carried out during 1996. The results of analysis show that the two different failure mechanisms were observed for PWR and VVER fuel rods. Some factors which can be as the possible reasons of these differences are presented. First of them is the state of preirradiated cladding. Published test data for PWR high burnup fuel rods demonstrated that the PWR high burnup fuel rods failed at the RIA test are characterized by very high level of oxidation and hydriding for the claddings. Corresponding researches were performed at Institute of Atomic Reactors (RLAR, Dimitrovgrad, Russia) for large set of VVER high burnup fuel rods. Results of these investigations show that preirradiated commercial Zr-1%Nb claddings practically keep their initial levels of oxidation and H 2 concentration. Consequently the VVER preirradiated cladding must keep the high level of mechanical properties. The second reason leading to differences between failure mechanisms for two types of high burnup fuel rods can be the test conditions. Now such kind of analysis have been performed by two methods

Increase in VVER type reactor critical heat fluxes due to placing the mixing grids

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bezrukov, Y.; Lisenkov, E.; Vasilchenko, I.

2011-01-01

The report deals with the results of studies of critical heat fluxes (CHF) on the models of VVER type reactor fuel assembly models equipped with the 'Vihr' intensifiers-grids. The models are the seven-rod bundles with the uniform and non-uniform axial power that correspond to two periods of FA operation i.e. beginning of cycle and end of cycle. The experiments performed showed that the mixing grids of this type are capable of increasing the FA burnout power. The power ascension rate depends on both coolant pressure and steam quality value in the CHF point. Placing the mixing grids in the bundle upper spans results in shifting the point of DNB occurrence downward along the FA height. The experimental data obtained will be used to develop the correlations for determining the CHF in the FA equipped with the mixing grids. (authors)

Analysis of the VVER Standard Problem INSC-PSBV1 '11% Coolant Leak from Upper Plenum' with RELAP5/MOD3.2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Melikhov, O.; Melikhov, V.; Parfenov, Yu.; Gavritenkova, O.; Lipatov, I.; Elkin, I.; Bayless, P.

2004-01-01

Analyses of a loss-of-coolant experiment carried out at the PSB-VVER test facility with the RELAP5/MOD3.2 code have been performed independently by analysts at the Electrogorsk Research and Engineering Center (EREC) and the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL). The PSB-VVER facility is a full-height scale model of a VVER 1000 reactor that is approximately 1/300 scale in volume and power. VVER Standard Problem INSC-PSBV1 represents an 11% leak from the upper plenum of the PSB-VVER facility, simulating the rupture of one of the accumulator injection lines. The safety-significant thermalhydraulic phenomena occurring in VVER type reactors addressed by this experiment were identified in the test validation matrix. Most of the phenomena of the validation matrix were reasonably simulated by RELAP5/MOD3.2 in both calculations. The major differences between the test and the calculations were the timing of the core heatup, and the thermal response to the accumulator injection cycles in both calculations. The INEEL calculation had a more extensive axial heatup, with most of the core experiencing small heat-ups. The accumulator injection was more effective in quenching the core in the test than in the INEEL calculation. This difference is attributed to the liquid distribution in the core, rather than to the heat transfer models in the code. The code calculation had a more uniform axial distribution of the liquid in the core, and the accumulator injection did not have much impact on the core liquid inventory. In the EREC calculation, only one heatup of the cladding temperature was observed for upper and middle section of the fuel rods before the final heatup. The small heat-ups were not reproduced in EREC calculation. The difference could be attributed to differences in liquid distribution, namely the core region in the EREC calculation contains more liquid over most of the transient than in the experiment. The distribution of liquid in the core in

Analysis and Synthesis of Leaky-Wave Devices in Planar Technology

Science.gov (United States)

Martinez Ros, Alejandro Javier

The work developed along this doctoral thesis has been focused on the analysis and synthesis of microwave devices in planar technology. In particular, several types of devices based on the radiation mechanism of leaky waves have been studied. Typically, the radiation properties in leaky-wave devices are determined by the complex propagation constant of the leaky mode, wherein the phase constant is responsible for the pointing angle and the leakage rate for the intensity of the radiated fields. In this manner, by controlling both amplitude and phase of the leaky mode, an effective control over the device's radiation diagram can be obtained. Moreover, with the purpose of efficiently obtaining the leaky mode's radiation properties as function of the main geometrical parameters of the structure, several modal tools based on the transverse resonance analysis of the structure have been performed. In order to demonstrate this simultaneous control over the complex propagation constant in planar technology, several types of leaky-wave devices, including antennas (LWAs), multiplexors and near-field focusing systems, have been designed and manufactured in the technology of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW). This recently proposed technology, allows the design of devices based on classical waveguide technology with standard manufacturing techniques used for printed circuit board (PCB) designs. In this way, most of the parts that form a communication system can be integrated into a single substrate, thus reducing its cost and providing a more robust and compact device, which has less losses compared to other planar technologies such as the microstrip. El trabajo llevado a cabo durante la realizacion de esta tesis doctoral, se ha centrado en el analisis y sintesis de dispositivos de microondas en tecnologia planar. En concreto, se han estudiado diferentes tipos de dispositivos basados en radiacion por ondas de fuga "leaky waves", en los cuales las propiedades de radiacion

Three-dimensional reactor dynamics code for VVER type nuclear reactors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kyrki-Rajamaeki, R. [VTT Energy, Espoo (Finland)

1995-10-01

A three-dimensional reactor dynamics computer code has been developed, validated and applied for transient and accident analyses of VVER type nuclear reactors. This code, HEXTRAN, is a part of the reactor physics and dynamics calculation system of the Technical Research Centre of Finland, VTT. HEXTRAN models accurately the VVER core with hexagonal fuel assemblies. The code uses advanced mathematical methods in spatial and time discretization of neutronics, heat transfer and the two-phase flow equations of hydraulics. It includes all the experience of VTT from 20 years on the accurate three-dimensional static reactor physics as well as on the one-dimensional reactor dynamics. The dynamic coupling with the thermal hydraulic system code SMABRE also allows the VVER circuit-modelling experience to be included in the analyses. (79 refs.).

Three-dimensional reactor dynamics code for VVER type nuclear reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kyrki-Rajamaeki, R.

1995-10-01

A three-dimensional reactor dynamics computer code has been developed, validated and applied for transient and accident analyses of VVER type nuclear reactors. This code, HEXTRAN, is a part of the reactor physics and dynamics calculation system of the Technical Research Centre of Finland, VTT. HEXTRAN models accurately the VVER core with hexagonal fuel assemblies. The code uses advanced mathematical methods in spatial and time discretization of neutronics, heat transfer and the two-phase flow equations of hydraulics. It includes all the experience of VTT from 20 years on the accurate three-dimensional static reactor physics as well as on the one-dimensional reactor dynamics. The dynamic coupling with the thermal hydraulic system code SMABRE also allows the VVER circuit-modelling experience to be included in the analyses. (79 refs.)

VVER fuel cycle development at Slovakia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Darilek, P.; Chrapiak, V.; Majerik, J.

1995-01-01

Four VVER-440 units are now under exploitation at Bohunice-site in Slovakia. Fuel cycle development of Unit No.3 and No.4 (type 213) is discussed and compared with equilibrium cycles in this paper. (author)

Dynamic stability analysis of fractional order leaky integrator echo state neural networks

Science.gov (United States)

Pahnehkolaei, Seyed Mehdi Abedi; Alfi, Alireza; Tenreiro Machado, J. A.

2017-06-01

The Leaky integrator echo state neural network (Leaky-ESN) is an improved model of the recurrent neural network (RNN) and adopts an interconnected recurrent grid of processing neurons. This paper presents a new proof for the convergence of a Lyapunov candidate function to zero when time tends to infinity by means of the Caputo fractional derivative with order lying in the range (0, 1). The stability of Fractional-Order Leaky-ESN (FO Leaky-ESN) is then analyzed, and the existence, uniqueness and stability of the equilibrium point are provided. A numerical example demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed method.

Stresses in transition region of VVER-1000 reactor vessels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Namgung, I.; Nguye, T.L.

2014-01-01

Most of the western PWR reactor's bottom head is hemi-spherical shape, however for Russian designed VVER family of reactor it is ellipsoidal shape. The transition region from shell side to ellipsoidal head and transition top flange to cylindrical shell develop higher stress concentration than western PWR reactor vessel. This region can be modeled as conical shell with varying thickness. The theoretical derivation of stress in the thick-walled conical cylinder with varying thickness was developed and shown in detail. The results is applied to VVER-1000 reactor vessel of which shell to bottom ellipsoidal shell and shell to upper flange were investigated for stress field. The theoretical calculations were also compared with FEM solutions. An axisymmetric 3D model of VVER-1000 reactor vessel (without closure head) FEM model was created and internal hydrostatic pressure boundary condition was applied. The stress results from FEM and theoretical calculation were compared, and the discrepancies and accuracies of the theoretical results were discussed. (author)

Stresses in transition region of VVER-1000 reactor vessels

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Namgung, I. [KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School, Ulsan (Korea, Republic of); Nguye, T.L. [KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School, Ulsan (Korea, Republic of); National Research Inst. of Mechanical Engineering, Hanoi City, Vietnam (China)

2014-07-01

Most of the western PWR reactor's bottom head is hemi-spherical shape, however for Russian designed VVER family of reactor it is ellipsoidal shape. The transition region from shell side to ellipsoidal head and transition top flange to cylindrical shell develop higher stress concentration than western PWR reactor vessel. This region can be modeled as conical shell with varying thickness. The theoretical derivation of stress in the thick-walled conical cylinder with varying thickness was developed and shown in detail. The results is applied to VVER-1000 reactor vessel of which shell to bottom ellipsoidal shell and shell to upper flange were investigated for stress field. The theoretical calculations were also compared with FEM solutions. An axisymmetric 3D model of VVER-1000 reactor vessel (without closure head) FEM model was created and internal hydrostatic pressure boundary condition was applied. The stress results from FEM and theoretical calculation were compared, and the discrepancies and accuracies of the theoretical results were discussed. (author)

ANDREA 2.2 and 2.3. Advances in modelling of VVER cores

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Havluj, Frantisek; Hejzlar, Jonatan; Vocka, Radim; Vysoudil, Jiri [UJV Rez, Husinec-Rez (Czech Republic)

2017-09-15

In 2016 a new version of code ANDREA for core design and reload safety analysis of VVER reactors has been released. The new code version includes several major improvements. The first of them is a seamless incorporation of short time kinetics calculations (without temperature feedback) into the code. This new feature accompanied by the possibility of excore detector signal predictions enables precise interpretation of dynamic measurements of control assembly weight during the reactor startup. Second important enhancement resides in new flexible format of cross section libraries and in new fuel temperature model based on results of TRANSURANUS fuel performance code. The new code version has been thoroughly tested and validated for both VVER440 and VVER-1000 reactors. Furthermore for the new version 2.3 which is to be released shortly we have implemented the possibility of fluent control assemblies' motion and of non-equidistant axial nodalization schemes in VVER-440 calculations.

Simpson’s Paradox in the interpretation of “leaky pipeline” data

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Walton Paul H.

2016-12-01

Full Text Available The traditional ‘leaky pipeline’ plots are widely used to inform gender equality policy and practice. Herein, we demonstrate how a statistical phenomenon known as Simpson’s paradox can obscure trends in gender ‘leaky pipeline’ plots. Our approach has been to use Excel spreadsheets to generate hypothetical ‘leaky pipeline’ plots of gender inequality within an organisation. The principal factors, which make up these hypothetical plots, can be input into the model so that a range of potential situations can be modelled. How the individual principal factors are then reflected in ‘leaky pipeline’ plots is shown. We find that the effect of Simpson’s paradox on leaky pipeline plots can be simply and clearly illustrated with the use of hypothetical modelling and our study augments the findings in other statistical reports of Simpson’s paradox in clinical trial data and in gender inequality data. The findings in this paper, however, are presented in a way, which makes the paradox accessible to a wide range of people.

Seismic verification methods for structures and equipment of VVER-type and RBMK-type NPPs (summary of experiences)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Masopust, R.

2003-01-01

The main verification methods for structures and equipment of already existing VVER-type and RBMK-type NPPs are briefly described. The following aspects are discussed: fundamental seismic safety assessment principles for VVER/RBMK-type NPPs (seismic safety assessment procedure, typical work plan for seismic safety assessment of existing NPPs, SMA (HCLPF) calculations, modified GIP (GIP-VVER) procedure, similarity of VVER/RBMK equipment to that included in the SQUG databases and seismic interactions

Safety enhancement concept for NPP of new generation with VVER reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bezlepkin, V.; Kukhtevich, I.; Semashko, S.; Svetlov, S.; Solodovnikov, A.

2004-01-01

With the present day conditions, in order to successfully promote new NPP designs in the electric power markets, it is necessary to ensure enhanced technical/economic performances provided that international safety requirements are properly adhered to. When compared with high-powered nuclear power plants, NPP VVER-640 design (medium powered) possesses a number of advantages for the regions with undeveloped energy systems. Reduced specific energy intensity of the core adopted in this type of reactor allows to ensure the emergency cooldown of the reactor plant by passive means and to minimize the 'human factor' risk and external effects and provide sound substantiations as to how to retain corium inside RPV in case of severe accidents. At the same time, high-powered NPPs seem to be promising for regions with developed energy systems. Among such designs, NPP VVER-1000 and VVER-1500 designs are the most desirable. Configuration of new generation NPP with VVER-1500 is to be selected based on the gained experience in designing NPPs of previous generations considering the latest safety requirements and situation in the domestic and global energy markets for the time being and in the short run. Recent IAEA publications and latest EUR requirements insist that the following key safety indices should be established for new NPP designs: - aggregated frequency of core melting is 10 -6 (1/year); - frequency of maximum accident release is 10 -7 (1/year). To meet the aforementioned criteria, it is necessary to implement some safety assurance principles recommended by IAEA (in-depth defence, single failure, redundancy, diversity, etc.), application of deterministic and probabilistic methods for selection of safety assurance activities and means and use of reasonable combination of active and passive systems. Application of VVER-640 concept to high-powered NPPs seems to be a formidable task due to a number of reasons, namely, it is quite difficult to carry out cooldown process

Assessment of the recovery annealing efficiency for VVER-1000 materials' structure reset and lifetime extension

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gurovich, B.; Kuleshova, E.; Prikhodko, K.; Fedotova, S.

2011-01-01

The results of the VVER-1000 reactor pressure vessels welds studies based on the surveillance specimens sets have revealed a high embrittlement rate of steel with high nickel content compared with predicted embrittlement determined from the Russian Guide. For these critical vessels further safe operation (even during design service life) is not allowed without additional measures (recovery annealing of the VVER-1000 welds as earlier for VVER- 440). The reason is that the rate of high nickel VVER-1000 welds embrittlement is significantly higher than that is for base metal. In order to solve a problem of VVER-1000 lifetime extension recovery annealing validation and accelerated reirradiation of specimens for prolonged operation period estimation after annealing were necessary. In this work comparison of electron-microscopy fine structure studies and fractographic studies of Charpy specimens fracture surface of the VVER-1000 high nickel welds in different states were carried out. It allows estimation of the recovery annealing effect on steels structure and its behavior at further operation. It is shown that both secondary and primary irradiation causes alike radiation-induced fine structure changes: dislocation loops and nano-size precipitates. Recovery annealing leads to full dislocation loops dissolution and significant nano-size precipitates solution but not to the initial values. The rate of radiation defects and radiation-induced precipitates accumulation at reirradiation weld after recovery annealing is lower than at primary irradiation and determine the lower secondary embrittlement rate of VVER-1000 weld. (authors)

Leaky Gut As a Danger Signal for Autoimmune Diseases

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Qinghui Mu

2017-05-01

Full Text Available The intestinal epithelial lining, together with factors secreted from it, forms a barrier that separates the host from the environment. In pathologic conditions, the permeability of the epithelial lining may be compromised allowing the passage of toxins, antigens, and bacteria in the lumen to enter the blood stream creating a “leaky gut.” In individuals with a genetic predisposition, a leaky gut may allow environmental factors to enter the body and trigger the initiation and development of autoimmune disease. Growing evidence shows that the gut microbiota is important in supporting the epithelial barrier and therefore plays a key role in the regulation of environmental factors that enter the body. Several recent reports have shown that probiotics can reverse the leaky gut by enhancing the production of tight junction proteins; however, additional and longer term studies are still required. Conversely, pathogenic bacteria that can facilitate a leaky gut and induce autoimmune symptoms can be ameliorated with the use of antibiotic treatment. Therefore, it is hypothesized that modulating the gut microbiota can serve as a potential method for regulating intestinal permeability and may help to alter the course of autoimmune diseases in susceptible individuals.

Developing a computational tool for predicting physical parameters of a typical VVER-1000 core based on artificial neural network

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mirvakili, S.M.; Faghihi, F.; Khalafi, H.

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Thermal–hydraulics parameters of a VVER-1000 core based on neural network (ANN), are carried out. ► Required data for ANN training are found based on modified COBRA-EN code and then linked each other using MATLAB software. ► Based on ANN method, average and maximum temperature of fuel and clad as well as MDNBR of each FA are predicted. -- Abstract: The main goal of the present article is to design a computational tool to predict physical parameters of the VVER-1000 nuclear reactor core based on artificial neural network (ANN), taking into account a detailed physical model of the fuel rods and coolant channels in a fuel assembly. Predictions of thermal characteristics of fuel, clad and coolant are performed using cascade feed forward ANN based on linear fission power distribution and power peaking factors of FAs and hot channels factors (which are found based on our previous neutronic calculations). A software package has been developed to prepare the required data for ANN training which applies a modified COBRA-EN code for sub-channel analysis and links the codes using the MATLAB software. Based on the current estimation system, five main core TH parameters are predicted, which include the average and maximum temperatures of fuel and clad as well as the minimum departure from nucleate boiling ratio (MDNBR) for each FA. To get the best conditions for the considered ANNs training, a comprehensive sensitivity study has been performed to examine the effects of variation of hidden neurons, hidden layers, transfer functions, and the learning algorithms on the training and simulation results. Performance evaluation results show that the developed ANN can be trained to estimate the core TH parameters of a typical VVER-1000 reactor quickly without loss of accuracy.

Developing the European Center of Competence on VVER-Type Nuclear Power Reactors

Science.gov (United States)

Geraskin, Nikolay; Pironkov, Lyubomir; Kulikov, Evgeny; Glebov, Vasily

2017-01-01

This paper presents the results of the European educational projects CORONA and CORONA-II which are dedicated to preserving and further developing nuclear knowledge and competencies in the area of VVER-type nuclear power reactors technologies (Water-Water Energetic Reactor, WWER or VVER). The development of the European Center of Competence for…

Water chemistry experiences with VVERs at Kudankulam

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rout, D.; Upadhyaya, T.C.; Ravindranath; Selvinayagam, P.; Sundar, R.S.

2015-01-01

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project - 1 and 2 (Kudankulam NPP - 1 and 2) are pressurised water cooled VVERs of 1000 MWe each. Kudankulam NPP Unit - 1 is presently on its first cycle of operation and Kudankulam NPP Unit - 2 is on the advanced stage of commissioning with the successful completion of hot run related Functional tests. Water Chemistry aspects during various phases of commissioning of Kudankulam NPP Unit - 1 such as Hot Run, Boric acid flushing, initial fuel Loading (IFL), First approach to Criticality (FAC) are discussed. The main objectives of the use of controlled primary water chemistry programme during the hot functional tests are reviewed. The importance of the relevant water chemistry parameters were ensured to have the quality of the passive layer formed on the primary coolant system surfaces. The operational experiences during the 1 st cycle of operation of primary water chemistry, radioactivity transport and build-up are presented. The operational experience of some VVER units in the field of the primary water chemistry, radioactivity transport and build-up are presented as a comparison to VVER at Kudankulam NPP. The effects of the initial passivated layer formed on metal surfaces during hot run, activated corrosion products levels in the primary coolant under controlled water chemistry regime and the contamination/radiation situation are discussed. This report also includes the water chemistry related issues of secondary water systems. (author)

Analysis of VVER-1000 large and small break LOCA experiments with RELAP5/MOD3.2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rychkov, M.; Chikkanagoudar, U.; Sehgal, B.R.

2004-01-01

A RELAP5 model for the analysis of the PSB-VVER test facility was developed by EREC in Russia. The PSB-VVER is a large-scale integral test facility to model the VVER-1000 type NPP. The volume and power scale in this test facility is 1:300 and the elevation scale is 1:1, which corresponds to the elevation mark of the reactor prototype. At the Division of Nuclear Safety, we have modified the PSB-VVER facility's RELAP5 model in order to analyze two of the transient tests performed on the PSB-VVER facility, which serve as the validation matrix described by NEA/CSNI. The objective of the work conducted was to validate the results obtained from RELAP5's calculation with the supplied experimental data from the PSB-VVER test facility. Two accident scenarios have been calculated and analyzed. After being verified against the '11% UP LOCA' test data, the RELAP5/MOD3.2 model was used for a so-called 'blind' transient calculation of the test '2*25% HL LOCA' and the results obtained were compared with the experimental data provided after the calculation. From the results of the qualitative and quantitative comparison of the 2 test calculations and the experimental data, we can state that the RELAP5/MOD3.2 code gives a satisfactory modeling of the PSB-VVER facility' thermal hydraulic phenomena

Application of a Russian nuclear reactor simulator VVER-1000; Aplicacion de un simulador de reactor nuclear ruso VVER-1000

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lopez-Peniche S, A. [UNAM, Facultad de Ingenieria, Circuito Interior, Ciudad Universitaria, 04360 Mexico D. F. (Mexico); Salazar S, E., E-mail: alpsordo@hotmail.com [UNAM, Facultad de Ingenieria, Departamento de Sistemas Energeticos, Laboratorio de Analisis en Ingenieria de Reactores Nucleares, 62250 Jiutepec, Morelos (Mexico)

2012-10-15

The objective of the present work is to give to know the most important characteristics in the Russian nuclear reactor of pressurized light water VVER-1000, doing emphasis in the differences that has with the western equivalent the reactor PWR in the design and the safety systems. Therefore, a description of the computerized simulation of the reactor VVER-1000 developed by the company Eniko TSO that the International Atomic of Energy Agency distributes to the states members with academic purposes will take place. The simulator includes mathematical models that represent to the essential systems in the real nuclear power plant, for what is possible to reproduce common faults and transitory characteristic of the nuclear industry with a behavior sufficiently attached to the reality. In this work is analyzed the response of the system before a turbine shot. After the accident in the nuclear power plant of Three Mile Island (US) they have been carried out improvements in the design of the reactor PWR and their safety systems. To know the reach and the limitations of the program, the events that gave place to this accident will be reproduced in the simulator VVER-1000. With base to the results of the simulation we will conclude that so reliable is the response of the safety system of this reactor. (Author)

VVER fuel. Results of post irradiation examination

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smirnov, V.P.; Markov, D.V.; Smirnov, A.V.; Polenok, V.S.; Perepelkin, S.O.; Ivashchenko, A.A.

2005-01-01

The present paper presents the main results of post-irradiation examination of more than 40 different fuel assemblies (FA) operated in the cores of VVER-1000 and VVER-440-type power reactors in a wide range of fuel burnup. The condition of fuel assembly components from the viewpoint of deformation, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties is described here. A serviceability of the FA design as a whole and interaction between individual FA components under vibration condition and mechanical load received primary emphasis. The reasons of FA damage fuel element failure in a wide range of fuel burnup are also analyzed. A possibility and ways of fuel burnup increase have been proved experimentally for the case of high-level serviceability maintenance of fuel elements to provide for advanced fuel cycles. (author)

Effects of B4C control rod degradation under severe accident

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Seo, Si-Won; Park, Sang-Gil; Han, Sang-Ku [Atomic Creative Technology Co., Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2016-10-15

Boron carbide (B4C) is widely used as absorber material in western boiling water reactor (BWR), some PWR, EPR and Russian RBMK and VVERs. B4C oxidation is one of the important phenomena of in-vessel. In the present paper, the main results and knowledge gained regarding the B4C control rod degradation from above mentioned experiments are reviewed and arranged to inform its significance on the severe accident consequences. In this paper, the role of B4C control rod oxidation and the subsequent degradation on the severe accident consequences is reviewed with available literature and report of previous experimental program regarding the B4C oxidation. From this review, it seems that the contribution of this B4C oxidation on the accident progression to the further severe accident situation is not negligible. For the future work, the extensive experimental data interpretation will be performed to assess quantitatively the effect of B4C oxidation and degradation on the various postulated severe accident conditions.

The Ultrawideband Leaky Lens Antenna

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Bruni, S.; Neto, A.; Marliani, F.

2007-01-01

A novel directive and nondispersive antenna is presented: the ultrawideband (UWB) leaky lens. It is based on the broad band Cherenkov radiation occurring at a slot printed between different infinite homogeneous dielectrics. The first part of the paper presents the antenna concept and the UWB design.

Structural mechanisms of the flux effect for VVER-1000 reactor pressure vessel materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gurovich, B.; Kuleshova, E.; Fedotova, S.; Maltsev, D.; Zabusov, O.; Frolov, A.; Erak, D.; Zhurko, D.

2015-01-01

To justify the lifetime extension of VVER-1000 reactor pressure vessels (RPV) up to 60 years and more it is necessary to expand the existing surveillance samples database to beyond design fluence by means of accelerated irradiation in a research reactor. Herewith since the changes in mechanical properties of materials under irradiation are due to occurring structural changes, correct analysis of the data obtained at accelerated irradiation of VVER-1000 RPV materials requires a clear understanding of the structural mechanisms that are responsible for the flux effect in VVER-1000 RPV steels. Two mechanisms are responsible for radiation embrittlement of VVER-1000 RPV steels: the hardening one (radiation hardening due to formation of radiation-induced Ni-based precipitates and radiation defects) and non-hardening one (due to formation of impurities segregations at grain boundaries - reversible temper brittleness). In this context for an adequate interpretation of the mechanical tests results when justifying the lifetime extension of existing units a complex of comparative structural studies (TEM, SEM and AES) of VVER-1000 RPV materials irradiated in different conditions (in research reactor IR-8 and within surveillance samples) was performed. It is shown that the flux effect is observed for materials with high nickel content (weld metals with Ni content > 1.35%) and it is mostly due to the contribution of non-hardening mechanism of radiation embrittlement (the difference in the accumulation kinetics of grain boundary phosphorus segregation) and somewhat contribution of the hardening mechanism (the difference in density of radiation-induced precipitates). Therefore when analyzing the results obtained from the accelerated irradiation of VVER-1000 WM the correction for the flux effect should be made. (authors)

OECD/DOE/CEA VVER-1000 Coolant Transient Benchmark. Summary Record of the Third Workshop (V1000-CT3)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2005-01-01

The overall objective of the VVER-1000 coolant transient (V1000CT) benchmark is to assess computer codes used in the safety analysis of VVER power plants, specifically for their use in analysis of reactivity transients in a VVER-1000. The V1000CT benchmark consists of two phases: V1000CT-1 is a simulation of the switching on of one main coolant pump (MCP) when the other three MCPs are in operation, and V1000CT-2 concerns calculation of coolant mixing tests and main steam line break (MSLB) scenarios. Each of the two phases contains three exercises. The reference problem chosen for simulation in Phase 1 is a MCP switching on when the other three main coolant pumps are in operation in a VVER-1000. This event is characterized by rapid increase in the flow through the core resulting in a coolant temperature decrease, which is spatially dependent. This leads to insertion of spatially distributed positive reactivity due to the modelled feedback mechanisms and non-symmetric power distribution. Simulation of the transient requires evaluation of core response from a multi-dimensional perspective (coupled three-dimensional neutronics/core thermal-hydraulics) supplemented by a one-dimensional simulation of the remainder of the reactor coolant system. Three exercises are defined in the framework of Phase 1: a) Exercise 1 - Point kinetics plant simulation; b) Exercise 2 - Coupled 3-D neutronics/core thermal-hydraulics response evaluation; c) Exercise 3 - Best-estimate coupled 3-D core/plant system transient modelling. In addition to the measured (experiment) scenario, extreme calculation scenarios were defined in the frame of Exercise 3 for better testing 3-D neutronics/thermal-hydraulics techniques. The proposals concerned: rod ejection simulations with scram set points at two different power levels. The technical topics presented at this workshop were: Review of the benchmark activities after the 2. Workshop; - Discussion of participant's feedback and introduced modifications

Tightening unit EZ 250 for VVER 1000 type reactor pressure vessel head flange joints

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ruchar, Miloslav; Nadenik, Tomas; Kroj, Ludek

2010-01-01

The programme of flange joints tightening by seals made of expanded graphite for VVER 440 and VVER 1000 reactor head flange joints is highlighted, and tightening units of row EZ 650 and EZ 650 TK and KNI for VVER 440 reactor head flange joints and EZ 250 tightening unit for VVER 1000 reactor head flange joints are described in detail. The main advantages of electronically controlled tightening units include: Precise and uniform compression of the gasket during the tightening procedure; Automated solution to the graphite relaxing problem during tightening; Possibility of diagnosis of the thread status of the joints being tightened; Alleviation of operator's tough work; Shorter time of tensioning associated with a lower collective doses; Quick preparation of tightening procedure report from the data measured; Calibration renewal is possible in advance at time of unit storage without the need to place it on a real joint. (P.A.)

Dosimetry of VVER-1000 Reactor Pressure Vessel and Surveillance Specimens as a part of PLiM at Ukrainian NPPs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bukanov, V.N.; Diemokhin, V.L.; Grytsenko, O.V.; Ilkovych, V.V.; Pugach, A.M.; Pugach, S.M.; Vasylieva, O.G.; Vyshnevskyi, I.M.; Kasatkin, O.G.

2012-01-01

A regular surveillance program for VVER-1000 and its shortages are described. The Methodology for determination of neutron flux functionals on surveillance specimens of VVER-1000 pressure vessel is presented. The radiation exposure monitoring system for VVER-1000 pressure vessel is described. The main principles of an additional surveillance program for VVER-1000 are presented. The Dosimetry Experiment, which is already carrying out at Unit 3 of Rivne NPP, is described. (author)

VVER-1000: considering its strengths and weaknesses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Laaksonen, J.

1994-01-01

The safety of currently operating VVER-1000 reactors is examined. The factors considered are deviations in operation, inherent safety, safety system design, protection against internal and external hazards, equipment quality, the approach to plant operations and the safety culture. On the basis of this evaluation it is concluded that the overall safety of a VVER-1000 cannot be at the level of a modern Western PWR though there is no sound basis to make a quantitative comparison. Many of the concerns raised are being adequately addressed in the Czech Temelin which is currently under construction and in new designs which are still at the drawing board stage. Extensive back fitting programmes are planned or underway in operating plants. The creation of independent responsible operating organizations, powerful regulation and an improved economic situation are advanced as necessary criteria for real improvements in safety. (UK)

Natural circulation in a VVER reactor geometry: Experiments with the PACTEL facility and Cathare simulations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Raussi, P.; Kainulainen, S. [Lappeenranta Univ. of Technology, Lappeenranta (Finland); Kouhia, J. [VTT Energy, Lappeenranta (Finland)

1995-09-01

There are some 40 reactors based on the VVER design in use. Database available for computer code assessment for VVER reactors is rather limited. Experiments were conducted to study natural circulation behaviour in the PACTEL facility, a medium-scale integral test loop patterned after VVER pressurized water reactors. Flow behaviour over a range of coolant inventories was studied with a small-break experiment. In the small-break experiments, flow stagnation and system repressurization were observed when the water level in the upper plenum fell below the entrances to the hot legs. The cause was attributed to the hot leg loop seals, which are a unique feature of the VVER geometry. At low primary inventories, core cooling was achieved through the boiler-condenser mode. The experiment was simulated using French thermalhydraulic system code CATHARE.

Typical design/qualification acceptance criteria for newly installed pipelines and equipment components of VVER-type NPPs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Masopust, R.

2003-01-01

This paper describes in general the typical design/qualification acceptance criteria and seismic acceptance criteria in particular that are applicable for important to safety newly installed pipelines and equipment components of VVER-type already existing NPPs, specifically during the design verification phase of this newly installed equipment. These criteria are currently used for VVER 440-213 and VVER 1000 NPPs in Czech Republic and in Slovakia. The similar criteria are also used in Hungary. (author)

Validation of containment thermal hydraulic computer codes for VVER reactor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jiri Macek; Lubomir Denk [Nuclear Research Institute Rez plc Thermal-Hydraulic Analyses Department CZ 250 68 Husinec-Rez (Czech Republic)

2005-07-01

Full text of publication follows: The Czech Republic operates 4 VVER-440 units, two VVER-1000 units are being finalized (one of them is undergoing commissioning). Thermal-hydraulics Department of the Nuclear Research Institute Rez performs accident analyses for these plants using a number of computer codes. To model the primary and secondary circuits behaviour the system codes ATHLET, CATHARE, RELAP, TRAC are applied. Containment and pressure-suppression system are modelled with COCOSYS and MELCOR codes, the reactor power calculations (point and space-neutron kinetics) are made with DYN3D, NESTLE and CDF codes (FLUENT, TRIO) are used for some specific problems.An integral part of the current Czech project 'New Energy Sources' is selection of a new nuclear source. Within this and the preceding projects financed by the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade and the EU PHARE, the Department carries and has carried out the systematic validation of thermal-hydraulic and reactor physics computer codes applying data obtained on several experimental facilities as well as the real operational data. One of the important components of the VVER 440/213 NPP is its containment with pressure suppression system (bubble condenser). For safety analyses of this system, computer codes of the type MELCOR and COCOSYS are used in the Czech Republic. These codes were developed for containments of classic PWRs or BWRs. In order to apply these codes for VVER 440 systems, their validation on experimental facilities must be performed.The paper provides concise information on these activities of the NRI and its Thermal-hydraulics Department. The containment system of the VVER 440/213, its functions and approaches to solution of its safety is described with definition of acceptance criteria. A detailed example of the containment code validation on EREC Test facility (LOCA and MSLB) and the consequent utilisation of the results for a real NPP purposes is included. An approach to

Advances in Forecasting and Prevention of Resonances Between Coolant Acoustical Oscillations and Fuel Rod Vibrations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Proskuryakov, Konstantin Nicolaevich [NPP, NPEI, 14, Krasnokazarmennaya str. Moscow, 111250 (Russian Federation)

2009-06-15

To prevent the appearance of the conditions for resonance interaction between the fluid flow and the reactor internals (RI), fuel rod (FR ) and fuel assemblies (FA) it is necessary to de-tune Eigen frequency of coolant pressure oscillations (EFCPO) and natural frequency of mechanical element's oscillations and also of the system which is formed by the comprising of these elements. Other words it is necessary to de-tune acoustic resonance frequency and natural frequencies of RI, FR and FA. While solving these problems it is necessary to have a theoretical and settlement substantiation of an oscillation frequency band of the coolant outside of which there is no resonant interaction with structure vibrations. The presented work is devoted to finding the solution of this problem. There are results of an estimation of width of such band as well as the examples of a preliminary quantitative estimation of Q - factors of coolant acoustic oscillatory circuit formed by the equipment of the NPP. Abnormal growth of intensity of pressure pulsations in a mode with definite value of reactor capacity have been found out by measurements on VVER - 1000 reactor. This phenomenon has been found out casually and its original reason had not been identified. Paper shows that disappearance of this effect could be reached by realizing outlet of EFCPO from so-called, pass bands of frequencies (PBF). PBF is located symmetrical on both parties from frequency of own oscillations of FA. Methods, algorithms of calculations and quantitative estimations are developed for EFCPO, Q and PBF in various modes of operation NPP with VVER-1000. Results of calculations allow specifying area of resonant interaction EFCPO with vibrations of FR, FA and a basket of reactor core. For practical realization of the received results it is offered to make corresponding additions to the design documentation and maintenance instructions of the equipment of the NPP with VVER-1000. The improvement of these documents

Validation of computer codes and modelling methods for giving proof of nuclear saefty of transport and storage of spent VVER-type nuclear fuels. Part 1. Purposes and goals of the project. Final report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Buechse, H.; Langowski, A.; Lein, M.; Nagel, R.; Schmidt, H.; Stammel, M.

1995-01-01

The report gives the results of investigations on the validation of computer codes used to prove nuclear safety during transport and storage of spent VVER - fuel of NPP Greifswald and Rheinsberg. Characteristics of typical spent fuel (nuclide concentration, neutron source strength, gamma spectrum, decay heat) - calculated with several codes - and dose rates (e.g. in the surrounding of a loaded spent fuel cask) - based on the different source terms - are presented. Differences and their possible reasons are discussed. The results show that despite the differences in the source terms all relevant health physics requirements are met for all cases of source term. The validation of the criticality code OMEGA was established by calculation of appr. 200 critical experiments of LWR fuel, including VVER fuel rod arrangements. The mean error of the effective multiplication factor k eff is -0,01 compared to the experiment for this area of applicability. Thus, the OMEGA error of 2% assumed in earlier works has turned out to be sufficiently conservative. (orig.) [de

Verification of the Korsar code on results of experiments executed on the PSB-VVER facility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Roginskaya, V.L.; Pylev, S.S.; Elkin, I.V.

2005-01-01

Full text of publication follows: Paper represents some results of computational research executed within the framework of verification of the KORSAR thermal hydraulic code. This code was designed in the NITI by A.P. Aleksandrov (Russia). The general purpose of the work was development of a nodding scheme of the PSB-VVER integral facility, scheme testing and computational modelling of the experiment 'The PSB-VVER Natural Circulation Test With Stepwise Reduction of the Primary Inventory'. The NC test has been performed within the framework of the OECD PSB-VVER Project (task no. 3). This Project is focused upon the provision of experimental data for codes assessment with regard to VVER analysis. Paper presents a nodding scheme of the PSB-VVER facility and results of pre- and post-test calculations of the specified experiment, obtained with the KORSAR code. The experiment data and the KORSAR pre-test calculation results are in good agreement. A post-test calculation of the experiment with KORSAR code has been performed in order to assess the code capability to simulate the phenomena relevant to the test. The code showed a reasonable prediction of the phenomena measured in the experiment. (authors)

Verification of the Korsar code on results of experiments executed on the PSB-VVER facility

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Roginskaya, V.L.; Pylev, S.S.; Elkin, I.V. [NSI RRC ' Kurchatov Institute' , Kurchatov Sq., 1, Moscow, 123182 (Russian Federation)

2005-07-01

Full text of publication follows: Paper represents some results of computational research executed within the framework of verification of the KORSAR thermal hydraulic code. This code was designed in the NITI by A.P. Aleksandrov (Russia). The general purpose of the work was development of a nodding scheme of the PSB-VVER integral facility, scheme testing and computational modelling of the experiment 'The PSB-VVER Natural Circulation Test With Stepwise Reduction of the Primary Inventory'. The NC test has been performed within the framework of the OECD PSB-VVER Project (task no. 3). This Project is focused upon the provision of experimental data for codes assessment with regard to VVER analysis. Paper presents a nodding scheme of the PSB-VVER facility and results of pre- and post-test calculations of the specified experiment, obtained with the KORSAR code. The experiment data and the KORSAR pre-test calculation results are in good agreement. A post-test calculation of the experiment with KORSAR code has been performed in order to assess the code capability to simulate the phenomena relevant to the test. The code showed a reasonable prediction of the phenomena measured in the experiment. (authors)

Investigation of station blackout scenario in VVER440/v230 with RELAP5 computer code

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gencheva, Rositsa Veselinova, E-mail: roseh@mail.bg; Stefanova, Antoaneta Emilova, E-mail: antoanet@inrne.bas.bg; Groudev, Pavlin Petkov, E-mail: pavlinpg@inrne.bas.bg

2015-12-15

Highlights: • We have modeled SBO in VVER440. • RELAP5/MOD3 computer code has been used. • Base case calculation has been done. • Fail case calculation has been done. • Operator and alternative operator actions have been investigated. - Abstract: During the development of symptom-based emergency operating procedures (SB-EOPs) for VVER440/v230 units at Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) a number of analyses have been performed using the RELAP5/MOD3 (Carlson et al., 1990). Some of them investigate the response of VVER440/v230 during the station blackout (SBO). The main purpose of the analyses presented in this paper is to identify the behavior of important VVER440 parameters in case of total station blackout. The RELAP5/MOD3 has been used to simulate the SBO in VVER440 NPP model (Fletcher and Schultz, 1995). This model was developed at the Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (INRNE-BAS), Sofia, for analyses of operational occurrences, abnormal events and design based scenarios. The model provides a significant analytical capability for specialists working in the field of NPP safety.

Hydrogen mixing analyses for a VVER containment.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sienicki, J.J.; Kostka, P.; Techy, Z.

2002-02-25

Hydrogen combustion may represent a threat to containment integrity in a VVER-440/213 plant owing to the combination of high pressure and high temperature. A study has been carried out using the GASFLOW 2.1 three-dimensional CFD code to evaluate the hydrogen distribution in the containment during a beyond design basis accident. The VVER-440/213 containment input model consists of two 3D blocks connected via one-dimensional (1D) ducts. One 3D block contains the reactor building and the accident localization tower with the suppression pools. Another 3D block models the air traps. 1D ducts represent the check valves connecting the accident localization tower with the air traps. The VVER pressure suppression system, called ''bubbler condenser,'' was modeled as a distributed heat sink with water thermodynamic properties. This model accounts for the energy balance. However, it is not currently possible to model dynamic phenomena associated with the water pools (e.g., vent clearing, level change). The GASFLOW 2.1 calculation gave detailed results for the spatial distribution of thermal-hydraulic parameters and gas concentrations. The range and trend of the parameters are reasonable and valuable. There are particularly interesting circulation patterns around the steam generators, in the bubbler tower and other primary system compartments. In case of the bubbler tower, concentration and temperature contour plots show an inhomogeneous distribution along the height and width, changing during the accident. Hydrogen concentrations also vary within primary system compartments displaying lower as well as higher (up to 13-20% and higher) values in some nodes. Prediction of such concentration distributions was not previously possible with lumped parameter codes. GASFLOW 2.1 calculations were compared with CONTAIN 1.2 (lumped parameter code) results. Apart from the qualitatively similar trends, there are, for the time being, quantitative differences between the

Assessment of Automated Data Analysis Application on VVER Steam Generator Tubing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Picek, E.; Barilar, D.

2006-01-01

INETEC - Institute for Nuclear Technology has developed software package named EddyOne having an option of automated analysis of bobbin coil eddy current data. During its development and site use some features were noticed preventing the wide use automatic analysis on VVER SG data. This article discuss these specific problems as well evaluates possible solutions. With regards to current state of automated analysis technology an overview of advantaged and disadvantages of automated analysis on VVER SG is summarized as well.(author)

Test facility of the VVER-440 condensation-type pressure suppression system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wolff, H.; Arndt, S.

2004-01-01

Since the early nineties, GRS has supported regulatory authorities in Central and Eastern Europe in performing safety assessments of nuclear power plants. Especially studies of the condensation-type pressure suppression system of VVER-440/V-213-type plants have been important in this respect. Major steps in demonstrating complete functioning of the condensation-type pressure suppression system under accident conditions by experiments run in the Russian large scale test facility, BC V-213, have been completed in the past two years within the framework of various international experimental programs. The test results were used to validate specifically for power plants with VVER-400/V-213 reactors the COCOSYS GRS computer code, which is used in the safety assessments. The results of recalculations of the C02 EREC test, which simulates a break of a main steam pipe, demonstrate the present state of validation of COCOSYS for VVER condensation-type pressure suppression systems. (orig.) [de

Focusing Leaky Waves: A Class of Electromagnetic Localized Waves with Complex Spectra

Science.gov (United States)

Fuscaldo, Walter; Comite, Davide; Boesso, Alessandro; Baccarelli, Paolo; Burghignoli, Paolo; Galli, Alessandro

2018-05-01

Localized waves, i.e., the wide class of limited-diffraction, limited-dispersion solutions to the wave equation are generally characterized by real wave numbers. We consider the role played by localized waves with generally complex "leaky" wave numbers. First, the impact of the imaginary part of the wave number (i.e., the leakage constant) on the diffractive (spatial broadening) features of monochromatic localized solutions (i.e., beams) is rigorously evaluated. Then general conditions are derived to show that only a restricted class of spectra (either real or complex) allows for generating a causal localized wave. It turns out that backward leaky waves fall into this category. On this ground, several criteria for the systematic design of wideband radiators, namely, periodic radial waveguides based on backward leaky waves, are established in the framework of leaky-wave theory. An effective design method is proposed to minimize the frequency dispersion of the proposed class of devices and the impact of the "leakage" on the dispersive (temporal broadening) features of polychromatic localized solutions (i.e., pulses) is accounted for. Numerical results corroborate the concept, clearly highlighting the advantages and limitations of the leaky-wave approach for the generation of localized pulses at millimeter-wave frequencies, where energy focusing is in high demand in modern applications.

Modernizing the VVER-440/230

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mink, F.J.

1991-01-01

The modernization of the VVER-440/230s is not fundamentally different from backfit projects on older pressurized water reactors which Westinghouse has completed elsewhere. However, carrying out such programmes only makes sense if the plants are expected to continue operation for their projected life or beyond. This clearly requires some licensing and political stability; both are essential if investors in the upgrading project are to be found. (author)

Results of the QUENCH-12 experiment on reflood of a VVER-type bundle

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stuckert, J.; Grosse, M.; Heck, M.; Schanz, G.; Sepold, L.; Stegmaier, U.; Steinbrueck, M. [Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH Technik und Umwelt (Germany). Inst. fuer Materialforschung, Programm Nukleare Sicherheitsforschung; Goryachev, A.; Ivanova, I. [RIAR (FSUE SSC-RIAR) Dimitrovgrad (Russian Federation)

2008-09-15

The QUENCH experiments are to investigate the hydrogen source term resulting from the water injection into an uncovered core of a Light-Water Reactor. The QUENCH test bundle with a total length of approximately 2.5 m usually consists of 21 fuel rod simulators of Western PWR (Pressurized Water Reactor) geometry. The QUENCH-12 test bundle, however, which was set up to investigate the effects of VVER materials and bundle geometry (hexagonal lattice) on core reflood consisted of 31 fuel rod simulators. 18 rods of which were electrically heated using tungsten heaters in the rod center. All claddings, corner rods and grid spacers were made of Zr1%Nb (E110) and the shroud of Zr2.5%Nb (E125). For comparison, the QUENCH-06 test (ISP-45) with Western PWR geometry (square lattice) was chosen as reference. QUENCH-12 conducted at the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (FZK, Karlsruhe Research Center) on 27 September, 2006 in the frame of the EC-supported ISTC program 1648.2 was proposed by FZK together with RIAR Dimitrovgrad and IBRAE Moscow (Russia), and supported by pretest calculations performed by PSI (Switzerland) and the Kurchatov Institute Moscow (Russia) together with IRSN Cadarache (France). It had been preceded by a low-temperature (maximum 1073 K) pretest on 25 August, 2006 to characterize the bundle thermal hydraulic performance and to provide data to assess the code models used for pretest calculational support. After a stabilization period at 873 K pre-oxidation took place at {proportional_to}1470 K for {proportional_to}3400 s to achieve a maximum oxide thickness of about 200 {mu}m. A transient phase followed with a temperature rise to {proportional_to}2050 K. Then quenching of the bundle by a water flow of 48 g/s was initiated cooling the bundle to ambient temperature in {proportional_to}5 min. Following reflood initiation, a moderate temperature excursion of {proportional_to}50 K was observed, over a longer period than in QUENCH-06. The temperatures at elevations

Results of the QUENCH-12 experiment on reflood of a VVER-type bundle

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stuckert, J.; Grosse, M.; Heck, M.; Schanz, G.; Sepold, L.; Stegmaier, U.; Steinbrueck, M.

2008-09-01

The QUENCH experiments are to investigate the hydrogen source term resulting from the water injection into an uncovered core of a Light-Water Reactor. The QUENCH test bundle with a total length of approximately 2.5 m usually consists of 21 fuel rod simulators of Western PWR (Pressurized Water Reactor) geometry. The QUENCH-12 test bundle, however, which was set up to investigate the effects of VVER materials and bundle geometry (hexagonal lattice) on core reflood consisted of 31 fuel rod simulators. 18 rods of which were electrically heated using tungsten heaters in the rod center. All claddings, corner rods and grid spacers were made of Zr1%Nb (E110) and the shroud of Zr2.5%Nb (E125). For comparison, the QUENCH-06 test (ISP-45) with Western PWR geometry (square lattice) was chosen as reference. QUENCH-12 conducted at the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (FZK, Karlsruhe Research Center) on 27 September, 2006 in the frame of the EC-supported ISTC program 1648.2 was proposed by FZK together with RIAR Dimitrovgrad and IBRAE Moscow (Russia), and supported by pretest calculations performed by PSI (Switzerland) and the Kurchatov Institute Moscow (Russia) together with IRSN Cadarache (France). It had been preceded by a low-temperature (maximum 1073 K) pretest on 25 August, 2006 to characterize the bundle thermal hydraulic performance and to provide data to assess the code models used for pretest calculational support. After a stabilization period at 873 K pre-oxidation took place at ∝1470 K for ∝3400 s to achieve a maximum oxide thickness of about 200 μm. A transient phase followed with a temperature rise to ∝2050 K. Then quenching of the bundle by a water flow of 48 g/s was initiated cooling the bundle to ambient temperature in ∝5 min. Following reflood initiation, a moderate temperature excursion of ∝50 K was observed, over a longer period than in QUENCH-06. The temperatures at elevations between 850 mm and 1050 mm exceeded the melting temperature of β-Zr, i

Validation matrix for the assessment of thermal-hydraulic codes for VVER LOCA and transients. A report by the OECD support group on the VVER thermal-hydraulic code validation matrix

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-06-01

This report deals with an internationally agreed experimental test facility matrix for the validation of best estimate thermal-hydraulic computer codes applied for the analysis of VVER reactor primary systems in accident and transient conditions. Firstly, the main physical phenomena that occur during the considered accidents are identified, test types are specified, and test facilities that supplement the CSNI CCVMs and are suitable for reproducing these aspects are selected. Secondly, a list of selected experiments carried out in these facilities has been set down. The criteria to achieve the objectives are outlined. The construction of VVER Thermal-Hydraulic Code Validation Matrix follows the logic of the CSNI Code Validation Matrices (CCVM). Similar to the CCVM it is an attempt to collect together in a systematic way the best sets of available test data for VVER specific code validation, assessment and improvement, including quantitative assessment of uncertainties in the modelling of phenomena by the codes. In addition to this objective, it is an attempt to record information which has been generated in countries operating VVER reactors over the last 20 years so that it is more accessible to present and future workers in that field than would otherwise be the case. (authors)

Innovated feed water distributing system of VVER steam generators

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matal, O.; Sousek, P.; Simo, T.; Lehota, M.; Lipka, J.; Slugen, V.

2000-01-01

Defects in feed water distributing system due to corrosion-erosion effects have been observed at many VVER 440 steam generators (SG). Therefore analysis of defects origin and consequently design development and testing of a new feed water distributing system were performed. System tests in-situ supported by calculations and comparison of measured and calculated data were focused on demonstration of long term reliable operation, definition of water flow and water chemical characteristics at the SG secondary side and their measurements and study of dynamic characteristics needed for the innovated feed water distributing system seismic features approval. The innovated feed water distributing system was installed in the SGs of two VVER units already. (author)

VVER-1000 RPV Head Examination Control System

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Erak, Z.; Gortan, K.

2006-01-01

This article presents the electronic system used for automated NDT examination of VVER-1000 Reactor Pressure Vessel Head (RPVH). The control system drives the inspection tool with end-effectors to needed position. When the final position is reached, the eddy current and ultra sound acquisition system performs the data acquisition. The system is composed of 3 layers. The first layer is the hardware layer consisting of motors driving the tool and end-effectors along with sensors needed to obtain the positioning data. The second layer is the MAC-8 control system performing basic monitoring and control routines as an interconnection between first and third layer. The third layer is the control software, running on PC, which is used as a human-machine-interface. Presentation contains details of examination techniques with focus on eddy current examination as well as details on manipulator and end effectors developed by Inetec for VVER-1000 RPVH examination.(author)

Investigation of primary-to-secondary leakage accident on the PSB-VVER integral test facility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lipatov, I.A.; Dremin, G.I.; Galtchanskaya, S.A.; Chmal, I.I.; Moloshnikov, A.S.; Gorbunov, Y.S.; Antonova, A.I.; Elkin, I.V.

2001-01-01

The full text follows. The paper presents the main results from the test on primary-to-secondary leakage of 100 mm in equivalent diameter. The test was performed on the PSB-VVER integral test facility. PSB-VVER is a 4-loops scaled down model of primary system of NPP with VVER-1000 Russian type reactor. Volume - power scale is about 1/300 while elevation scale is 1/1. All components of the primary system of the reference NPP are modeled on PSB-VVER. Both passive (accumulators) and active (high and low pressure) ECCSs, pressurizer spray and relief circuits, feed water system and atmospheric dumping system (ADS) as well as the primary circuit gas remove emergency system are also simulated. The primary-to-secondary leakage was simulated using an external break line which connects the upper part of the hot header to SG water volume. The break line included a break nozzle (a cylindrical channel d = 5.8 mm, l/d = 10 with sharp inlet edge), quick-acting valve and two-phase mass flow rate measurement system. In addition loss of off-site power at the moment when a scram-signal is generated was assumed in the experiment. Thus the accident is to be considered as a beyond-design-basic one. The loss of off-site power results in the following: -main circulation pump shutdown; -pressurizer heaters switching off; -HPIS water cooling flow rate and number of points of water injection are reduced The study focuses on the adequacy of the associated accident management (AM) procedure developed by EDO ''GIDROPRESS'' as a General Designer of VVER-type reactors. The AM-procedure was adopted to the PSB-VVER test facility conditions using CATHARE (France) and DINAMIKA (Russia) codes analysis. The AM-procedure in PSB-VVER is as follows: after about 30 min of the onset of the accident, when the accident type and the localization of the SG affected become evident for the operator, he closes all the main steam isolation valves, inhibits the ADS actuation in the affected SG and begins to remove

VIPRE modeling of VVER-1000 reactor core for DNB analyses

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sung, Y.; Nguyen, Q. [Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA (United States); Cizek, J. [Nuclear Research Institute, Prague, (Czech Republic)

1995-09-01

Based on the one-pass modeling approach, the hot channels and the VVER-1000 reactor core can be modeled in 30 channels for DNB analyses using the VIPRE-01/MOD02 (VIPRE) code (VIPRE is owned by Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, California). The VIPRE one-pass model does not compromise any accuracy in the hot channel local fluid conditions. Extensive qualifications include sensitivity studies of radial noding and crossflow parameters and comparisons with the results from THINC and CALOPEA subchannel codes. The qualifications confirm that the VIPRE code with the Westinghouse modeling method provides good computational performance and accuracy for VVER-1000 DNB analyses.

CORONA ACADEMY, Opportunities for Enhancement of Training Capabilities in VVER Technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ilieva, M.; Dieguez Porras, P.; Klepakova, A.

2016-01-01

Full text: The general objective of the project CORONA II is to enhance the safety of nuclear installations through further improvement of the training capabilities for providing the necessary personnel competencies in VVER area. More specific objective of the project is to continue the development of a state-of-the-art regional training network for VVER competence called CORONA Academia. The project aims at continuation of the European cooperation and support in this area for preservation and further development of expertise in the nuclear field by improvement of higher education and training. The consortium is focusing its effort on using the most advanced ways of providing training to the trainees, saving cost and time–distance learning and e-learning approaches which will be tested in CORONA II Project. The knowledge management portal will integrate the information on VVER web into a single communication system and develop and implement a semantic web structure to achieve mutual recognition of authentication information with other databases. That will enable the partners to share the materials available in each specific training center. (author

Thermal aging effects of VVER-1000 weld metal under operation temperature

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chernobaeva, A.A.; Kuleshova, E.A.; Gurovich, B.A.; Erak, D.Y.; Zabusov, O.O.; Maltsev, D.A.; Zhurko, D.A.; Papina, V.B.; Skundin, M.A.

2015-01-01

The VVER-1000 thermal aging surveillance specimen sets are located in the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) under real operation conditions. Thermal aging surveillance specimens data are the most reliable source of the information about changing of VVER-1000 RPV materials properties because of long-term (hundred thousand hours) exposure at operation temperature. A revision of database of VVER-1000 weld metal thermal aging surveillance specimens has been done. The reassessment of transition temperature (T t ) for all tested groups of specimens has been performed. The duration of thermal exposure and phosphorus contents have been defined more precisely. The analysis of thermal aging effects has been done. The yield strength data, study of carbides evolution show absence of hardening effects due to thermal aging under 310-320 C degrees. Measurements of phosphorus content in grain boundaries segregation in different states have been performed. The correlation between intergranular fracture mode in Charpy specimens and transition temperature shift under thermal aging at temperature 310-320 C degrees has been revealed. All these data allow developing the model of thermal aging. (authors)

Application of a Russian nuclear reactor simulator VVER-1000

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lopez-Peniche S, A.; Salazar S, E.

2012-10-01

The objective of the present work is to give to know the most important characteristics in the Russian nuclear reactor of pressurized light water VVER-1000, doing emphasis in the differences that has with the western equivalent the reactor PWR in the design and the safety systems. Therefore, a description of the computerized simulation of the reactor VVER-1000 developed by the company Eniko TSO that the International Atomic of Energy Agency distributes to the states members with academic purposes will take place. The simulator includes mathematical models that represent to the essential systems in the real nuclear power plant, for what is possible to reproduce common faults and transitory characteristic of the nuclear industry with a behavior sufficiently attached to the reality. In this work is analyzed the response of the system before a turbine shot. After the accident in the nuclear power plant of Three Mile Island (US) they have been carried out improvements in the design of the reactor PWR and their safety systems. To know the reach and the limitations of the program, the events that gave place to this accident will be reproduced in the simulator VVER-1000. With base to the results of the simulation we will conclude that so reliable is the response of the safety system of this reactor. (Author)

Results of operation of VVER-1000 FAs manufactured at PJSC NCCP

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Davidov, D.; Brovkin, O.; Bezborodov, Y.

2015-01-01

Fuel Assemblies manufactured at PJSC NCCP are in operation at 27 VVER-1000 power units at 11 NPPs in Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, China, Iran and India. Basic results of operation of PJSC NCCP VVER-1000 FAs during 2007-2014 are presented. The operation results confirm the design characteristics of fuel, i.e.: average fuel burnup up to 55 MW*day/kgU in FAs; safe and reliable FA operation, with low leaking rate (in the order of 10-6). The achieved operation characteristics of TVSA and TVS-2M Fuel Assemblies prove the quality, reliability and competitiveness of FAs manufactured at PJSC NCCP

Inspection qualification as a tool to risk based ET ISI of VVER type SG tubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Horacek, L.

2002-01-01

A Pilot study on Eddy current inspection qualification of VVER 440 steam generator tubes, discussed in this paper, followed the ENIQ methodology principles and covered briefly the assumed scope of ET qualification, relevant elaborated qualification documents, known ISI limitations and a review of input information on component and defects determined for Eddy current inspection qualification of VVER 440 steam generator tubes. The information includes the fabrication of the test blocks with SG tube segments provided by intended defect simulations of realistic SCC type and basic data on the realistic SCC type defects manufacturing technology. Lessons learned from the development of manufacturing technology of SSC type of defects, regional blind tests, elaboration of the preliminary technical justification for Eddy current automated inspections, potential optimisation of inspection procedures, laboratory and practical open trials are summarised in the paper. The results of the Pilot study also especially in relation to POD curve being determined seem to be useful for practical operational ISI programme and Risk informed ISI decisions and the establishment of plugging criteria of VVER 440 and VVER 1000 type steam generator tubes. (orig.)

Investigation of primary-to-secondary leakage accident on the PSB-VVER integral test facility

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lipatov, I.A.; Dremin, G.I.; Galtchanskaya, S.A.; Chmal, I.I.; Moloshnikov, A.S.; Gorbunov, Y.S.; Antonova, A.I. [Electrogorsk Research and Engineering Center, EREC, Moscow (Russian Federation); Elkin, I.V. [RRC ' ' Kurchatov Institute, Moscow (Russian Federation)

2001-07-01

The full text follows. The paper presents the main results from the test on primary-to-secondary leakage of 100 mm in equivalent diameter. The test was performed on the PSB-VVER integral test facility. PSB-VVER is a 4-loops scaled down model of primary system of NPP with VVER-1000 Russian type reactor. Volume - power scale is about 1/300 while elevation scale is 1/1. All components of the primary system of the reference NPP are modeled on PSB-VVER. Both passive (accumulators) and active (high and low pressure) ECCSs, pressurizer spray and relief circuits, feed water system and atmospheric dumping system (ADS) as well as the primary circuit gas remove emergency system are also simulated. The primary-to-secondary leakage was simulated using an external break line which connects the upper part of the hot header to SG water volume. The break line included a break nozzle (a cylindrical channel d = 5.8 mm, l/d = 10 with sharp inlet edge), quick-acting valve and two-phase mass flow rate measurement system. In addition loss of off-site power at the moment when a scram-signal is generated was assumed in the experiment. Thus the accident is to be considered as a beyond-design-basic one. The loss of off-site power results in the following: -main circulation pump shutdown; -pressurizer heaters switching off; -HPIS water cooling flow rate and number of points of water injection are reduced The study focuses on the adequacy of the associated accident management (AM) procedure developed by EDO ''GIDROPRESS'' as a General Designer of VVER-type reactors. The AM-procedure was adopted to the PSB-VVER test facility conditions using CATHARE (France) and DINAMIKA (Russia) codes analysis. The AM-procedure in PSB-VVER is as follows: after about 30 min of the onset of the accident, when the accident type and the localization of the SG affected become evident for the operator, he closes all the main steam isolation valves, inhibits the ADS actuation in the affected SG

Sensitivity study applied to the CB4 VVER-440 benchmark on burnup credit

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Markova, Ludmila

2003-01-01

A brief overview of four completed portions (CB1, CB2, CB3, CB3+, CB4) of the international VVER-440 benchmark focused on burnup credit and a sensitivity study as one of the final views of the benchmark results are presented in the paper. Finally, the influence of real and conservative VVER-440 fuel assembly models taken for the isotopics calculation by SCALE sas2 on the system k eff is shown in the paper. (author)

VVER-440 and VVER-1000 reactor dosimetry benchmark - BUGLE-96 versus ALPAN VII.0

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duo, J. I.

2011-01-01

Document available in abstract form only, full text of document follows: Analytical results of the vodo-vodyanoi energetichesky reactor-(VVER-) 440 and VVER-1000 reactor dosimetry benchmarks developed from engineering mockups at the Nuclear Research Inst. Rez LR-0 reactor are discussed. These benchmarks provide accurate determination of radiation field parameters in the vicinity and over the thickness of the reactor pressure vessel. Measurements are compared to calculated results with two sets of tools: TORT discrete ordinates code and BUGLE-96 cross-section library versus the newly Westinghouse-developed RAPTOR-M3G and ALPAN VII.0. The parallel code RAPTOR-M3G enables detailed neutron distributions in energy and space in reduced computational time. ALPAN VII.0 cross-section library is based on ENDF/B-VII.0 and is designed for reactor dosimetry applications. It uses a unique broad group structure to enhance resolution in thermal-neutron-energy range compared to other analogous libraries. The comparison of fast neutron (E > 0.5 MeV) results shows good agreement (within 10%) between BUGLE-96 and ALPAN VII.O libraries. Furthermore, the results compare well with analogous results of participants of the REDOS program (2005). Finally, the analytical results for fast neutrons agree within 15% with the measurements, for most locations in all three mockups. In general, however, the analytical results underestimate the attenuation through the reactor pressure vessel thickness compared to the measurements. (authors)

A New Kind of Circular Polarization Leaky-Wave Antenna Based on Substrate Integrated Waveguide

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chong Zhang

2015-01-01

Full Text Available A new kind of circular polarization leaky-wave antenna with N-shaped slots cut in the upper side of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW is investigated and presented. The radiation pattern and polarization axial ratio of the leaky-wave antenna are studied. The results show that the width of N-shaped slots has significant effect on the circular polarization property of the antenna. By properly choosing structural parameters, the SIW based leaky-wave antenna can realize circular polarization with excellent axial ratio in 8 GHz satellite band.

Qualification of UT methods and systems used for in-service inspections of VVER 440 vessels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Skala, Z.; Vit, J.

2003-01-01

SKODA JS has been performing automated in-service inspections VVER reactor pressure vessels for more than twenty years. All of these inspections were performed by ultrasonic pulse echo method, combined from 1996 with eddy current testing. The Time of Flight Diffraction Method (TOFD) is one of modern methods of ultrasonic testing. The accuracy of sizing the through wall extent of a flaw by TOFD is much better than the accuracy achievable by the pulse echo method. A series of laboratory tests were performed by SKODA JS and confirmed the suitability of TOFD method for VVER reactor parts testing. The Czech Atomic law demands the qualification of systems and methods used for the in-service inspections of nuclear reactors. The qualification is done in accordance with ENIQ methodology and consists of preparation of the Technical Justification and practical tests made under the surveillance of Qualification Body. SKODA JS intends to qualify systems and methods used for the automated ultrasonic testing of VVER 440 and VVER 1000 reactor components from the inner as well as from the outer surface. The accuracy of the flaw through wall extent sizing by TOFD was confirmed by the qualification of methods and systems used for the testing of VVER 440 vessel circumferential weld and so the TOFD method shall be used routinely by SKODA JS for the inspection of vessel circumferential welds root area and for sizing of flaws exceeding the acceptance level. (author)

Calculation of spatial weighting functions for ex-core detectors of VVER-440 reactors by Monte Carlo method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Berki, T.

2003-01-01

The signal of ex-core detectors depends not only on the total power of a reactor but also on the power distribution. The spatial weighting function establishes correspondence between the power distribution and the detector signal. The weighting function is independent of the power distribution. The weighting function is used for detector-response analyses, for example in the case of rod-drop experiments. (1) The paper describes the calculation and analysis of the weighting function of a VVER-440. The three-dimensional Monte Carlo code MCNP is used for the evaluation. Results from forward and adjoint calculations are compared. The effect of the change in the concentration of boric acid is also investigated. The evaluation of the spatial weighting function is a fixed-source neutron transport problem, which can be solved much faster by adjoint calculation, however forward calculations provide more detailed results. It is showed that the effect of boric acid upon the weighting function is negligible. (author)

Transient thermal-hydraulic/neutronic analysis in a VVER-1000 reactor core

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seyed khalil Mousavian; Mohammad Mohsen Ertejaei; Majid Shahabfar

2005-01-01

Full text of publication follows: Nowadays, coupled thermal-hydraulic and three-dimensional neutronic codes in order to consider different feedback effects is state of the art subject in nuclear engineering researches. In this study, RELAP5/COBRA and WIMS/CITATION codes are implemented to investigate the VVER-1000 reactor core parameters during Large Break Loss of Coolant Accident (LB-LOCA). In a LB-LOCA, the primary side pressure, coolant density and fuel temperature strongly decrease but the cladding temperature experiences a strong peak. For this purpose, the RELAP5 Best Estimate (BE) system code is used to simulate the LB-LOCA analysis in VVER-1000 nuclear thermal-hydraulic loops. Also, the modified COBRA-IIIc software as a sub-channel analysis code is applied for modeling of VVER-1000 reactor core. Moreover, WIMS and CITATION as a cross section and 3-D neutron flux codes are coupled with thermal-hydraulic codes with the aim of consider the spatial effects through the reactor core. For this reason, suitable software is developed to link and speed up the coupled thermalhydraulic and three-dimensional neutronic calculations. This software utilizes of external coupling concept in order to integrate thermal-hydraulic and neutronic calculations. (authors)

OECD/DOE/CEA VVER-1000 Coolant Transient Benchmark. Summary Record of the Fourth Workshop (V100-CT4)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2006-01-01

The overall objective of the VVER-1000 coolant transient (V1000CT) benchmark is to assess computer codes used in the safety analysis of VVER power plants, specifically for their use in analysis of reactivity transients in a VVER-1000. The V1000CT benchmark consists of two phases: V1000CT-1 is a simulation of the switching on of one main coolant pump (MCP) when the other three MCPs are in operation, and V1000CT-2 concerns calculation of coolant mixing tests and main steam line break (MSLB) scenarios. Each of the two phases contains three exercises. The reference problem chosen for simulation in Phase 1 is a MCP switching on when the other three main coolant pumps are in operation in a VVER-1000. This event is characterized by rapid increase in the flow through the core resulting in a coolant temperature decrease, which is spatially dependent. This leads to insertion of spatially distributed positive reactivity due to the modelled feedback mechanisms and non-symmetric power distribution. Simulation of the transient requires evaluation of core response from a multi-dimensional perspective (coupled three-dimensional neutronics/core thermal-hydraulics) supplemented by a one-dimensional simulation of the remainder of the reactor coolant system. Three exercises are defined in the framework of Phase 1: a) Exercise 1 - Point kinetics plant simulation; b) Exercise 2 - Coupled 3-D neutronics/core thermal-hydraulics response evaluation; c) Exercise 3 - Best-estimate coupled 3-D core/plant system transient modelling. In addition to the measured (experiment) scenario, extreme calculation scenarios were defined in the frame of Exercise 3 for better testing 3-D neutronics/thermal-hydraulics techniques. The proposals concerned: rod ejection simulations with scram set points at two different power levels. Since the previous coupled code benchmarks indicated that further development of the mixing computation models in the integrated codes is necessary, a coolant mixing experiment and

Numerical investigation of the coolant mixing during fast deboration transients for VVER-440 type reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hoehne, T.; Rhode, U.

2000-01-01

The VVER-440 (440 MW) V-230 was considered for analyzing the flow field and mixing processes. The V-230 has no elliptical sieve plate in the lower plenum. Previously, the 3D flow distribution in the downcomer and the lower plenum of the VVER-440 reactor have been calculated by means of the CFD code CFX-4 for operational conditions. The CFX-calculations were compared with the experimental data and the analytical mixing model. In this paper, CFD calculations for the start-up of the first main coolant pump in a VVER-440 type reactor are reported about. This scenario is important in case that there is a plug of lower borated water in one of the primary coolant loops. (orig.)

VVER operational safety improvements: lessons learnt from European co-operation and future research needs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pazdera, F.; Vasa, I.; Zd'arek, J.

2003-01-01

The paper summarises involvement of Nuclear Research Institute Rez (NRI) in the areas which are directly related to Reactor Operational Safety and Plant Life Management, it also gives an idea how results of the research projects can be used to enhance safety of VVER reactors. These issues are for many years subject of a wide international co-operation effort, covered by such programmes as PHARE, OECD/NEA TACIS, 5th Framework Programme. Nuclear Research Institute participated in the majority of these programmes and projects, which allowed us to evaluate benefits (especially for VVER reactors) of the projects already finalised or running, as well as to formulate so-called 'future research needs', which possibly may be pursued within 6th Framework Programme. The paper highlights the main features of some projects our Institute was and is involved in, emphasising the most important results, expectations and future needs. It also very briefly, deals with some general and particular lessons learnt within these projects and their application to VVER reactors, especially as to their safety improvement. The paper also mentions VVER-focused projects and activities, co-ordinated by the OECD, which should enable to extend multilateral contacts already existing between organisations of the EU countries to include organisations from Russia, USA, Japan and possibly some other countries

Coupled Particle Transport and Pattern Formation in a Nonlinear Leaky-Box Model

Science.gov (United States)

Barghouty, A. F.; El-Nemr, K. W.; Baird, J. K.

2009-01-01

Effects of particle-particle coupling on particle characteristics in nonlinear leaky-box type descriptions of the acceleration and transport of energetic particles in space plasmas are examined in the framework of a simple two-particle model based on the Fokker-Planck equation in momentum space. In this model, the two particles are assumed coupled via a common nonlinear source term. In analogy with a prototypical mathematical system of diffusion-driven instability, this work demonstrates that steady-state patterns with strong dependence on the magnetic turbulence but a rather weak one on the coupled particles attributes can emerge in solutions of a nonlinearly coupled leaky-box model. The insight gained from this simple model may be of wider use and significance to nonlinearly coupled leaky-box type descriptions in general.

Pressure vessels and methods of sealing leaky tubes disposed in pressure vessels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Larson, G.C.

1980-01-01

This invention relates to pressure vessels and to methods of sealing leaky tubes in them and is especially applicable to pressure vessels in the form of sheet-and-tube type heat exchangers constructed with a large number of relatively small diameter tubes grouped in a bundle. To seal off a leaky tube in such a heat exchanger an explosive activated plug in the form of a hollow metal body is used, inserted at each end of the tube to be sealed. Using the arrangement of pressure vessel and associated tube sheets and the explosive activated plug method of sealing a leaky tube as described in this invention it is claimed that distortion of the adjacent tubes and the tube sheets is reduced when the explosive activated plugs are detonated. (U.K.)

Multiple recycle of REMIX fuel at VVER-1000 operation in closed fuel cycle

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Alekseev, P. N.; Bobrov, E. A., E-mail: evgeniybobrov89@rambler.ru; Chibinyaev, A. V.; Teplov, P. S.; Dudnikov, A. A. [National Research Center Kurchatov Institute (Russian Federation)

2015-12-15

The basic features of loading the VVER-1000 core with a new variant of REMIX fuel (REgenerated MIXture of U–Pu oxides) are considered during its multiple recycle in a closed nuclear fuel cycle. The fuel composition is produced on the basis of the uranium–plutonium regenerate extracted at processing the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from a VVER-1000, depleted uranium, and the fissionable material: {sup 235}U as a part of highly enriched uranium (HEU) from warheads superfluous for defense purposes or {sup 233}U accumulated in thorium blankets of fusion (electronuclear) neutron sources or fast reactors. Production of such a fuel assumes no use of natural uranium in addition. When converting a part of the VVER-1000 reactors to the closed fuel cycle based on the REMIX technology, the consumption of natural uranium decreases considerably, and there is no substantial degradation of the isotopic composition of plutonium or change in the reactor-safety characteristics at the passage from recycle to recycle.

The First Steps into a "Leaky Pipeline"

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Emerek, Ruth; Larsen, Britt Østergaard

2011-01-01

Research shows that the higher the level of academic positions at universities the lower the percentage of women among employees also applies at Danish universities. This may be due to a historical backlog or merely to a 'Leaky pipeline', as earlier studies have revealed that an increasing propor...

Greifswald and Rheinsberg: East European VVERs with a new mission

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sterner, H.; Leushacke, D.; Rittscher, D.

1995-01-01

Plans for the decommissioning of the VVER reactors at Greifswald and Rheinsberg in the former German Democratic Republic are described. The decision to decommission the eight VVER-440s (two of which are still under construction) at Greifswald and the Russian prototype PWR, VVER-2, at Rheinsberg, was taken because of a lack of public acceptance and financial considerations. Three main phases are scheduled for the project. The first, the post-operation phase, has already commenced at both sites. It involves: the operation of all systems needed safely to store fuel elements, to remove them and to condition operational waste; dismantling of mainly inactive, systems not needed for fuel handling; and system decontamination. The second phase comprises the dismantling of contaminated systems, remote dismantling and conditioning of the dismantled material. Finally, in the site restoration phase, following the dismantling of remaining systems and building decontamination and demolition, the site will be adapted for other uses. Three projects for new site use at Greifswald being pursued. As a first step, an international Technology Centre is to be created to collect and evaluate information on decommissioning experience. The centre will require international financial support and co-ordination. New facilities are already being constructed to deal with decontamination of dismantled materials and the interim storage of radioactive waste and reactor fuel. (UK)

Simulation of a nuclear accident by an academic simulator of a VVER-1000 reactor; Simulacion de un accidente nuclear, mediante un simulador academico de un reactor VVER-1000

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hernandez G, L. [UNAM, Facultad de Ingenieria, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Mexico D. F. (Mexico); Salazar S, E., E-mail: laurahg42@gmail.com [UNAM, Facultad de Ingenieria, Laboratorio de Analisis en Ingenieria de Reactores Nucleares, 62250 Jiutepec, Morelos (Mexico)

2014-10-15

This work is planned to simulate a scenario in which the same conditions that caused the accident at the Fukushima Daichi nuclear power plant are present, using a simulator of a nuclear power plant with VVER-1000 reactor, a different type of technology to the NPP where the accident occurred, which used BWR reactors. The software where it will take place the simulation was created and distributed by the IAEA for academic purposes, which contains the essential systems that characterize this type of NPP. The simulator has tools for the analysis of the characteristic phenomena of a VVER-1000 reactor in the different systems together and planned training tasks. This makes possible to identify the function of each component and how connects to other systems, thus facilitating the visualization of possible failures and the consequences that they have on the general behavior of the reactor. To program the conditions in the simulator, is necessary to know and synthesize a series of events occurred in Fukushima in 2011 and the realized maneuvers to reduce the effects of the system failures. Being different technologies interpretation of the changes that would suffer the VVER systems in the scenario in question will be developed. The Fukushima accident was characterized by the power loss of regular supply and emergency of the cooling systems which resulted in an increase in reactor temperature and subsequent fusion of their nuclei. Is interesting to reproduce this type of failure in a VVER, and extrapolate the lack of power supply in the systems that comprise, as well as pumping systems for cooling, has a pressure regulating system which involves more variables in the balance of the system. (Author)

Evaluation of reliability of EC inspection of VVER SG tubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stanic, D.

2001-01-01

Evaluation of eddy current data collected during inspection of VVER steam generators is very complex task because of numerous parameters which have affect on eddy current signals. That was the reason that recently ago INETEC has started related scientific project in order to evaluate the reliability of eddy current (EC) inspection of VVER steam generator (SG) tubing. In the scope of project the following objectives will be investigated: 1. Determination of POD (Probability of detection) of various types degradation cracks, where their basic parameters are variables (basic parameters are depth, length, width, orientation, number) on three different sets of tubes (clean ideal tubes, tubes with pilgering, tubes electroplated with copper) 2. Sizing quality (accuracy, repeatability) (same data sets as defined in 1.) 3. Effect of fill factor on POD and sizing quality. 4. Effect of tube bends on POD and sizing quality. 5. Effect of other tube geometry variations on POD and sizing quality (tube ovality, transition zone region, expanded (rolled) part of tube, dents, dings). Investigation will start with bobbin probe technique which is the most used technique for general purpose VVER tube examination. Since INETEC is the only world company which successfully developed and applied rotating probe technique for VVER SG tubes, scope of the project will be extended on rotating probe technique utilizing 'pancake' and 'point' coil. Method reliability will be investigated first on the huge set of EDM notches representing various defect morphologies and simulating different factors, and the second part will be investigated on sets of degradation defects obtained by artificial corrosion. In the scope of the project the measures for enhancing the method reliability have to be determined. This considers the proper definition of parameters of examination system, as well as establishment of the suitable analysis procedures. This article presents the temporary results of the first part of

Results of 15 years experiments in the PMK-2 integral-type facility for VVERs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Szabados, L.; Ezsoel, G.; Perneczky, L. [KFKI Atomic Energy Research Institute, Budapest (Hungary)

2001-07-01

Due to the specific features of the VVER-440/213-type reactors the transient behaviour of such a reactor system is different from the usual PWR system behaviour. To provide an experimental database for the transient behaviour of VVER systems the PMK integral-type facility, the scaled down model of the Paks NPP was designed and constructed in the early 1980's. Since the start-up of the facility 48 experiments have been performed. It was confirmed through the experiments that the facility is a suitable tool for the computer code validation experiments and to the identification of basic thermal-hydraulic phenomena occurring during plant accidents. High international interest was shown by the four Standard Problem Exercises of the IAEA and by the projects financed by the EU-PHARE. A wide range of small- and medium-size LOCA sequences have been studied to know the performance and effectiveness of ECC systems and to evaluate the thermal-hydraulic safety of the core. Extensive studies have been performed to investigate the one- and two-phase natural circulation, the effect of disturbances coming from the secondary circuit and to validate the effectiveness of accident management measures like bleed and feed. The VVER-specific case, the opening of the SG collector cover was also extensively investigated. Examples given in the report show a few results of experiments and the results of calculation analyses performed for validation purposes of codes like RELAP5, ATHLET and CATHARE. There are some other white spots in Cross Reference Matrices for VVER reactors and, therefore, further experiments are planned to perform tests primarily in further support of accident management measures at low power states of plants to facilitate the improved safety management of VVER-440-type reactors. (authors)

Results of 15 years experiments in the PMK-2 integral-type facility for VVERs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Szabados, L.; Ezsoel, G.; Perneczky, L.

2001-01-01

Due to the specific features of the VVER-440/213-type reactors the transient behaviour of such a reactor system is different from the usual PWR system behaviour. To provide an experimental database for the transient behaviour of VVER systems the PMK integral-type facility, the scaled down model of the Paks NPP was designed and constructed in the early 1980's. Since the start-up of the facility 48 experiments have been performed. It was confirmed through the experiments that the facility is a suitable tool for the computer code validation experiments and to the identification of basic thermal-hydraulic phenomena occurring during plant accidents. High international interest was shown by the four Standard Problem Exercises of the IAEA and by the projects financed by the EU-PHARE. A wide range of small- and medium-size LOCA sequences have been studied to know the performance and effectiveness of ECC systems and to evaluate the thermal-hydraulic safety of the core. Extensive studies have been performed to investigate the one- and two-phase natural circulation, the effect of disturbances coming from the secondary circuit and to validate the effectiveness of accident management measures like bleed and feed. The VVER-specific case, the opening of the SG collector cover was also extensively investigated. Examples given in the report show a few results of experiments and the results of calculation analyses performed for validation purposes of codes like RELAP5, ATHLET and CATHARE. There are some other white spots in Cross Reference Matrices for VVER reactors and, therefore, further experiments are planned to perform tests primarily in further support of accident management measures at low power states of plants to facilitate the improved safety management of VVER-440-type reactors. (authors)

Interactive nuclear plant analyzer for the VVER-440 reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shier, W.; Kennett, R.

1993-01-01

An interactive nuclear plant analyzer (NPA) has been developed for a VVER-440 model 213 reactor for use in the training of plant personnel, the development and verification of plant operating procedures, and in the analysis of various anticipated operational occurrences and accident scenarios. This NPA is operational on an IBM RISC-6000 workstation and utilizes the RELAP5/MOD2 computer code for the calculation of the VVER-440 reactor response to the interactive commands initiated by the NPA operator. Results of the interactive calculation can be through the user-defined, digital display of various plant parameters and through color changes that reflect changes in primary system fluid temperatures, fuel and clad temperatures, and the temperatures of other metal structures. In addition, changes in the status of various components and system can be initiated and/or displayed both numerically and graphically on the mask

Behaviour of a VVER-1000 fuel element with boron carbide/steel absorber tested under severe fuel damage conditions in the CORA facility (Results of experiment CORA-W2)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hagen, S.; Hofmann, P.; Noack, V.; Schanz, G.; Schumacher, G.; Sepold, L.

1994-10-01

The 'Severe Fuel Damage' (SFD) experiments of the Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe (KfK), Federal Republic of Germany, were carried out in the out-of-pile facility 'CORA' as part of the international Severe Fuel Damage (SFD) research. The experimental program was set up to provide information on the failure mechanisms of Light Water Reactor (LWR) fuel elements in a temperature range from 1200 C to 2000 C and in few cases up to 2400 C. Between 1987 and 1992 a total of 17 CORA experiments with two different bundle configurations, i.e. PWR (Pressurized Water Reactor) and BWR (Boiling Water Reactor) bundles were performed. These assemblies represented 'Western-type' fuel elements with the pertinent materials for fuel, cladding, grid spacer, and absorber rod. At the end of the experimental program two VVER-1000 specific tests were run in the CORA facility with identical objectives but with genuine VVER-type materials. The experiments, designated CORA-W1 and CORA-W2 were conducted on February 18, 1993 and April 21, 1993, respectively. Test bundle CORA-W1 was without absorber material whereas CORA-W2 contained one absorber rod (boron carbide/steel). As in the earlier CORA tests the test bundles were subjected to temperature transients of a slow heatup rate in a steam environment. The transient phases of the tests were initiated with a temperature ramp rate of 1 K/s. With these conditions a so-called small-break LOCA was simulated. The temperature escalation due to the exothermal zircon/niobium-steam reaction started at about 1200 C, leading the bundles to maximum temperatures of approximately 1900 C. The thermal response of bundle CORA-W2 is comparable to that of CORA-W1. In test CORA-W2, however, the temperature front moved faster from the top to the bottom compared to test CORA-W1 [de

PSB-VVER simulation of Kozloduy NPP 'loss of feed water transient'

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Groudev, P.P. [Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Tzarigradsko Shaussee 72, Sofia 1784 (Bulgaria)]. E-mail: pavlinpg@inrne.bas.bg; Stefanova, A.E. [Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Tzarigradsko Shaussee 72, Sofia 1784 (Bulgaria)]. E-mail: antoanet@inrne.bas.bg; Gencheva, R.V. [Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Tzarigradsko Shaussee 72, Sofia 1784 (Bulgaria)]. E-mail: roseh@inrne.bas.bg; Pavlova, M.P. [Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Tzarigradsko Shaussee 72, Sofia 1784 (Bulgaria)]. E-mail: pavlova@inrne.bas.bg

2005-04-01

This paper provides a comparison between the PSB test facility experimental results obtained during the simulation of loss of feed water transient (LOFW) and the calculation results received by INRNE computer model of the same test facility. Integral thermal-hydraulic PSB-VVER test facility located at Electrogorsk Research and Engineering Center on NPPs Safety (EREC) was put in operation in 1998. The structure of the test facility allows experimental studies under steady state, transient and accident conditions. RELAP5/MOD3.2 computer code has been used to simulate the loss of feed water transient in a PSB-VVER model. This model was developed at the Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy for simulation of loss of feed water transient. The objective of the experiment 'loss of feed water', which has been performed at PSB-VVER test facility is simulation of Kozloduy NPP LOFW transient. One of the main requirements to the experiment scenario has been to reproduce all main events and phenomena that occurred in Kozloduy NPP during the LOFW transient. Analyzing the PSB-VVER test with a RELAP5/MOD3.2 computer code as a standard problem allows investigating the phenomena included in the VVER code validation matrix as 'integral system effects' and 'natural circulation'. For assessment of the RELAP5 capability to predict the 'Integral system effect' phenomenon the following RELAP5 quantities are compared with external trends: the primary pressure and the hot and cold leg temperatures. In order to assess the RELAP5 capability to predict the 'Natural circulation' phenomenon the hot and cold leg temperatures behavior have been investigated. This report was possible through the participation of leading specialists from Kozloduy NPP and with the support of Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), under the International Nuclear Safety Program (INSP) of the United States Department of Energy.

The corrosion and corrosion mechanical properties evaluation for the LBB concept in VVERs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ruscak, M.; Chvatal, P.; Karnik, D.

1997-04-01

One of the conditions required for Leak Before Break application is the verification that the influence of corrosion environment on the material of the component can be neglected. Both the general corrosion and/or the initiation and, growth of corrosion-mechanical cracks must not cause the degradation. The primary piping in the VVER nuclear power plant is made from austenitic steels (VVER 440) and low alloy steels protected with the austenitic cladding (VVER 1000). Inspection of the base metal and heterogeneous weldments from the VVER 440 showed that the crack growth rates are below 10 m/s if a low oxygen level is kept in the primary environment. No intergranular cracking was observed in low and high oxygen water after any type of testing, with constant or periodic loading. In the framework of the LBB assessment of the VVER 1000, the corrosion and corrosion mechanical properties were also evaluated. The corrosion and corrosion mechanical testing was oriented predominantly to three types of tests: stress corrosion cracking tests corrosion fatigue tests evaluation of the resistance against corrosion damage. In this paper, the methods used for these tests are described and the materials are compared from the point of view of response on static and periodic mechanical stress on the low alloyed steel 10GN2WA and weld metal exposed in the primary circuit environment. The slow strain rate tests and static loading of both C-rings and CT specimens were performed in order to assess the stress corrosion cracking characteristics. Cyclic loading of CT specimens was done to evaluate the kinetics of the crack growth under periodical loading. Results are shown to illustrate the approaches used. The data obtained were evaluated also from the point of view of comparison of the influence of different structure on the stress corrosion cracking appearance. The results obtained for the base metal and weld metal of the piping are presented here.

Investigation of accident management procedures related to loss of feedwater and station blackout in PSB-VVER integral test facility

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bucalossi, A. [EC JRC, (JRC F.5) PO Box 2, 1755 ZG Petten (Netherlands); Del Nevo, A., E-mail: alessandro.delnevo@enea.it [ENEA, C.R. Brasimone, 40032 Camugnano (Italy); Moretti, F.; D' Auria, F. [GRNSPG, Universita di Pisa, via Diotisalvi 2, 56100 Pisa (Italy); Elkin, I.V.; Melikhov, O.I. [Electrogorsk Research and Engineering Centre, Electrogorsk, Moscow Region (Russian Federation)

2012-09-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Four integral test facility experiments related to VVER-1000 reactor. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TH response of the VVER-1000 primary system following total loss of feedwater and station blackout scenarios. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Accident management procedures in case of total loss of feedwater and station blackout. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Experimental data represent an improvement of existing database for TH code validation. - Abstract: VVER 1000 reactors have some unique and specific features (e.g. large primary and secondary side fluid inventory, horizontal steam generators, core design) that require dedicated experimental and analytical analyses in order to assess the performance of safety systems and the effectiveness of possible accident management strategies. The European Commission funded project 'TACIS 2.03/97', Part A, provided valuable experimental data from the large-scale (1:300) PSB-VVER test facility, investigating accident management procedures in VVER-1000 reactor. A test matrix was developed at University of Pisa (responsible of the project) with the objective of obtaining the experimental data not covered by the OECD VVER validation matrix and with main focus on accident management procedures. Scenarios related to total loss of feed water and station blackout are investigated by means of four experiments accounting for different countermeasures, based on secondary cooling strategies and primary feed and bleed procedures. The transients are analyzed thoroughly focusing on the identification of phenomena that will challenge the code models during the simulations.

PMK-2, the First Integral Thermal-Hydraulics Tests for the Safety Evaluation of VVER-440/213 Nuclear Power Plants

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gy. Ézsöl

2012-01-01

Full Text Available The PMK-2 facility is a full-pressure thermal-hydraulic model of the primary and partly the secondary circuit of the VVER-type units of Paks NPP. The facility was the first integral-type facility for VVERs. The PMK-2 was followed later by the PACTEL (for VVER-440, the ISB, and PSB for VVER-1000. Since the startup of the facility in 1985, 55 experiments have been performed primarily in international frameworks with the participation of experts from 29 European and overseas countries forming a scientific school to better understand VVER system behaviour and reach a high level of modelling of accident sequences. The ATHLET, CATHARE, and RELAP5 codes have been validated including both qualitative and quantitative assessments. The former was almost exclusively applied to the early phase of validation by integral experiments, while the quantitative assessments have been performed by the Fast Fourier Transform Based Method. Paper gives comprehensive information on the design features of PMK-2 facility with a special respect to the representativeness of phenomena, the experiments performed, and the results of the validation of ATHLET, CATHARE, and RELAP5 codes. Safety significance of the PMK-2 projects is also discussed.

PMK-2, the First Integral Thermal-Hydraulics Tests for the Safety Evaluation of VVER-440/213 Nuclear Power Plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ezsol, G.; Perneczky, L.; Szabados, L.; Toth, I.

2012-01-01

The PMK-2 facility is a full-pressure thermal-hydraulic model of the primary and partly the secondary circuit of the VVER-type units of Paks NPP. The facility was the first integral-type facility for VVERs. The PMK-2 was followed later by the PACTEL (for VVER-440), the ISB, and PSB for VVER-1000. Since the startup of the facility in 1985, 55 experiments have been performed primarily in international frameworks with the participation of experts from 29 European and overseas countries forming a scientific school to better understand VVER system behaviour and reach a high level of modelling of accident sequences. The ATHLET, CATHARE, and RELAP5 codes have been validated including both qualitative and quantitative assessments. The former was almost exclusively applied to the early phase of validation by integral experiments, while the quantitative assessments have been performed by the Fast Fourier Transform Based Method. Paper gives comprehensive information on the design features of PMK-2 facility with a special respect to the representativeness of phenomena, the experiments performed, and the results of the validation of ATHLET, CATHARE, and RELAP5 codes. Safety significance of the PMK-2 projects is also discussed

Numerical Tests for the Problem of U-Pu Fuel Burnup in Fuel Rod and Polycell Models Using the MCNP Code

Science.gov (United States)

Muratov, V. G.; Lopatkin, A. V.

An important aspect in the verification of the engineering techniques used in the safety analysis of MOX-fuelled reactors, is the preparation of test calculations to determine nuclide composition variations under irradiation and analysis of burnup problem errors resulting from various factors, such as, for instance, the effect of nuclear data uncertainties on nuclide concentration calculations. So far, no universally recognized tests have been devised. A calculation technique has been developed for solving the problem using the up-to-date calculation tools and the latest versions of nuclear libraries. Initially, in 1997, a code was drawn up in an effort under ISTC Project No. 116 to calculate the burnup in one VVER-1000 fuel rod, using the MCNP Code. Later on, the authors developed a computation technique which allows calculating fuel burnup in models of a fuel rod, or a fuel assembly, or the whole reactor. It became possible to apply it to fuel burnup in all types of nuclear reactors and subcritical blankets.

Analysis of the VVER-440 reactor steam generator secondary side with the RELAP5/MOD3 code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tuunanen, J.

1993-01-01

Nuclear Engineering Laboratory of the Technical Research Centre of Finland has widely used RELAP5/MOD2 and -MOD3 codes to simulate horizontal steam generators. Several models have been developed and successfully used in the VVER-safety analysis. Nevertheless, the models developed have included only rather few nodes in the steam generator secondary side. The secondary side has normally been divided into about 10 to 15 nodes. Since the secondary side at the steam generators of VVER-440 type reactors consists of a rather large water pool, these models were only roughly capable to predict secondary side flows. The paper describes an attempt to use RELAP5/MOD3 code to predict secondary side flows in a steam generator of a VVER-440 reactor. A 2D/3D model has been developed using RELAP5/MOD3 codes cross-flow junctions. The model includes 90 volumes on the steam generator secondary side. The model has been used to calculate steady state flow conditions in the secondary side of a VVER-440 reactor steam generator. (orig.) (1 ref., 9 figs., 2 tabs.)

Radial flow towards well in leaky unconfined aquifer

Science.gov (United States)

Mishra, P. K.; Kuhlman, K. L.

2012-12-01

An analytical solution is developed for three-dimensional flow towards a partially penetrating large- diameter well in an unconfined aquifer bounded below by a leaky aquitard of finite or semi-infinite extent. The analytical solution is derived using Laplace and Hankel transforms, then inverted numerically. Existing solutions for flow in leaky unconfined aquifers neglect the unsaturated zone following an assumption of instantaneous drainage due to Neuman. We extend the theory of leakage in unconfined aquifers by (1) including water flow and storage in the unsaturated zone above the water table, and (2) allowing the finite-diameter pumping well to partially penetrate the aquifer. The investigation of model-predicted results shows that aquitard leakage leads to significant departure from the unconfined solution without leakage. The investigation of dimensionless time-drawdown relationships shows that the aquitard drawdown also depends on unsaturated zone properties and the pumping-well wellbore storage effects.

Development of a new bench for puncturing of irradiated fuel rods in STAR hot laboratory

Science.gov (United States)

Petitprez, B.; Silvestre, P.; Valenza, P.; Boulore, A.; David, T.

2018-01-01

A new device for puncturing of irradiated fuel rods in commercial power plants has been designed by Fuel Research Department of CEA Cadarache in order to provide experimental data of high precision on fuel pins with various designs. It will replace the current set-up that has been used since 1998 in hot cell 2 of STAR facility with more than 200 rod puncturing experiments. Based on this consistent experimental feedback, the heavy-duty technique of rod perforation by clad punching has been preserved for the new bench. The method of double expansion of rod gases is also retained since it allows upgrading the confidence interval of volumetric results obtained from rod puncturing. Furthermore, many evolutions have been introduced in the new design in order to improve its reliability, to make the maintenance easier by remote handling and to reduce experimental uncertainties. Tightness components have been studied with Sealing Laboratory Maestral at Pierrelatte so as to make them able to work under mixed pressure conditions (from vacuum at 10-5 mbar up to pressure at 50 bars) and to lengthen their lifetime under permanent gamma irradiation in hot cell. Bench ergonomics has been optimized to make its operating by remote handling easier and to secure the critical phases of a puncturing experiment. A high pressure gas line equipped with high precision pressure sensors out of cell can be connected to the bench in cell for calibration purposes. Uncertainty analyses using Monte Carlo calculations have been performed in order to optimize capacity of the different volumes of the apparatus according to volumetric characteristics of the rod to be punctured. At last this device is composed of independent modules which allow puncturing fuel pins out of different geometries (PWR, BWR, VVER). After leak tests of the device and remote handling simulation in a mock-up cell, several punctures of calibrated specimens have been performed in 2016. The bench will be implemented soon in hot

Operational benchmark for VVER-1000, unit 6, Kozloduy NPP

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Apostolov, T.; Petrov, B.

1999-01-01

Benchmark calculations have been carried out using the 3D nodal code TRAPEZ. Global neutron-physics characteristics of the VVER-1000 core, Kozloduy NPP Unit 6, have been determined taking into account the real loading patterns and operational history of the first three cycles. The code TRLOAD has been used to perform the fuel reloading between any two cycles. The reactor and components descriptions as well as material compositions are given. The results presented include the critical boric acid concentration, the radial power distribution, the axial power distribution for the maximum overload assembly, and the burnup distribution at three different moments during each cycle. Calculated values have been compared with measured data. It is shown that the results obtained by the TRAPEZ code are in good agreement with the experimental data. The information presented could serve as a test case for validation of code packages designed for analyzing the steady-state operation of VVERs. (author)

Simulation of VVER MCCI reactor test case with ASTEC V2/MEDICIS computer code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stefanova, A.; Grudev, P.; Gencheva, R.

2011-01-01

This paper presents an application of the ASTEC v2, module MEDICIS for simulation of VVER Molten core concrete interaction test (MCCI) case without water injection. The main purpose of performed calculation is verification and improvement of module MEDICIS/ASTECv2 for better simulation of core concrete interaction processes. The VVER-1000 reference nuclear power plant was chosen as SARNET2 benchmark MCCI test-case. The initial conditions for MCCI test are taken after SBO scenario calculated with ASTEC version 1.3R2 by INRNE. (authors)

Leaky vessels as a potential source of stromal acidification in tumours

KAUST Repository

Martin, Natasha K.

2010-12-01

Malignant tumours are characterised by higher rates of acid production and a lower extracellular pH than normal tissues. Previous mathematical modelling has indicated that the tumour-derived production of acid leads to a gradient of low pH in the interior of the tumour extending to a normal pH in the peritumoural tissue. This paper uses mathematical modelling to examine the potential of leaky vessels as an additional source of stromal acidification in tumours. We explore whether and to what extent increasing vascular permeability in vessels can lead to the breakdown of the acid gradient from the core of the tumour to the normal tissue, and a progressive acidification of the peritumoural stroma. We compare our mathematical simulations to experimental results found in vivo with a tumour implanted in the mammary fat pad of a mouse in a window chamber construct. We find that leaky vasculature can cause a net acidification of the normal tissue away from the tumour boundary, though not a progressive acidification over time as seen in the experiments. Only through progressively increasing the leakiness can the model qualitatively reproduce the experimental results. Furthermore, the extent of the acidification predicted by the mathematical model is less than as seen in the window chamber, indicating that although vessel leakiness might be acting as a source of acid, it is not the only factor contributing to this phenomenon. Nevertheless, tumour destruction of vasculature could result in enhanced stromal acidification and invasion, hence current therapies aimed at buffering tumour pH should also examine the possibility of preventing vessel disruption.

Primary LOCA in VVER-1000 by pressurizer PORV failure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sabotinov, L.; Lutsanych, S.; Kadenko, I.

2013-01-01

The paper presents the calculations and analysis of the design basis accident of a standard VVER-1000/V320 reactor with inadvertent opening and stuck in open position of the pressurizer pilot operated relief valve (PORV). The objective is the independent assessment of this accident applying the French best estimate thermal-hydraulic computer code CATHARE 2 and verification to meet the safety criteria for such kind of the accident. The 'Inadvertent opening and stuck in open position of PORV' is a design basis accident classified as Medium Break Loss of Coolant Accident (MB LOCA) with the equivalent diameter of the break D- 68 mm. This accident is particularly interesting to be calculated and analyzed, because it took place at operating NPP with VVER-1000 reactors (Rovno NPP) in 2009. The calculations have been carried out with conservative conditions as usual for DBA analysis. The NPP model corresponds to a real VVER-1000/V320 configuration and comprises all safety systems, adopted for one of the latest CATHARE 2 versions. The results of CATHARE 2 calculations are compared with available results of RELAP5 calculations. There is similarity of the thermal-hydraulic parameters behavior, but also some differences can be observed basically due to the break flow prediction, which causes differences in primary pressure evaluation. Both calculations show that there is no boiling crisis in the reactor core and reliable cooldown is achieved. The calculations performed with CATHARE2 code demonstrate the ability of the code to predict reasonably the break flow, pressures, temperatures etc. for considered LOCA scenario and to be applied for safety studies

OECD/DOE/CEA VVER-1000 coolant transient (V1000CT) benchmark for assessing coupled neutronics/thermal-hydraulics system codes for VVER-1000 RIA analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ivanov, B.; Ivanov, K.; Aniel, S.; Royer, E.; Kolev, N.; Groudev, P.

2004-01-01

The present paper describes the two phases of the OECD/DOE/CEA VVER-1000 coolant transient benchmark labeled as V1000CT. This benchmark is based on a data from the Bulgarian Kozloduy NPP Unit 6. The first phase of the benchmark was designed for the purpose of assessing neutron kinetics and thermal-hydraulic modeling for a VVER-1000 reactor, and specifically for their use in analyzing reactivity transients in a VVER-1000 reactor. Most of the results of Phase 1 will be compared against experimental data and the rest of the results will be used for code-to-code comparison. The second phase of the benchmark is planned for evaluation and improvement of the mixing computational models. Code-to-code and code-to-data comparisons will be done based on data of a mixing experiment conducted at Kozloduy-6. Main steam line break will be also analyzed in the second phase of the V1000CT benchmark. The results from it will be used for code-to-code comparison. The benchmark team has been involved in analyzing different aspects and performing sensitivity studies of the different benchmark exercises. The paper presents a comparison of selected results, obtained with two different system thermal-hydraulics codes, with the plant data for the Exercise 1 of Phase 1 of the benchmark as well as some results for Exercises 2 and 3. Overall, this benchmark has been well accepted internationally, with many organizations representing 11 countries participating in the first phase of the benchmark. (authors)

Primary water chemistry of VVERs-operating experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kysela, Jan; Zmitko, Milan; Petrecky, Igor

1998-01-01

VVER units are operated in mixed boron-potassium-ammonia water chemistry. Several modifications of the water chemistry, differing in boron-potassium co-ordination and in the way how hydrogen concentration is produced and maintain in the coolant, is used. From the operational experience point of view VVER units do not show any significant problems connected with the primary coolant chemistry. The latest results indicate that dose rate levels are slowly returning to the former ones. An improvement of the radiation situation observed last two years is supported by the surface activity measurements. However, the final conclusion on the radiation situation can be made only after evaluation of the several following cycles. Further investigation is also needed to clarify a possible effect of modified water chemistry and shut-down chemistry on radioactivity build-up and dose rate level at Dukovany units. Structure materials composition has a significant effect on radiation situation in the units. It concerns mainly of cobalt content in SG material. There is no clear evidence of possible effect of the SG shut-down regimes on the radiation situation in the units even if the dose rate and surface activity data show wide spread for the individual reactor loops. (S.Y.)

Experience on KKNPP VVER 1000 MWe water chemistry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ganesh, S.; Selvaraj, S.; Balasubramanian, M.R.; Selvavinayagam, P.; Pillai, Suresh Kumar

2015-01-01

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project consists of pressurized water reactor (VVER) 2 x 1000 MWe constructed in collaboration with Russian Federation at Kudankulam in Tirunelveli District, Tamilnadu. Unit - 1 attained criticality on July 13 th 2013 and the unit was synchronized to grid on 22 nd October 2013. This paper highlights experience gained on water chemistry regime for primary and secondary circuit. (author)

Isothermal and thermal–mechanical fatigue of VVER-440 reactor pressure vessel steels

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fekete, Balazs, E-mail: fekete.mm.bme@gmail.com [College of Dunaujvaros, Tancsics 1A, Dunaujvaros H-2400 (Hungary); Department of Applied Mechanics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Muegyetem 5, Budapest H-1111 (Hungary); Trampus, Peter [College of Dunaujvaros, Tancsics 1A, Dunaujvaros H-2400 (Hungary)

2015-09-15

Highlights: • We aimed to determine the thermomechanical behaviour of VVER reactor steels. • Material tests were developed and performed on GLEEBLE 3800 physical simulator. • Coffin–Manson curves and parameters were derived. • High accuracy of the strain energy based evaluation was found. • The observed dislocation evolution correlates with the mechanical behaviour. - Abstract: The fatigue life of the structural materials 15Ch2MFA (CrMoV-alloyed ferritic steel) and 08Ch18N10T (CrNi-alloyed austenitic steel) of VVER-440 reactor pressure vessel under completely reserved total strain controlled low cycle fatigue tests were investigated. An advanced test facility was developed for GLEEBLE-3800 physical simulator which was able to perform thermomechanical fatigue experiments under in-service conditions of VVER nuclear reactors. The low cycle fatigue results were evaluated with the plastic strain based Coffin–Manson law, and plastic strain energy based model as well. It was shown that both methods are able to predict the fatigue life of reactor pressure vessel steels accurately. Interrupted fatigue tests were also carried out to investigate the kinetic of the fatigue evolution of the materials. On these samples microstructural evaluation by TEM was performed. The investigated low cycle fatigue behavior can provide reference for remaining life assessment and lifetime extension analysis.

Modernization of Cross Section Library for VVER-1000 Type Reactors Internals and Pressure Vessel Dosimetry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Voloschenko Andrey

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The broad-group library BGL1000_B7 for neutron and gamma transport calculations in VVER-1000 internals, RPV and shielding was carried out on a base of fine-group library v7-200n47g from SCALE-6 system. The comparison of the library BGL1000_B7 with the library v7-200n47g and the library BGL1000 (the latter is using for VVER-1000 calculations is demonstrated on several calculation and experimental tests.

Multi codes and multi-scale analysis for void fraction prediction in hot channel for VVER-1000/V392

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hoang Minh Giang; Hoang Tan Hung; Nguyen Huu Tiep

2015-01-01

Recently, an approach of multi codes and multi-scale analysis is widely applied to study core thermal hydraulic behavior such as void fraction prediction. Better results are achieved by using multi codes or coupling codes such as PARCS and RELAP5. The advantage of multi-scale analysis is zooming of the interested part in the simulated domain for detail investigation. Therefore, in this study, the multi codes between MCNP5, RELAP5, CTF and also the multi-scale analysis based RELAP5 and CTF are applied to investigate void fraction in hot channel of VVER-1000/V392 reactor. Since VVER-1000/V392 reactor is a typical advanced reactor that can be considered as the base to develop later VVER-1200 reactor, then understanding core behavior in transient conditions is necessary in order to investigate VVER technology. It is shown that the item of near wall boiling, Γ w in RELAP5 proposed by Lahey mechanistic method may not give enough accuracy of void fraction prediction as smaller scale code as CTF. (author)

Implementation of the SCDAP/RELAP5 Mod. 3.3 and MAAP/VVER codes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duspiva, J.; Vokac, P.; Dienstbier, J.

2001-05-01

The SR5 code was installed on a Hewlett/Packard workstation, and test problems, supplied with the software, were solved. Finally, the tool for graphical processing of the calculation results was prepared and tested. The MAAP/VVER code was installed on a HP J210 workstation and, in particular, on PC. The code was tested on two problems, supplied with the software. The transformation of the output from MAAP/VVER to the graphical format was carried out by using the support tools obtained as well as by using tools that have been in use at the Institute for other codes to analyze severe accidents. (P.A.)

Effects of Rubber Loading on the Ultrasonic Backward Radiation Profile of Leaky Lamb Wave

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Song, Sung Jin; Jung, Min Ho; Kim, Young H.; Kwon, Sung Duk

2002-01-01

The characterization of adhesive property in multi-layer materials has been hot issue for a long time. In order to evaluate adhesive properties, we constructed fully automated system for the backward radiation of leaky Lamb wave. The backward radiation profiles were obtained for the bare steel plate and plates with rubber-loading. The rf waveforms and frequency spectra of backward radiation show the characteristics of involved leaky Lamb wave modes. As the thickness of rubber-loading increased, the amplitude of profile at the incident angle of 13.4' exponentially decreased. Scanning the incident position over the partially rubber-loaded specimen shows good agreement with the actual rubber-loading. The backward radiation of leaky Lamb wave has great potential to evaluate the adhesive condition as well as material properties of plates

Pressure loadings of Soviet-designed VVER [Water-Cooled, Water-Moderated Energy Reactor] reactor release mitigation structures from large-break LOCAs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sienicki, J.J.; Horak, W.C.

1989-01-01

Analyses have been carried out of the pressurization of the accident release mitigation structures of Soviet-designed VVER (Water-Cooled, Water-Moderated Energy Reactor) pressurized water reactors following large-break loss-of-coolant accidents. Specific VVER systems for which calculations were performed are the VVER-440 model V230, VVER-440 model V213, and VVER-1000 model V320. Descriptions of the designs of these and other VVER models are contained in the report DOE/NE-0084. The principal objective of the current analyses is to calculate the time dependent pressure loadings inside the accident localization or containment structures immediately following the double-ended guillotine rupture of a primary coolant pipe. In addition, the pressures are compared with the results of calculations of the response of the structures to overpressure. Primary coolant system thermal hydraulic conditions and the fluid conditions at the break location were calculated with the RETRAN-02 Mod2 computer code (Agee, 1984). Pressures and temperatures inside the building accident release mitigation structures were obtained from the PACER (Pressurization Accompanying Coolant Escape from Ruptures) multicompartment containment analysis code developed at Argonne National Laboratory. The analyses were carried out using best estimate models and conditions rather than conservative, bounding-type assumptions. In particular, condensation upon structure and equipment was calculated using correlations based upon analyses of the HDR, Marviken, and Battelle Frankfurt containment loading experiments. The intercompartment flow rates incorporate an effective discharge coefficient and liquid droplet carryover fraction given by expressions of Schwan determined from analyses of the Battelle Frankfurt and Marviken tests. 5 refs., 4 figs

Conservative ground of qualification BRU-A VVER-1000 in modes of instability of diphasic environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Skalozubov, V.I.; Klyuchnikov, A.A.; Haj Farajallah Dabbach

2010-01-01

The article first presents grounds and conditions of origin of hydraulic shocks in the VVER system of safety relief valves, caused interchannel heat hydrodynamic instability of biphasic medium. It is supposed conservatively that origin of hydraulic shocks caused instability of biphasic stream determines the unavailability to close of safety relief valves. It is established that the modes of hydraulic shocks in safety relief valves of VVER 1000 (B-320) at the fully opened valves are not typical for the conditions of accidents with intercontour leakages.

Investigations of SPND noise signals in VVER-440 reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kiss, S.; Lipcsei, S.; Hazi, G.

2001-01-01

This paper describes and characterises SPND noise measurements of an operating VVER-440 nuclear reactor. Characteristics of the signal can be radically influenced by the geometrical properties of the detector and the cable and by the measuring arrangement. Structure of phase spectra showing propagating perturbations measured on uncompensated SPN detectors is studied through models.(author)

Core designs for new VVER reactors and operational experience of immediate prototypes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vasilchenko, I.; Mokhov, V.; Ryzhov, S.

2011-01-01

The paper covers the recent improvements analyzed in order to implement the enhanced core performances. AES-2006 reactor core design is considered from the point of view of its application and improvement in the planned VVER-TOI project and of the possibilities of using the basic engineering solutions for the cores with spectral control. The discussion of several types of mixing grids considered in the paper involves a preliminary assessment of their efficiency and the information on their introduction into pilot operation at the VVER-1000 Units. Special attention is given to the results of the operation of immediate prototypes (TVS-2 and TVS-2M) that corroborate the reliability of the design both with regard for the core geometrical stability and fuel cladding tightness

Status and prospects of the core surveillance system SCORPIO-VVER in Czech Republic and Slovakia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Molnar, J.; Vocka, R.

2011-01-01

The SCORPIO-VVER core monitoring system has proved since the first installation at Dukovany NPP in 1999 to be a valuable tool for the reactor operators and reactor physicists. It is now installed on four units of Dukovany NPP (Czech Republic) and two units of Bohunice NPP (Slovak Republic) replacing the original Russian VK3 system. By both Czech and Slovak nuclear regulatory bodies it was licensed as a Technical Specification Surveillance tool. Since it's first installation, the development of SCORPIO-VVER system continues along with the changes in WWER reactors operation. The system is being adapted according the utility needs and several notable improvements in physical modules of the system were introduced. The latest most significant changes were done in connection with implementation of a new digital I and C system, loading of the optimized gadolinium bearing Gd2 fuel assemblies, improvements in the area of core design (neutron physics, core thermal hydraulics and fuel thermal mechanics), adaptation of the system to up-rated unit conditions, in design and methodology of the limit and technical specifications checking (implementation of the on-line shutdown margin calculation to the system) and improvements in the predictive part of the system (Strategy Generator). After the currently finished upgrades (Upgrade 2 at EBO Slovakia in 2009, Upgrade 5 at EDU Czech Republic in 2010) the SCORPIO-VVER is still in focus of Central European nuclear power plants with the road map of modification and implementation up to 2015. In April 2011 the Upgrade 3 at EBO Slovakia has been contracted to support the changed reactor technical specification and for support of the new type of fuel planned to load in 2012. During the summer of 2011 the discussions started with EDU NPP in Czech Republic regarding to the future development of the SCORPIO-VVER system up to 2015. Parallel with the support of current installations at NPPs the project of new installations is ongoing. During

Application of the Defense-in-Depth Concept in the Projects of New-Generation NPPs Equipped with VVER Reactors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shvyryaev, Yu. V.; Morozov, V. B.; Kuchumov, A.Yu., E-mail: morozov@aep.ru [JSC Atomenergoproekt, Moscow (Russian Federation)

2014-10-15

The projects of new-generation NPPs equipped with VVER reactors are developed as projects the safety level of which is superior to that of NPPs that are currently in operation. The main design solutions adopted for implementing the defence-in-depth (DiD) concept in the projects of new-generation NPPs equipped with VVER reactors are briefly characterized in the paper. (author)

Fusion of eastern and western technology in VVER 1000 NPP upgrade

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ubra, O.; Fleischhans, J.; Kveton, M.

1997-01-01

An extensive modernization program upgrading two units of VVER 1000 type of the Czech nuclear power plant (NPP) Temelin to meet the latest international standards is presented. The program is based primarily on combination of eastern and western technology and it has been implemented during plant construction. The NPP Temelin was originally designed according to the standards of the former Soviet Union. After a series of reviews in the 1990s, a decision was made by the Temelin management of upgrade the design of the plant, including the supply of fuel and instrumentation and control system by a western company. The adoption of western technology and practices has helped to solve a large number of IAEA safety issues related to design and operation of VVER 1000 NPP. Details on the current Temelin design and other related safety matters are presented

Saturated-unsaturated flow in a compressible leaky-unconfined aquifer

Science.gov (United States)

Mishra, Phoolendra K.; Vesselinov, Velimir V.; Kuhlman, Kristopher L.

2012-06-01

An analytical solution is developed for three-dimensional flow towards a partially penetrating large-diameter well in an unconfined aquifer bounded below by a leaky aquitard of finite or semi-infinite extent. The analytical solution is derived using Laplace and Hankel transforms, then inverted numerically. Existing solutions for flow in leaky unconfined aquifers neglect the unsaturated zone following an assumption of instantaneous drainage due to Neuman. We extend the theory of leakage in unconfined aquifers by (1) including water flow and storage in the unsaturated zone above the water table, and (2) allowing the finite-diameter pumping well to partially penetrate the aquifer. The investigation of model-predicted results shows that aquitard leakage leads to significant departure from the unconfined solution without leakage. The investigation of dimensionless time-drawdown relationships shows that the aquitard drawdown also depends on unsaturated zone properties and the pumping-well wellbore storage effects.

Transient well flow in leaky multiple-aquifer systems

Science.gov (United States)

Hemker, C. J.

1985-10-01

A previously developed eigenvalue analysis approach to groundwater flow in leaky multiple aquifers is used to derive exact solutions for transient well flow problems in leaky and confined systems comprising any number of aquifers. Equations are presented for the drawdown distribution in systems of infinite extent, caused by wells penetrating one or more of the aquifers completely and discharging each layer at a constant rate. Since the solution obtained may be regarded as a combined analytical-numerical technique, a type of one-dimensional modelling can be applied to find approximate solutions for several complicating conditions. Numerical evaluations are presented as time-drawdown curves and include effects of storage in the aquitard, unconfined conditions, partially penetrating wells and stratified aquifers. The outcome of calculations for relatively simple systems compares very well with published corresponding results. The proposed multilayer solution can be a valuable tool in aquifer test evaluation, as it provides the analytical expression required to enable the application of existing computer methods to the determination of aquifer characteristics.

Main results on pilot operation during 5 years of the 3rd generation fuel in VVER-440 reactors of Kola NPP

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saprykin, V.; Sumarokov, M.; Gagarinskiy, A.; Sumarokova, A.; Adeev, V.

2015-01-01

In the report the results of comparison of main neutron-physical data of exploitation of nuclear fuel are presented for the average enrichment (on U - 235) of 4.87 for the 2nd and 3rd (12 piece) generations with the results of calculations by the complex of the programs KASKAD for 5 fuel loadings of Kola NPP Unit 4 with the reactor VVER- 440. The basic feature of fuel of the 3rd generation as compared with the 2nd is a presence of ribs of inflexibility at corners instead of cover of the fuel assembly and also the increased amount of uranium. The arrangement of fuel rods with different enrichment in fuel assemblies of the 2nd and 3rd generations is chosen identical for the convenient comparison of neutronic and thermohydraulic characteristics of the fuel of different generations. The fuel of 3rd generation was situated in the core symmetrically to the fuel of 2nd one

Inspection qualification programme for VVER reactors and review of round robin test results

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Horacek, L.; Zdarek, J.

1998-01-01

Experience obtained, especially from in-service inspections of VVER 440-type reactor pressure vessels and from the Czech round test trials with international participation of ultrasonic teams, has highlighted the need for an in-service inspection qualification programme in the Czech Republic focused on NDT procedures, equipment and personnel. Recently, several national and international regional projects included in the PHARE programme (projects 4.1.2/93 and 1.02/94), briefly described, have been initiated. These projects are to cover step by step the programme of the in-service inspection qualification in view of technical justification as well as of practical assessment-performance demonstration-for all the main VVER-type primary circuit components. (orig.)

Fixing the Leaky Pipeline | Women in Science | Initiatives | Indian ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Home; Initiatives; Women in Science; Fixing the Leaky Pipeline ... Why aren't there many women in the top spots in academia? .... of women scientists, at a young age of 52, after a valiant battle with cancer, today on 29th March 2016 in Delhi.

Acoustically Driven Fluid and Particle Motion in Confined and Leaky Systems

Science.gov (United States)

Barnkob, Rune; Nama, Nitesh; Ren, Liqiang; Huang, Tony Jun; Costanzo, Francesco; Kähler, Christian J.

2018-01-01

The acoustic motion of fluids and particles in confined and acoustically leaky systems is receiving increasing attention for its use in medicine and biotechnology. A number of contradicting physical and numerical models currently exist, but their validity is uncertain due to the unavailability of hard-to-access experimental data for validation. We provide experimental benchmarking data by measuring 3D particle trajectories and demonstrate that the particle trajectories can be described numerically without any fitting parameter by a reduced-fluid model with leaky impedance-wall conditions. The results reveal the hitherto unknown existence of a pseudo-standing wave that drives the acoustic streaming as well as the acoustic radiation force on suspended particles.

A generalized leaky FxLMS algorithm for tuning the waterbed effect of feedback active noise control systems

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Lifu; Qiu, Xiaojun; Guo, Yecai

2018-06-01

To tune the noise amplification in the feedback system caused by the waterbed effect effectively, an adaptive algorithm is proposed in this paper by replacing the scalar leaky factor of the leaky FxLMS algorithm with a real symmetric Toeplitz matrix. The elements in the matrix are calculated explicitly according to the noise amplification constraints, which are defined based on a simple but efficient method. Simulations in an ANC headphone application demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can adjust the frequency band of noise amplification more effectively than the FxLMS algorithm and the leaky FxLMS algorithm.

Simulation of a nuclear accident by an academic simulator of a VVER-1000 reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hernandez G, L.; Salazar S, E.

2014-10-01

This work is planned to simulate a scenario in which the same conditions that caused the accident at the Fukushima Daichi nuclear power plant are present, using a simulator of a nuclear power plant with VVER-1000 reactor, a different type of technology to the NPP where the accident occurred, which used BWR reactors. The software where it will take place the simulation was created and distributed by the IAEA for academic purposes, which contains the essential systems that characterize this type of NPP. The simulator has tools for the analysis of the characteristic phenomena of a VVER-1000 reactor in the different systems together and planned training tasks. This makes possible to identify the function of each component and how connects to other systems, thus facilitating the visualization of possible failures and the consequences that they have on the general behavior of the reactor. To program the conditions in the simulator, is necessary to know and synthesize a series of events occurred in Fukushima in 2011 and the realized maneuvers to reduce the effects of the system failures. Being different technologies interpretation of the changes that would suffer the VVER systems in the scenario in question will be developed. The Fukushima accident was characterized by the power loss of regular supply and emergency of the cooling systems which resulted in an increase in reactor temperature and subsequent fusion of their nuclei. Is interesting to reproduce this type of failure in a VVER, and extrapolate the lack of power supply in the systems that comprise, as well as pumping systems for cooling, has a pressure regulating system which involves more variables in the balance of the system. (Author)

Validation of coupled neutronic / thermal-hydraulic codes for VVER reactors. Final report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mittag, S.; Grundmann, U.; Kliem, S.; Kozmenkov, Y.; Rindelhardt, U.; Rohde, U.; Weiss, F.-P.; Langenbuch, S.; Krzykacz-Hausmann, B.; Schmidt, K.-D.; Vanttola, T.; Haemaelaeinen, A.; Kaloinen, E.; Kereszturi, A.; Hegyi, G.; Panka, I.; Hadek, J.; Strmensky, C.; Darilek, P.; Petkov, P.; Stefanova, S.; Kuchin, A.; Khalimonchuk, V.; Hlbocky, P.; Sico, D.; Danilin, S.; Ionov, V.; Nikonov, S.; Powney, D.

2004-08-01

In recent years, the simulation methods for the safety analysis of nuclear power plants have been continuously improved to perform realistic calculations. Therefore in VALCO work package 2 (WP 2), the usual application of coupled neutron-kinetic / thermal-hydraulic codes to VVER has been supplemented by systematic uncertainty and sensitivity analyses. A comprehensive uncertainty analysis has been carried out. The GRS uncertainty and sensitivity method based on the statistical code package SUSA was applied to the two transients studied earlier in SRR-1/95: A load drop of one turbo-generator in Loviisa-1 (VVER-440), and a switch-off of one feed water pump in Balakovo-4 (VVER-1000). The main steps of these analyses and the results obtained by applying different coupled code systems (SMABRE - HEXTRAN, ATHLET - DYN3D, ATHLET - KIKO3D, ATHLET - BIPR-8) are described in this report. The application of this method is only based on variations of input parameter values. No internal code adjustments are needed. An essential result of the analysis using the GRS SUSA methodology is the identification of the input parameters, such as the secondary-circuit pressure, the control-assembly position (as a function of time), and the control-assembly efficiency, that most sensitively affect safety-relevant output parameters, like reactor power, coolant heat-up, and primary pressure. Uncertainty bands for these output parameters have been derived. The variation of potentially uncertain input parameter values as a consequence of uncertain knowledge can activate system actions causing quite different transient evolutions. This gives indications about possible plant conditions that might be reached from the initiating event assuming only small disturbances. In this way, the uncertainty and sensitivity analysis reveals the spectrum of possible transient evolutions. Deviations of SRR-1/95 coupled code calculations from measurements also led to the objective to separate neutron kinetics from

VVER operational experience - effect of preconditioning and primary water chemistry on radioactivity build-up

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zmitko, M.; Kysela, J.; Dudjakova, K.; Martykan, M.; Janesik, J.; Hanus, V.; Marcinsky, P.

2004-01-01

The primary coolant technology approaches currently used in VVER units are reviewed and compared with those used in PWR units. Standard and modified water chemistries differing in boron-potassium control are discussed. Preparation of the VVER Primary Water Chemistry Guidelines in the Czech Republic is noted. Operational experience of some VVER units, operated in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, in the field of the primary water chemistry, and radioactivity transport and build-up are presented. In Mochovce and Temelin units, a surface preconditioning (passivation) procedure has been applied during hot functional tests. The main principles of the controlled primary water chemistry applied during the hot functional tests are reviewed and importance of the water chemistry, technological and other relevant parameters is stressed regarding to the quality of the passive layer formed on the primary system surfaces. The first operational experience obtained in the course of beginning of these units operation is presented mainly with respect to the corrosion products coolant and surface activities. Effect of the initial passivation performed during hot functional tests and the primary water chemistry on corrosion products radioactivity level and radiation situation is discussed. (author)

Translation of the shallot virus X TGB3 gene depends on non-AUG initiation and leaky scanning.

Science.gov (United States)

Lezzhov, Alexander A; Gushchin, Vladimir A; Lazareva, Ekaterina A; Vishnichenko, Valery K; Morozov, Sergey Y; Solovyev, Andrey G

2015-10-01

Triple gene block (TGB), a conserved gene module found in the genomes of many filamentous and rod-shaped plant viruses, encodes three proteins, TGB1, TGB2 and TGB3, required for viral cell-to-cell movement through plasmodesmata and systemic transport via the phloem. The genome of Shallot virus X, the type species of the genus Allexivirus, includes TGB1 and TGB2 genes, but contains no canonical ORF for TGB3 protein. However, a TGB3-like protein-encoding sequence lacking an AUG initiator codon has been found in the shallot virus X (ShVX) genome in a position typical for TGB3 genes. This putative TGB3 gene is conserved in all allexiviruses. Here, we carried out sequence analysis to predict possible non-AUG initiator codons in the ShVX TGB3-encoding sequence. We further used an agroinfiltration assay in Nicotiana benthamiana to confirm this prediction. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to demonstrate that the ShVX TGB3 could be translated on a bicistronic mRNA template via a leaky scanning mechanism.

A Novel Computational Method to Reduce Leaky Reaction in DNA Strand Displacement

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xin Li

2015-01-01

Full Text Available DNA strand displacement technique is widely used in DNA programming, DNA biosensors, and gene analysis. In DNA strand displacement, leaky reactions can cause DNA signals decay and detecting DNA signals fails. The mostly used method to avoid leakage is cleaning up after upstream leaky reactions, and it remains a challenge to develop reliable DNA strand displacement technique with low leakage. In this work, we address the challenge by experimentally evaluating the basic factors, including reaction time, ratio of reactants, and ion concentration to the leakage in DNA strand displacement. Specifically, fluorescent probes and a hairpin structure reporting DNA strand are designed to detect the output of DNA strand displacement, and thus can evaluate the leakage of DNA strand displacement reactions with different reaction time, ratios of reactants, and ion concentrations. From the obtained data, mathematical models for evaluating leakage are achieved by curve derivation. As a result, it is obtained that long time incubation, high concentration of fuel strand, and inappropriate amount of ion concentration can weaken leaky reactions. This contributes to a method to set proper reaction conditions to reduce leakage in DNA strand displacement.

Isotope effects accompanying evaporation of water from leaky containers.

Science.gov (United States)

Rozanski, Kazimierz; Chmura, Lukasz

2008-03-01

Laboratory experiments aimed at quantifying isotope effects associated with partial evaporation of water from leaky containers have been performed under three different settings: (i) evaporation into dry atmosphere, performed in a dynamic mode, (ii) evaporation into dry atmosphere, performed in a static mode, and (iii) evaporation into free laboratory atmosphere. The results demonstrate that evaporative enrichment of water stored in leaky containers can be properly described in the framework of the Craig-Gordon evaporation model. The key parameter controlling the degree of isotope enrichment is the remaining fraction of water in the leaking containers. Other factors such as temperature, relative humidity, or extent of kinetic fractionation play only minor roles. Satisfactory agreement between observed and predicted isotope enrichments for both (18)O and (2)H in experiments for the case of evaporation into dry atmosphere could be obtained only when molecular diffusivity ratios of isotope water molecules as suggested recently by Cappa et al. [J. Geophys. Res., 108, 4525-4535, (2003).] were adopted. However, the observed and modelled isotope enrichments for (2)H and (18)O could be reconciled also for the ratios of molecular diffusivities obtained by Merlivat [J. Chem. Phys., 69, 2864-2871 (1978).], if non-negligible transport resistance in the viscous liquid sub-layer adjacent to the evaporating surface is considered. The evaporation experiments revealed that the loss of mass of water stored in leaky containers in the order of 1%, will lead to an increase of the heavy isotope content in this water by ca. 0.35 and 1.1 per thousand, for delta (18)O and delta (2)H, respectively.

Asymptotic spectral analysis in colliding leaky quantum layers

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Kondej, S.; Krejčiřík, David

2017-01-01

Roč. 446, č. 2 (2017), s. 1328-1355 ISSN 0022-247X R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA14-06818S Institutional support: RVO:61389005 Keywords : quantum layers * leaky graphs * Delta interaction supported on hypersurfaces * Norm-resolvent convergence * non-self-adjoint interaction Subject RIV: BE - Theoretical Physics OBOR OECD: Applied mathematics Impact factor: 1.064, year: 2016

Shut-down margin study for the next generation VVER-1000 reactor including 13 x 13 hexagonal annular assemblies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Faghihi, Farshad; Mirvakili, S. Mohammad

2011-01-01

Highlights: → Shut-Down Margin (SDM) for the next generation annular fuel core of typical VVER-1000, 13 x 13 assemblies are calculated. → The MCNP-5 code is run for many cases with different core burn up at various core temperatures. → There is a substantial drop in SDM in the case of annular fuel for the same power level. → SDM for our proposed VVER-1000 annular pins is calculated for specific average fuel burn up values at the BOC, MOC, and EOC. - Abstract: Shut-Down Margin (SDM) for the next generation annular fuel core of typical VVER-1000, 13 x 13 assemblies are calculated as the main aim of the present research. We have applied the MCNP-5 code for many cases with different values of core burn up at various core temperatures, and therefore their corresponding coolant densities and boric acid concentrations. There is a substantial drop in SDM in the case of annular fuel for the same power level. Specifically, SDM for our proposed VVER-1000 annular pins is calculated when the average fuel burn up values at the BOC, MOC, and EOC are 0.531, 11.5, and 43 MW-days/kg-U, respectively.

Gap asymptotics in a weakly bent leaky quantum wire

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Exner, Pavel; Kondej, S.

2015-01-01

Roč. 48, č. 49 (2015), s. 495301 ISSN 1751-8113 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA14-06818S Institutional support: RVO:61389005 Keywords : singular Schroedinger operators * delta interaction * leaky quantum wires * weak perturbation * asymptotic expansion Subject RIV: BE - Theoretical Physics Impact factor: 1.933, year: 2015

Numerical simulation of the leaky dielectric microdroplet generation in electric fields

Science.gov (United States)

Kamali, Reza; Manshadi, Mohammad Karim Dehghan

2016-07-01

Microdroplet generation has a vast range of applications in the chemical, biomedical, and biological sciences. Several devices are applied to produce microdroplets, such as Co-flow, T-junction and Flow-focusing. The important point in the producing process is controlling the separated fluid volume in these devices. On the other hand, a large number of liquids, especially aqueous one, are influenced by electric or magnetic fields. As a consequence, an electric field could be used in order to affect the separated fluid volume. In this study, effects of an electric field on the microdroplet generation in a Co-flow device are investigated numerically. Furthermore, effects of some electrical properties such as permittivity on the separating process of microdroplets are studied. Leaky dielectric and perfect dielectric models are used in this investigation. According to the results, in the microdroplet generating process, leaky dielectric fluids show different behaviors, when an electric field is applied to the device. In other words, in a constant electric field strength, the volume of generated microdroplets can increase or decrease, in comparison with the condition without the electric field. However, for perfect dielectric fluids, droplet volume always decreases with increasing the electric field strength. In order to validate the numerical method of this study, deformation of a leaky dielectric droplet in an electric field is investigated. Results are compared with Taylor theoretical model.

Laser Generated Leaky Acoustic Waves for Needle Visualization.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Kai-Wen; Wang, Yi-An; Li, Pai-Chi

2018-04-01

Ultrasound (US)-guided needle operation is usually used to visualize both tissue and needle position such as tissue biopsy and localized drug delivery. However, the transducer-needle orientation is limited due to reflection of the acoustic waves. We proposed a leaky acoustic wave method to visualize the needle position and orientation. Laser pulses are emitted on top of the needle to generate acoustic waves; then, these acoustic waves propagate along the needle surface. Leaky wave signals are detected by the US array transducer. The needle position can be calculated by phase velocities of two different wave modes and their corresponding emission angles. In our experiments, a series of needles was inserted into a tissue mimicking phantom and porcine tissue to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method. The results show that the detection depth is up to 51 mm and the insertion angle is up to 40° with needles of different diameters. It is demonstrated that the proposed approach outperforms the conventional B-mode US-guided needle operation in terms of the detection range while achieving similar accuracy. The proposed method reveals the potentials for further clinical applications.

Progress on B4C control rod modeling in RELAP/SCDAPSIM with application to quench and Phebus

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawahara, Keisuke; Hohorst, Judith K.; Allison, Chris M.

2014-01-01

The RELAP/SCDAPSIM code is designed to predict the behavior of reactor systems during normal and accident conditions. RELAP/SCDAPSIM/MOD3.5 is an experimental version of the code with the most advanced fuel and severe accident behavior models and correlations. It includes modeling improvements that were specifically added to support (a) the ongoing experimental severe accident programs in Europe and Japan and (b) the analysis and assessment activities related to the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi NPS. One of the improved models describes the behavior of cylindrical B 4 C control rods used in selected PWR designs and in integral experiments used to assess the heating and melting of PWR, BWR, and VVER assemblies. It replaces an older model that was originally developed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the mid- 1980's. It includes a combination of new and improved models and correlations to more accurately describe (a) eutectic reactions between Zircaloy, B 4 C, and stainless steel, (b) oxidation for B 4 C, Zircaloy, and stainless steel, and (c) the effects of the gap between the Zircaloy guide tube and the stainless steel sheath surrounding B 4 C pellets used in many control rod designs. This paper will discuss the development of the new model and validation of the model using the PHEBUS B 4 C test, FPT-3, and the KIT quench experiments with a central B 4 C control rod. (authors)

Real-Time Characterization of Materials Degradation Using Leaky Lamb Wave

Science.gov (United States)

Shiuh, S.; Bar-Cohen, Y.

1997-01-01

Leaky Lamb wave (LLW) propagation in composite materials has been studied extensively since it was first observed in 1982. The wave is induced using a pitch-catch arrangement and the plate wave modes are detected by searching minima in the reflected spectra.

Bundle-sheath leakiness in C4 photosynthesis: a careful balancing act between CO2 concentration and assimilation.

Science.gov (United States)

Kromdijk, Johannes; Ubierna, Nerea; Cousins, Asaph B; Griffiths, Howard

2014-07-01

Crop species with the C4 photosynthetic pathway are generally characterized by high productivity, especially in environmental conditions favouring photorespiration. In comparison with the ancestral C3 pathway, the biochemical and anatomical modifications of the C4 pathway allow spatial separation of primary carbon acquisition in mesophyll cells and subsequent assimilation in bundle-sheath cells. The CO2-concentrating C4 cycle has to operate in close coordination with CO2 reduction via the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle in order to keep the C4 pathway energetically efficient. The gradient in CO2 concentration between bundle-sheath and mesophyll cells facilitates diffusive leakage of CO2. This rate of bundle-sheath CO2 leakage relative to the rate of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylation (termed leakiness) has been used to probe the balance between C4 carbon acquisition and subsequent reduction as a result of environmental perturbations. When doing so, the correct choice of equations to derive leakiness from stable carbon isotope discrimination (Δ(13)C) during gas exchange is critical to avoid biased results. Leakiness responses to photon flux density, either short-term (during measurements) or long-term (during growth and development), can have important implications for C4 performance in understorey light conditions. However, recent reports show leakiness to be subject to considerable acclimation. Additionally, the recent discovery of two decarboxylating C4 cycles operating in parallel in Zea mays suggests that flexibility in the transported C4 acid and associated decarboxylase could also aid in maintaining C4/CBB balance in a changing environment. In this paper, we review improvements in methodology to estimate leakiness, synthesize reports on bundle-sheath leakiness, discuss different interpretations, and highlight areas where future research is necessary. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology

Frequency dependent steering with backward leaky waves via photonic crystal interface layer.

Science.gov (United States)

Colak, Evrim; Caglayan, Humeyra; Cakmak, Atilla O; Villa, Alessandro D; Capolino, Filippo; Ozbay, Ekmel

2009-06-08

A Photonic Crystal (PC) with a surface defect layer (made of dimers) is studied in the microwave regime. The dispersion diagram is obtained with the Plane Wave Expansion Method. The dispersion diagram reveals that the dimer-layer supports a surface mode with negative slope. Two facts are noted: First, a guided (bounded) wave is present, propagating along the surface of the dimer-layer. Second, above the light line, the fast traveling mode couple to the propagating spectra and as a result a directive (narrow beam) radiation with backward characteristics is observed and measured. In this leaky mode regime, symmetrical radiation patterns with respect to the normal to the PC surface are attained. Beam steering is observed and measured in a 70 degrees angular range when frequency ranges in the 11.88-13.69 GHz interval. Thus, a PC based surface wave structure that acts as a frequency dependent leaky wave antenna is presented. Angular radiation pattern measurements are in agreement with those obtained via numerical simulations that employ the Finite Difference Time Domain Method (FDTD). Finally, the backward radiation characteristics that in turn suggest the existence of a backward leaky mode in the dimer-layer are experimentally verified using a halved dimer-layer structure.

Development and qualification of a thermal-hydraulic nodalization for modeling station blackout accident in PSB-VVER test facility

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Saghafi, Mahdi [Department of Energy Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Avenue, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Ghofrani, Mohammad Bagher, E-mail: ghofrani@sharif.edu [Department of Energy Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Avenue, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); D’Auria, Francesco [San Piero a Grado Nuclear Research Group (GRNSPG), University of Pisa, Via Livornese 1291, San Piero a Grado, Pisa (Italy)

2016-07-15

Highlights: • A thermal-hydraulic nodalization for PSB-VVER test facility has been developed. • Station blackout accident is modeled with the developed nodalization in MELCOR code. • The developed nodalization is qualified at both steady state and transient levels. • MELCOR predictions are qualitatively and quantitatively in acceptable range. • Fast Fourier Transform Base Method is used to quantify accuracy of code predictions. - Abstract: This paper deals with the development of a qualified thermal-hydraulic nodalization for modeling Station Black-Out (SBO) accident in PSB-VVER Integral Test Facility (ITF). This study has been performed in the framework of a research project, aiming to develop an appropriate accident management support tool for Bushehr nuclear power plant. In this regard, a nodalization has been developed for thermal-hydraulic modeling of the PSB-VVER ITF by MELCOR integrated code. The nodalization is qualitatively and quantitatively qualified at both steady-state and transient levels. The accuracy of the MELCOR predictions is quantified in the transient level using the Fast Fourier Transform Base Method (FFTBM). FFTBM provides an integral representation for quantification of the code accuracy in the frequency domain. It was observed that MELCOR predictions are qualitatively and quantitatively in the acceptable range. In addition, the influence of different nodalizations on MELCOR predictions was evaluated and quantified using FFTBM by developing 8 sensitivity cases with different numbers of control volumes and heat structures in the core region and steam generator U-tubes. The most appropriate case, which provided results with minimum deviations from the experimental data, was then considered as the qualified nodalization for analysis of SBO accident in the PSB-VVER ITF. This qualified nodalization can be used for modeling of VVER-1000 nuclear power plants when performing SBO accident analysis by MELCOR code.

Middle School Girls and the "Leaky Pipeline" to Leadership

Science.gov (United States)

Shapiro, Mary; Grossman, Diane; Carter, Suzanne; Martin, Karyn; Deyton, Patricia; Hammer, Diane

2015-01-01

Why do girls perform so well academically yet lose ground as professional women? This diminishing number of women up the leadership hierarchy is often referred to as the "leaky pipeline," and attributed to many factors: external ones such as work environments not conducive to work/life balance, and internal ones such as women's own…

Control rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawakami, Kazuo; Shimoshige, Takanori; Nishimura, Akira

1979-01-01

Purpose: A control rod has been developed, which provided a plurality of through-holes in the vicinity of the sheath fitting position, in order to flatten burn-up, of fuel rods in positions confronting a control rod. Thereby to facilitate the manufacture of the control rods and prevent fuel rod failures. Constitution: A plurality of through-holes are formed in the vicinity of the sheath fitting position of a central support rod to which a sheath for the control rod is fitted. These through-holes are arranged in the axial direction of the central support rod. Accordingly, burn-up of fuel rods confronting the control rods can be reduced by through-holes and fuel rod failures can be prevented. (Yoshino, Y.)

Assessment of computer codes for VVER-440/213-type nuclear power plants

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Szabados, L.; Ezsol, Gy.; Perneczky [Atomic Energy Research Institute, Budapest (Hungary)

1995-09-01

Nuclear power plant of VVER-440/213 designed by the former USSR have a number of special features. As a consequence of these features the transient behaviour of such a reactor system should be different from the PWR system behaviour. To study the transient behaviour of the Hungarian Paks Nuclear Power Plant of VVER-440/213-type both analytical and experimental activities have been performed. The experimental basis of the research in the PMK-2 integral-type test facility , which is a scaled down model of the plant. Experiments performed on this facility have been used to assess thermal-hydraulic system codes. Four tests were selected for {open_quotes}Standard Problem Exercises{close_quotes} of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Results of the 4th Exercise, of high international interest, are presented in the paper, focusing on the essential findings of the assessment of computer codes.

Coupled neutronic and thermal-hydraulic code benchmark activities at the International Nuclear Safety Center

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Podlazov, L. N.

1998-01-01

Two realistic benchmark problems are defined and used to assess the performance of coupled thermal-hydraulic and neutronic codes used in simulating dynamic processes in VVER-1000 and RBMK reactor systems. One of the problems simulates a design basis accident involving the ejection of three control and protection system rods from a VVER-1000 reactor. The other is based on a postulated rod withdrawal from an operating RBMK reactor. Preliminary results calculated by various codes are compared. While these results show significant differences, the intercomparisons performed so far provide a basis for further evaluation of code limitations and modeling assumptions

Resonant absorption in semiconductor nanowires and nanowire arrays: Relating leaky waveguide modes to Bloch photonic crystal modes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fountaine, Katherine T., E-mail: kfountai@caltech.edu [Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, California 91125 (United States); Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, California 91125 (United States); Whitney, William S. [Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, California 91125 (United States); Department of Physics, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, California 91125 (United States); Atwater, Harry A. [Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, California 91125 (United States); Department of Applied Physics and Materials Science, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, California 91125 (United States)

2014-10-21

We present a unified framework for resonant absorption in periodic arrays of high index semiconductor nanowires that combines a leaky waveguide theory perspective and that of photonic crystals supporting Bloch modes, as array density transitions from sparse to dense. Full dispersion relations are calculated for each mode at varying illumination angles using the eigenvalue equation for leaky waveguide modes of an infinite dielectric cylinder. The dispersion relations along with symmetry arguments explain the selectivity of mode excitation and spectral red-shifting of absorption for illumination parallel to the nanowire axis in comparison to perpendicular illumination. Analysis of photonic crystal band dispersion for varying array density illustrates that the modes responsible for resonant nanowire absorption emerge from the leaky waveguide modes.

VVER-1000 small-medium break LOCAs predictions by ASTEC

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Georgieva, J.; Stefanova, A.; Atanasova, B.; Groudev, P.; Tusheva, P.; Mladenov, I.; Dimov, D.; Passalacqua, R.

2005-01-01

This paper deals with an assessment of ASTEC1.1v0 code in the simulation of small and medium break LOCAs (ranging from 30mm up to 70mm equivalent diameter). The reference power plant for this analysis is a VVER-1000/V320 (e.g. Units 5 and 6 at Kozloduy NPP). A preliminary comparison with MELCOR and RELAP-SCDAP severe accident codes will be discussed. This investigation has been performed in the framework of the SARNET project (under the Euratom 6 th framework program) by the FoBAUs group (Forum of Bulgarian ASTEC users). The FoBAUs group aims at the validation of the ASTEC code in the field of severe accidents. Future activities will target the ASTEC capability (as a PSA-level 2 tool) to simulate a large range of reactor accident scenarios with intervention of safety systems (either passive systems or operated by operators). The final target is to assess Severe Accident Management (SAM) procedures for VVER-1000 reactors. The ASTEC1.1v0 code version here used is the one released in June 2004 by the French IRSN (Institut de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire) and the German GRS (Gesellschaft ReactorSicherheit mbH). (author)

Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Global Monthly Leaky Bucket Soil Moisture Analysis

Data.gov (United States)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce — Monthly global soil moisture, runoff, and evaporation data sets produced by the Leaky Bucket model at 0.5? ? 0.5? resolution for the period from 1948 to the present....

The choice of the fuel assembly for VVER-1000 in a closed fuel cycle based on REMIX-technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bobrov, E.; Alekseev, P.; Chibinyaev, A.; Teplov, P.; Dudnikov, A.

2016-01-01

REMIX (Regenerated Mixture) fuel is produced directly from a non-separated mix of recycled uranium and plutonium from reprocessed used fuel and the fabrication technology of such fuel is called REMIX-technology. This paper shows basic features of different fuel assembly (FA) application for VVER-1000 in a closed fuel cycle based on REMIX-technology. This investigation shows how the change in the water-fuel ratio in the VVER FA affects the fuel characteristics produced by REMIX technology during multiple recycling. It is shown that for for the traditional REMIX-fuel it does not make sense to change anything in the design of VVER FA, because there are no advantages in the fuel feed consumption. The natural uranium economy by the fifth cycle reached about 29%. In the case of the REMIX fuel based on uranium-plutonium from SNF MOX fuel, it would be appropriate to use fuel assemblies with a water-fuel ratio of 1.5

Study of the flux effect nature for VVER-1000 RPV welds with high nickel content

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kuleshova, E.A., E-mail: evgenia-orm@yandex.ru [National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Kurchatov Sq.1, 123182, Moscow (Russian Federation); National Research Nuclear University, “MEPhI” (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), Kashirskoe Highway 31, 115409, Moscow (Russian Federation); Gurovich, B.A.; Lavrukhina, Z.V.; Maltsev, D.A.; Fedotova, S.V.; Frolov, A.S.; Zhuchkov, G.M. [National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Kurchatov Sq.1, 123182, Moscow (Russian Federation)

2017-01-15

This work extends the research of the basic regularities of segregation processes in the grain boundaries (GB) of VVER-1000 reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels. The paper considers the influence of irradiation with different fast neutron fluxes on the structure, yield strength and ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (T{sub K}) changes as well as on changes of the share of brittle intergranular fracture and development of segregation processes in the VVER-1000 RPV weld metal (WM). The obtained experimental results allow to separate the contribution of the hardening and non-hardening mechanisms to mechanical properties degradation of material irradiated at the operating temperature. It is shown that the difference in T{sub K} shift in WM irradiated to the same fluence with different fast neutron fluxes is mainly due to the difference in the GB accumulation kinetics of impurities and only to a small extent due to the material hardening. Phosphorus bulk diffusion coefficients were evaluated for the temperature exposure, accelerated irradiation and irradiation within surveillance specimens (SS) using a kinetic model of phosphorus GB accumulation in low-alloyed low-carbon steels under the influence of operational factors. The correlation between the GB segregation level of phosphorus and nickel, and the T{sub K} shift - in WM SS was obtained experimentally and indicates the non-hardening mechanism contribution to the total radiation embrittlement of VVER-1000 RPV steels throughout its extended lifetime. - Highlights: • Structural elements in high Ni welds are studied at different irradiation fluxes. • AES study demonstrated different P GB kinetics at different irradiation fluxes. • Hardening and non-hardening mechanism contributions to the flux effect are assessed. • Correlation between ΔT{sub K} and P and Ni GB content is shown for VVER-1000 RPV welds.

Effect of fission fragment on thermal conductivity via electrons with an energy about 0.5 MeV in fuel rod gap

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

F Golian

2017-02-01

Full Text Available The heat transfer process from pellet to coolant is one of the important issues in nuclear reactor. In this regard, the fuel to clad gap and its physical and chemical properties are effective factors on heat transfer in nuclear fuel rod discussion. So, the energy distribution function of electrons with an energy about 0.5 MeV in fuel rod gap in Busherhr’s VVER-1000 nuclear reactor was investigated in this paper. Also, the effect of fission fragments such as Krypton, Bromine, Xenon, Rubidium and Cesium on the electron energy distribution function as well as the heat conduction via electrons in the fuel rod gap have been studied. For this purpose, the Fokker- Planck equation governing the stochastic behavior of electrons in absorbing gap element has been applied in order to obtain the energy distribution function of electrons. This equation was solved via Runge-Kutta numerical method. On the other hand, the electron energy distribution function was determined by using Monte Carlo GEANT4 code. It was concluded that these fission fragments have virtually insignificant effect on energy distribution of electrons and therefore, on thermal conductivity via electrons in the fuel to clad gap. It is worth noting that this result is consistent with the results of other experiments. Also, it is shown that electron relaxation in gap leads to decrease in thermal conductivity via electrons

Shallow Boomerang-shaped Influenza Hemagglutinin G13A Mutant Structure Promotes Leaky Membrane Fusion*

Science.gov (United States)

Lai, Alex L.; Tamm, Lukas K.

2010-01-01

Our previous studies showed that an angled boomerang-shaped structure of the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) fusion domain is critical for virus entry into host cells by membrane fusion. Because the acute angle of ∼105° of the wild-type fusion domain promotes efficient non-leaky membrane fusion, we asked whether different angles would still support fusion and thus facilitate virus entry. Here, we show that the G13A fusion domain mutant produces a new leaky fusion phenotype. The mutant fusion domain structure was solved by NMR spectroscopy in a lipid environment at fusion pH. The mutant adopted a boomerang structure similar to that of wild type but with a shallower kink angle of ∼150°. G13A perturbed the structure of model membranes to a lesser degree than wild type but to a greater degree than non-fusogenic fusion domain mutants. The strength of G13A binding to lipid bilayers was also intermediate between that of wild type and non-fusogenic mutants. These membrane interactions provide a clear link between structure and function of influenza fusion domains: an acute angle is required to promote clean non-leaky fusion suitable for virus entry presumably by interaction of the fusion domain with the transmembrane domain deep in the lipid bilayer. A shallower angle perturbs the bilayer of the target membrane so that it becomes leaky and unable to form a clean fusion pore. Mutants with no fixed boomerang angle interacted with bilayers weakly and did not promote any fusion or membrane perturbation. PMID:20826788

The in-core fuel management code system for VVER reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cada, R.; Krysl, V.; Mikolas, P.; Sustek, J.; Svarny, J.

2004-01-01

The structure and methodology of a fuel management system for NPP VVER 1000 (NPP Temelin) and VVER 440 (NPP Dukovany) is described. It is under development in SKODA JS a.s. and is followed by practical applications. The general objectives of the system are maximization of end of cycle reactivity, the minimization of fresh fuel inventory for the minimization of fed enrichment and minimization of burnable poisons (BPs) inventory. They are also safety related constraints in witch minimization of power peaking plays a dominant role. General structure of the system consists in preparation of input data for macrocode calculation, algorithms (codes) for optimization of fuel loading, calculation of fuel enrichment and BPs assignment. At present core loading can be calculated (optimized) by Tabu search algorithm (code ATHENA), genetic algorithm (code Gen1) and hybrid algorithm - simplex procedure with application of Tabu search algorithm on binary shuffling (code OPAL B ). Enrichment search is realized by the application of simplex algorithm (OPAL B code) and BPs assignment by module BPASS and simplex algorithm in OPAL B code. Calculations of the real core loadings are presented and a comparison of different optimization methods is provided. (author)

VVER Reactor Safety in Eastern Europe and Former Soviet Union

Science.gov (United States)

Papadopoulou, Demetra

2012-02-01

VVER Soviet-designed reactors that operate in Eastern Europe and former Soviet republics have heightened international concern for years due to major safety deficiencies. The governments of countries with VVER reactors have invested millions of dollars toward improving the safety of their nuclear power plants. Most of these reactors will continue to operate for the foreseeable future since they provide urgently-needed electrical power. Given this situation, this paper assesses the radiological consequences of a major nuclear accident in Eastern Europe. The paper also chronicles the efforts launched by the international nuclear community to improve the safety of the reactors and notes the progress made so far through extensive collaborative efforts in Armenia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Russia, Slovakia, and Ukraine to reduce the risks of nuclear accidents. Western scientific and technical staff collaborated with these countries to improve the safety of their reactor operations by strengthening the ability of the regulator to perform its oversight function, installing safety equipment and technologies, investing time in safety training, and working diligently to establish an enduring safety culture. Still, continued safety improvement efforts are necessary to ensure safe operating practices and achieve timely phase-out of older plants.

Proposal of a benchmark for core burnup calculations for a VVER-1000 reactor core

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Loetsch, T.; Khalimonchuk, V.; Kuchin, A.

2009-01-01

In the framework of a project supported by the German BMU the code DYN3D should be further validated and verified. During the work a lack of a benchmark on core burnup calculations for VVER-1000 reactors was noticed. Such a benchmark is useful for validating and verifying the whole package of codes and data libraries for reactor physics calculations including fuel assembly modelling, fuel assembly data preparation, few group data parametrisation and reactor core modelling. The benchmark proposed specifies the core loading patterns of burnup cycles for a VVER-1000 reactor core as well as a set of operational data such as load follow, boron concentration in the coolant, cycle length, measured reactivity coefficients and power density distributions. The reactor core characteristics chosen for comparison and the first results obtained during the work with the reactor physics code DYN3D are presented. This work presents the continuation of efforts of the projects mentioned to estimate the accuracy of calculated characteristics of VVER-1000 reactor cores. In addition, the codes used for reactor physics calculations of safety related reactor core characteristics should be validated and verified for the cases in which they are to be used. This is significant for safety related evaluations and assessments carried out in the framework of licensing and supervision procedures in the field of reactor physics. (authors)

Optimizing a gap conductance model applicable to VVER-1000 thermal–hydraulic model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rahgoshay, M.; Hashemi-Tilehnoee, M.

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Two known conductance models for application in VVER-1000 thermal–hydraulic code are examined. ► An optimized gap conductance model is developed which can predict the gap conductance in good agreement with FSAR data. ► The licensed thermal–hydraulic code is coupled with the gap conductance model predictor externally. -- Abstract: The modeling of gap conductance for application in VVER-1000 thermal–hydraulic codes is addressed. Two known models, namely CALZA-BINI and RELAP5 gap conductance models, are examined. By externally linking of gap conductance models and COBRA-EN thermal hydraulic code, the acceptable range of each model is specified. The result of each gap conductance model versus linear heat rate has been compared with FSAR data. A linear heat rate of about 9 kW/m is the boundary for optimization process. Since each gap conductance model has its advantages and limitation, the optimized gap conductance model can predict the gap conductance better than each of the two other models individually.

Isothermal and thermal-mechanical fatigue of VVER-440 reactor pressure vessel steels

Science.gov (United States)

Fekete, Balazs; Trampus, Peter

2015-09-01

The fatigue life of the structural materials 15Ch2MFA (CrMoV-alloyed ferritic steel) and 08Ch18N10T (CrNi-alloyed austenitic steel) of VVER-440 reactor pressure vessel under completely reserved total strain controlled low cycle fatigue tests were investigated. An advanced test facility was developed for GLEEBLE-3800 physical simulator which was able to perform thermomechanical fatigue experiments under in-service conditions of VVER nuclear reactors. The low cycle fatigue results were evaluated with the plastic strain based Coffin-Manson law, and plastic strain energy based model as well. It was shown that both methods are able to predict the fatigue life of reactor pressure vessel steels accurately. Interrupted fatigue tests were also carried out to investigate the kinetic of the fatigue evolution of the materials. On these samples microstructural evaluation by TEM was performed. The investigated low cycle fatigue behavior can provide reference for remaining life assessment and lifetime extension analysis.

Leukemic Cells "Gas Up" Leaky Bone Marrow Blood Vessels.

Science.gov (United States)

Itkin, Tomer; Rafii, Shahin

2017-09-11

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Passaro et al. demonstrate how leukemia through aberrant induction of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production trigger marrow vessel leakiness, instigating pro-leukemic function. Disrupted tumor blood vessels promote exhaustion of non-malignant stem and progenitor cells and may facilitate leukemia relapse following chemotherapeutic treatment. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Leaky-box approximation to the fractional diffusion model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Uchaikin, V V; Sibatov, R T; Saenko, V V

2013-01-01

Two models based on fractional differential equations for galactic cosmic ray diffusion are applied to the leaky-box approximation. One of them (Lagutin-Uchaikin, 2000) assumes a finite mean free path of cosmic ray particles, another one (Lagutin-Tyumentsev, 2004) uses distribution with infinite mean distance between collision with magnetic clouds, when the trajectories have form close to ballistic. Calculations demonstrate that involving boundary conditions is incompatible with spatial distributions given by the second model.

Microstructure and embrittlement of VVER 440 reactor pressure vessel steels; Microstructure et fragilisation des aciers de cuve des reacteurs nucleaires VVER 440

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hennion, A

1999-03-15

27 VVER 440 pressurised water reactors operate in former Soviet Union and in Eastern Europe. The pressure vessel, is made of Cr-Mo-V steel. It contains a circumferential arc weld in front of the nuclear core. This weld undergoes a high neutron flux and contains large amounts of copper and phosphorus, elements well known for their embrittlement potency under irradiation. The embrittlement kinetic of the steel is accelerated, reducing the lifetime of the reactor. In order to get informations on the microstructure and mechanical properties of these steels, base metals, HAZ, and weld metals have been characterized. The high amount of phosphorus in weld metals promotes the reverse temper embrittlement that occurs during post-weld heat treatment. The radiation damage structure has been identified by small angle neutron scattering, atomic probe, and transmission electron microscopy. Nanometer-sized clusters of solute atoms, rich in copper with almost the same characteristics as in western pressure vessels steels, and an evolution of the size distribution of vanadium carbides, which are present on dislocation structure, are observed. These defects disappear during post-irradiation tempering. As in western steels, the embrittlement is due to both hardening and reduction of interphase cohesion. The radiation damage specificity of VVER steels arises from their high amount of phosphorus and from their significant density of fine vanadium carbides. (author)

Minimum throttling feedwater control in VVER-1000 and PWR NPPs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Symkin, B.E.; Thaulez, F.

2004-01-01

This paper presents an approach for the design and implementation of advanced digital control systems that use a minimum-throttling algorithm for the feedwater control. The minimum-throttling algorithm for the feedwater control, i.e. for the control of steam generators level and of the feedwater pumps speed, is applicable for NPPs with variable speed feedwater pumps. It operates in such a way that the feedwater control valve in the most loaded loop is wide open, steam generator level in this loop being controlled by the feedwater pumps speed, while the feedwater control valves in the other loops are slightly throttling under the action of their control system, to accommodate the slight loop imbalances. This has the advantage of minimizing the valve pressure losses hence minimizing the feedwater pumps power consumption and increasing the net MWe. The benefit has been evaluated for specific plants as being roughly 0.7 and 2.4 MW. The minimum throttling mode has the further advantages of lowering the actuator efforts with potential positive impact in actuator life and of minimizing the feedwater pipelines vibrations. The minimum throttling mode of operation has been developed by the Ukrainian company LvivORGRES. It has been applied with great deal of success on several VVER-1000 NPPs, six units of Zaporizhzha in Ukraine plus, with participation of Westinghouse, Kozloduy 5 and 6 in Bulgaria and South Ukraine 1 to 3 in Ukraine. The concept operates with both ON-OFF valves and true control valves. A study, jointly conducted by Westinghouse and LvivORGRES, is ongoing to demonstrate the applicability of the concept to PWRs having variable speed feedwater pumps and having, or installing, digital feedwater control, standalone or as part of a global digital control system. The implementation of the algorithm at VVER-1000 plants provided both safety improvement and direct commercial benefits. The minimum-throttling algorithm will similarly increase the performance of PWRs. The

OECD/DOE/CEA VVER-1000 Coolant Transient Benchmark. Summary Record of the First Workshop (V1000-CT1)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-01-01

The first workshop for the VVER-1000 Coolant Transient Benchmark TT Benchmark was hosted by the Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Centre d'Etudes de Saclay, France. The V1000CT benchmark defines standard problems for validation of coupled three-dimensional (3-D) neutron-kinetics/system thermal-hydraulics codes for application to Soviet-designed VVER-1000 reactors using actual plant data without any scaling. The overall objective is to access computer codes used in the safety analysis of VVER power plants, specifically for their use in reactivity transient simulations in a VVER-1000. The V1000CT benchmark consists of two phases: V1000CT-1 - simulation of the switching on of one main coolant pump (MCP) while the other three MCP are in operation, and V1000CT- 2 - calculation of coolant mixing tests and Main Steam Line Break (MSLB) scenario. Further background information on this benchmark can be found at the OECD/NEA benchmark web site . The purpose of the first workshop was to review the benchmark activities after the Starter Meeting held last year in Dresden, Germany: to discuss the participants' feedback and modifications introduced in the Benchmark Specifications on Phase 1; to present and to discuss modelling issues and preliminary results from the three exercises of Phase 1; to discuss the modelling issues of Exercise 1 of Phase 2; and to define work plan and schedule in order to complete the two phases

Leaky vessels as a potential source of stromal acidification in tumours

KAUST Repository

Martin, Natasha K.; Gaffney, Eamonn A.; Gatenby, Robert A.; Maini, Philip K.

2010-01-01

results found in vivo with a tumour implanted in the mammary fat pad of a mouse in a window chamber construct. We find that leaky vasculature can cause a net acidification of the normal tissue away from the tumour boundary, though not a progressive

Analysis of Leaky Modes in Photonic Crystal Fibers Using the Surface Integral Equation Method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jung-Sheng Chiang

2018-04-01

Full Text Available A fully vectorial algorithm based on the surface integral equation method for the modelling of leaky modes in photonic crystal fibers (PCFs by solely solving the complex propagation constants of characteristic equations is presented. It can be used for calculations of the complex effective index and confinement losses of photonic crystal fibers. As complex root examination is the key technique in the solution, the new algorithm which possesses this technique can be used to solve the leaky modes of photonic crystal fibers. The leaky modes of solid-core PCFs with a hexagonal lattice of circular air-holes are reported and discussed. The simulation results indicate how the confinement loss by the imaginary part of the effective index changes with air-hole size, the number of rings of air-holes, and wavelength. Confinement loss reductions can be realized by increasing the air-hole size and the number of air-holes. The results show that the confinement loss rises with wavelength, implying that the light leaks more easily for longer wavelengths; meanwhile, the losses are decreased significantly as the air-hole size d/Λ is increased.

Control rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Igarashi, Takao; Sugawara, Satoshi; Yoshimoto, Yuichiro; Saito, Shozo; Fukumoto, Takashi.

1987-01-01

Purpose: To reduce the weight and thereby obtain satisfactory operationability of control rods by combining absorbing nuclear chain type neutron absorbers and conventional type neutron absorbers in the axial direction of blades. Constitution: Neutron absorber rods and long life type neutron absorber rods are disposed in a tie rod and a sheath. The neutron absorber rod comprises a poison tube made of stainless steels and packed with B 4 C powder. The long life type neutron absorber rod is prepared by packing B-10 enriched boron carbide powder into a hafnium metal rod, hafnium pipe, europium and stainless made poison tube. Since the long life type absorber rod uses HF as the absorbing nuclear chain type neutron absorber, it absorbs neutrons to form new neutron absorbers to increase the nuclear life. (Yoshino, Y.)

Control rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maruyama, Hiromi.

1984-01-01

Purpose: To realize effective utilization, cost reduction and weight reduction in neutron absorbing materials. Constitution: Residual amount of neutron absorbing material is averaged between the top end region and other regions of a control rod upon reaching to the control rod working life, by using a single kind of neutron absorbing material and increasing the amount of the neutron absorber material at the top end region of the control rod as compared with that in the other regions. Further, in a case of a control rod having control rod blades such as in a cross-like control rod, the amount of the neutron absorbing material is decreased in the middle portion than in the both end portions of the control rod blade along the transversal direction of the rod, so that the residual amount of the neutron absorbing material is balanced between the central region and both end regions upon reaching the working life of the control rod. (Yoshihara, H.)

Experimental Investigation of Operation of VVER Steam Generator in Condensation Mode in the Event of the Severe Accident

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Morozov, Andrey [Institute for Physics and Power Engineering by A.I. Leypunsky, 1 Bondarenko sq. Obninsk, 249033 (Russian Federation)

2008-07-01

For new Russian nuclear power plants with VVER-1200 reactor in the event of a beyond design basis accident, provision is made for the use of passive safety systems for necessary core cooling. These safety systems include the passive heat removal system (PHRS). In the case of leakage in the primary circuit this system assures the transition of steam generators (SG) to operation in the mode of condensation of the primary circuit steam. As a result, the condensate from SG arrives at the core providing its additional cooling. To investigate the condensation mode of VVER SG operation, a large scale HA2M-SG test facility was constructed. The rig incorporates: buffer tank, SG model with scale is 1:46, PHRS heat exchanger. Experiments at the test facility have been performed to investigate condensation mode of operation of SG model at the pressure 0.4 MPa, correspond to VVER reactor pressure at the last stage of the beyond design basis accident. The report presents the test procedure and the basic obtained test results. (authors)

Control rod calibration including the rod coupling effect

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Szilard, R.; Nelson, G.W.

1984-01-01

In a reactor containing more than one control rod, which includes all reactors licensed in the United States, there will be a 'coupling' or 'shadowing' of control rod flux at the location of a control rod as a result of the flux depression caused by another control rod. It was decided to investigate this phenomenon further, and eventually to put calibration table data or formulae in a small computer in the control room, so once could insert the positions of the three control rods and receive the excess reactivity without referring to separate tables. For this to be accomplished, a 'three control- rod reactivity function' would be used which would include the flux coupling between the rods. The function is design and measured data was fitted into it to determine the calibration constants. The input data for fitting the trial functions consisted of 254 data points, each consisting of the position of the reg, shim, and transient rods, and the total excess reactivity. (About 200 of these points were 'critical balance points', that is the rod positions for which reactor was critical, and the remainder were determined by positive period measurements.) Although this may be unrealistic from a physical viewpoint, the function derived gave a very accurate recalculation of the input data, and thus would faithfully give the excess reactivity for any possible combination of the locations of the three control rods. The next step, incorporation of the three-rod function into the minicomputer, will be pursued in the summer and fall of 1984

Phase and structural transformations in VVER-440 RPV base metal after long-term operation and recovery annealing

Science.gov (United States)

Kuleshova, E. A.; Gurovich, B. A.; Maltsev, D. A.; Frolov, A. S.; Bukina, Z. V.; Fedotova, S. V.; Saltykov, M. A.; Krikun, E. V.; Erak, D. Yu; Zhurko, D. A.; Safonov, D. V.; Zhuchkov, G. M.

2018-04-01

This study was carried out to evaluate the possibility of 1st generation VVER-440 reactors lifetime extension by recovery re-annealing with the respect to base metal (BM). Comprehensive studies of the structure and properties of BM templates (samples cut from the inner surface of the shells in beltline region) of operating VVER-440 reactor (after primary standard recovery annealing 475 °C/150 h and subsequent long-term re-irradiation within reactor pressure vessel (RPV)) were conducted. These templates were also subjected to laboratory re-annealing 475 °C/150 h. TEM, SEM and APT studies of BM after laboratory re-annealing revealed significant recovery of radiation-induced hardening elements (Cu-rich precipitates and dislocation loops). Simultaneously a process of strong phosphorus accumulation at grain boundaries occurs since annealing temperature corresponds to the maximum reversible temper brittleness development. The latter is not observed for VVER-440 weld metal (WM). Comparative assessment of the properties return level for the beltline BM templates after recovery re-annealing 475 °C/150 h showed that it does not reach the one typical for beltline WM after the same annealing.

New code for VVER-440 loading pattern design

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bajgl, J.; Lehmann, M.

1999-01-01

This paper describes the main attributes of a new computer program OPTIMAL used for loading pattern design in Dukovany NPP (4 reactors VVER-440). We have been developed this program in Nuclear Research Institute Rez since 1994 on the base of special contract between Dukovany NPP and Nuclear Research Institute Rez. General information about the optimisation methodology is given in the first part. The organisation of the optimisation process is described in part 2. Construction of the optimisation functional is shown in part 3. Procedures used during one-cycle optimisation are described in part 4. (Authors)

Radionuclide inventory calculation in VVER and BWR reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bouhaddane, A.; Farkas, F.; Slugen, V.; Ackermann, L.; Schienbein, M.

2014-01-01

The paper shows different aspects in the radionuclide inventory determination. Precise determination of the neutron flux distribution, presented for a BRW reactor, is vital for the activation calculations. The precision can be improved utilizing variance reduction methods as importance treatment, weight windows etc. Direct calculation of the radionuclide inventory via Monte Carlo code is presented for a VVER reactor. Burn-up option utilized in this calculation appears to be proper for reactor internal components. However, it will not be probably effective outside the reactor core. Further calculations in this area are required to support the forth-set findings. (authors)

Engineering Margin Factors Used in the Design of the VVER Fuel Cycles

Science.gov (United States)

Lizorkin, M. P.; Shishkov, L. K.

2017-12-01

The article describes methods for determination of the engineering margin factors currently used to estimate the uncertainties of the VVER reactor design parameters calculated via the KASKAD software package developed at the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute. These margin factors ensure the meeting of the operating (design) limits and a number of other restrictions under normal operating conditions.

Validation cases of CATHARE 2 for VVER-1000 main steam line break analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kolev, Nikolay P.; Petrov, Nikolay; Donov, Jordan; Sabotinov, Luben; Nikonov, Sergey

2008-01-01

Recent coupled code benchmarks identified coolant mixing in the reactor vessel as an unresolved issue in the analysis of complex plan transients with reactivity insertion. Thus, Phase 2 of the OECD VVER-1000 Coolant Transient Benchmark (V1000CT-2) was defined. The benchmark includes calculation of vessel mixing tests and main steam line break (MSLB) analysis. The reference plant is Kozloduy-6 in Bulgaria. The general objective is the assessment of system codes for VVER safety analysis and specifically for their use in the analysis of reactivity transients. A specific objective is the testing of different scale mixing models (mixing matrix, multi-1D, coarse-3D and CFD), and analysis of MSLB transients with improved vessel thermal hydraulic models. The benchmark is sponsored by CEA-France and OECD and is jointly prepared by CEA and INRNE, in collaboration with the Kozloduy NPP, IRSN and PSU. This paper summarizes CATHARE2 code assessment calculations using multi-1D vessel thermal hydraulics with cross flow. Test cases are the OECD V1000CT-1 pump start-up benchmark and the V1000CT-2 benchmarks. Emphasis is put on vessel mixing aspects. Separate effects in the lower plenum as well as component and integral system tests are considered. The comparison shows that a six-sector vessel mixing model informed by plant data or validated CFD calculations in the initial state was able to correctly reproduce the channel average temperatures at the core inlet as well as the vessel outlet temperatures. Testing at system level including code-to-experiment and CATHARE-ATHLET comparison shows that the considered CATHARE VVER-1000 system model is capable of MSLB simulation. (author)

VVER-1000 main steam line break analysis using the coupled code system DYN3D/ATHLET

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kliem, Soeren; Hoehne, Thomas; Rohde, Ulrich; Weiss, Frank-Peter; Kozmenkov, Yaroslav

2008-01-01

Calculations using the coupled code system DYN3D/ATHLET were performed in the frame of the OECD/NEA MSLB benchmark for a VVER-1000 reactor. The coolant mixing inside the reactor pressure vessel was treated using a validated empirical mixing model implemented into the DYN3D/ATHLET code. Using very conservative boundary conditions (reduced scram worth, two stuck rods, running MCP throughout the whole transient) a return-to-power was predicted. For the assessment of the empirical mixing model a time dependent calculation using the computational fluid dynamics code CFX-10 was performed. For that analysis, a detailed model of the reactor pressure vessel consisting of the inlets nozzles, downcomer, lower plenum and a part of the core and having 4.67 million unstructured tetra cell elements was used. For the considered case with running main coolant pumps, this calculation shows a sector formation at the core inlet with a certain amount of mixing at the edges of the sector. A core calculation using these CFX results as boundary conditions predicted also a return-to-power with a maximum value being about 200 MW lower than in the coupled code calculation. This variation calculation confirms the applicability of the empirical mixing model. The comparison shows also, that in this way results with a reasonable degree of conservatism can be obtained. (authors)

Learning Sparse Visual Representations with Leaky Capped Norm Regularizers

OpenAIRE

Wangni, Jianqiao; Lin, Dahua

2017-01-01

Sparsity inducing regularization is an important part for learning over-complete visual representations. Despite the popularity of $\\ell_1$ regularization, in this paper, we investigate the usage of non-convex regularizations in this problem. Our contribution consists of three parts. First, we propose the leaky capped norm regularization (LCNR), which allows model weights below a certain threshold to be regularized more strongly as opposed to those above, therefore imposes strong sparsity and...

Control rod drives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nakamura, Akira.

1984-01-01

Purpose: To enable to monitor the coupling state between a control rod and a control rod drive. Constitution: After the completion of a control rod withdrawal, a coolant pressure is applied to a control rod drive being adjusted so as to raise only the control rod drive and, in a case where the coupling between the control rod drive and the control rod is detached, the former is elevated till it contacts the control rod and then stopped. The actual stopping position is detected by an actual position detection circuit and compared with a predetermined position stored in a predetermined position detection circuit. If both of the positions are not aligned with each other, it is judged by a judging circuit that the control rod and the control rod drives are not combined. (Sekiya, K.)

Comparison of radioactive doses after the last protection layer insight the reactor structure for Russian VVER-1000 and German PWR-1300 reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rahimi, A.; Mansourshaiflu, N.; Alizadeh, M. R.

2004-01-01

In pressurized reactors (VVER and PWR), various protections layers are used for reducing the output core doses. At any protection layer, some amount of neutron and gamma doses is reduced. In this project the axial flux of neutron and gamma beams have been evaluated at various protection layers in the operation state the German PWR-1300 and Russian VVER-1000 reactors by the MCNP computer code. For the purpose of effective use of the MCNP code and assuring its correct performance about of fluxed beams common and series of scientific answers and bench marks should be considered and the results obtained by the MCNP code, be compared with this answers. Then by using appropriate method, for reducing the flux variants of neutron and gamma beams at various protection layers of German PWR-1300 and Russian VVER-1000 reactors of the operation state of both reactors have been accelerated. In this projects, bench marks are computations and numbers existing in PSAR's present at Bushehr nuclear power plant. At the end, by using the results obtained and the standard doses, the time which a person can have work activity at the reactor wall (after the last protection layer), was compared for the operation status of the German PWR-1300 and Russian VVER-1000 reactors

Development of a VVER-1000 core loading pattern optimization program based on perturbation theory

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hosseini, Mohammad; Vosoughi, Naser

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► We use perturbation theory to find an optimum fuel loading pattern in a VVER-1000. ► We provide a software for in-core fuel management optimization. ► We consider two objectives for our method (perturbation theory). ► We show that perturbation theory method is very fast and accurate for optimization. - Abstract: In-core nuclear fuel management is one of the most important concerns in the design of nuclear reactors. Two main goals in core fuel loading pattern design optimization are maximizing the core effective multiplication factor in order to extract the maximum energy, and keeping the local power peaking factor lower than a predetermined value to maintain the fuel integrity. Because of the numerous possible patterns of fuel assemblies in the reactor core, finding the best configuration is so important and challenging. Different techniques for optimization of fuel loading pattern in the reactor core have been introduced by now. In this study, a software is programmed in C language to find an order of the fuel loading pattern of a VVER-1000 reactor core using the perturbation theory. Our optimization method is based on minimizing the radial power peaking factor. The optimization process launches by considering an initial loading pattern and the specifications of the fuel assemblies which are given as the input of the software. The results on a typical VVER-1000 reactor reveal that the method could reach to a pattern with an allowed radial power peaking factor and increases the cycle length 1.1 days, as well.

Control rod assembly

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takahashi, Akio.

1982-01-01

Purpose: To enable reliable insertion and drops of control rods, as well as insure a sufficient flow rate of coolants flowing through the control rods for attaining satisfactory cooling thereof to enable relexation of thermal stress resulted to rectifying mechanisms or the likes. Constitution: To the outer circumference of a control rod contained vertically movably within a control rod guide tube, resistive members are retractably provided in such a way as to project to close the gap between outer circumference of the control rod and the inner surface of the control rod guide tube upon engagement of a gripper of control rod drives, and retract upon release of the engagement of the gripper. Thus, since the resistive members project to provide a greater resistance to the coolants flowing between them and the control rod guide tube in the normal operation where the gripper is engaged to drive the control rod by the control rod drives, a major part of the coolant flowing into the control rod guide tube flows into the control rod. This enables to cool the control rod effectively and make the temperature distribution uniform for the coolant flowing from the upper end of the control rod guide tube to thereby attain the relaxation of the thermal stress resulted in the rectifying mechanisms or the likes. (Moriyama, K.)

Device for coupling a control rod and control rod drive

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nishioka, Kazuya.

1975-01-01

Object: To obtain simple and reliable coupling between a control rod and control rod drive by equipping the lower end of the control rod with an extension provided with lateral protuberances and forming the upper end of an index tube with a recess provided with lateral holes. Structure: The tapering central extension of the control rod is inserted into the recess by lowering the control rod, and then it is further inserted by causing frictional movement of the inclined surfaces of lateral protuberances in frictional contact with guide surfaces. When the lateral protuberances are brought into contact with a stepped portion, the control rod is rotated to fit the lateral protuberances into the lateral holes. In this way, the control rod is coupled to the index tube of the control rod drive. (Yoshino, Y.)

Qualification of coupled 3D neutron kinetic/thermal hydraulic code systems by the calculation of a VVER-440 benchmark. Re-connection of an isolated loop

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kotsarev, Alexander; Lizorkin, Mikhail [National Research Centre ' Kurchatov Institute' , Moscow (Russian Federation); Bencik, Marek; Hadek, Jan [UJV Rez, a.s., Rez (Czech Republic); Kozmenkov, Yaroslav; Kliem, Soeren [Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) e.V., Dresden (Germany)

2016-09-15

The 7th AER dynamic benchmark is a continuation of the efforts to validate the codes systematically for the estimation of the transient behavior of VVER type nuclear power plants. The main part of the benchmark is the simulation of the re-connection of an isolated circulation loop with low temperature in a VVER-440 plant. This benchmark was calculated by the National Research Centre ''Kurchatov Institute'' (with the code ATHLET/BIPR-VVER), UJV Rez (with the code RELAP5-3D {sup copyright}) and HZDR (with the code DYN3D/ATHLET). The paper gives an overview of the behavior of the main thermal hydraulic and neutron kinetic parameters in the provided solutions.

The status of the Bubbler Condenser Containment System for the Reactors of the VVER-440/213 Type

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Karwat, H.; Rosinger, H.E.

1998-01-01

VVER-440/213 Pressurized Water Reactors have a pressure-suppression containment structure called a 'Bubbler Condenser' tower which can reduce the design pressure of the entire containment following a design basis accident (DBA), such as a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA). The bubbler condenser pressure suppression system provides reduction of the LOCA containment pressure by the condensation of released steam in a water pool. World-wide there are 14 nuclear power plants of the VVER-440/213 type in Eastern Europe and Russia. One of the safety concerns for the VVER-440/213 reactors relates to the ability of the bubbler condenser containment system to function satisfactorily and to maintain its integrity following certain postulated accidents and thus limit the release of radioactive material to the environment. The complicated geometry of the bubbler condenser unit, and the dependence on several moving devices and interlocks are the main doubts expressed by different specialists with regard to the design. General description of the bubbler condenser containment system, the physical processes, concerns and design assessment of the bubbler condenser containment system, presentation of the OECD's Unified Bubbler Condenser Research Project (UBCRP) and the European Commission PHARE/TACIS project. Recent utility investigations are also discussed

Control rod displacement

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nakazato, S.

1987-01-01

This patent describes a nuclear reactor including a core, cylindrical control rods, a single support means supporting the control rods from their upper ends in spaced apart positions and movable for displacing the control rods in their longitudinal direction between a first end position in which the control rods are fully inserted into the core and a second end position in which the control rods are retracted from the core, and guide means contacting discrete regions of the outer surface of each control rod at least when the control rods are in the vicinity of the second end position. The control rods are supported by the support means for longitudinal movement without rotation into and out of the core relative to the guide means to thereby cause the outer surface of the control rods to experience wear as a result of sliding contact with the guide means. The support means are so arranged with respect to the core and the guide means that it is incapable of rotation relative to the guide means. The improvement comprises displacement means being operatively coupled to a respective one of the control rods for periodically rotating the control rod in a single angular direction through an angle selected to change the locations on the outer surfaces of the control rods at which the control rods are contacted by the guide means during subsequent longitudinal movement of the control rods

Microstructure and embrittlement of VVER 440 reactor pressure vessel steels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hennion, A.

1999-03-01

27 VVER 440 pressurised water reactors operate in former Soviet Union and in Eastern Europe. The pressure vessel, is made of Cr-Mo-V steel. It contains a circumferential arc weld in front of the nuclear core. This weld undergoes a high neutron flux and contains large amounts of copper and phosphorus, elements well known for their embrittlement potency under irradiation. The embrittlement kinetic of the steel is accelerated, reducing the lifetime of the reactor. In order to get informations on the microstructure and mechanical properties of these steels, base metals, HAZ, and weld metals have been characterized. The high amount of phosphorus in weld metals promotes the reverse temper embrittlement that occurs during post-weld heat treatment. The radiation damage structure has been identified by small angle neutron scattering, atomic probe, and transmission electron microscopy. Nanometer-sized clusters of solute atoms, rich in copper with almost the same characteristics as in western pressure vessels steels, and an evolution of the size distribution of vanadium carbides, which are present on dislocation structure, are observed. These defects disappear during post-irradiation tempering. As in western steels, the embrittlement is due to both hardening and reduction of interphase cohesion. The radiation damage specificity of VVER steels arises from their high amount of phosphorus and from their significant density of fine vanadium carbides. (author)

Morphoelastic rods. Part I: A single growing elastic rod

KAUST Repository

Moulton, D.E.

2013-02-01

A theory for the dynamics and statics of growing elastic rods is presented. First, a single growing rod is considered and the formalism of three-dimensional multiplicative decomposition of morphoelasticity is used to describe the bulk growth of Kirchhoff elastic rods. Possible constitutive laws for growth are discussed and analysed. Second, a rod constrained or glued to a rigid substrate is considered, with the mismatch between the attachment site and the growing rod inducing stress. This stress can eventually lead to instability, bifurcation, and buckling. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Morphoelastic rods. Part I: A single growing elastic rod

KAUST Repository

Moulton, D.E.; Lessinnes, T.; Goriely, A.

2013-01-01

A theory for the dynamics and statics of growing elastic rods is presented. First, a single growing rod is considered and the formalism of three-dimensional multiplicative decomposition of morphoelasticity is used to describe the bulk growth of Kirchhoff elastic rods. Possible constitutive laws for growth are discussed and analysed. Second, a rod constrained or glued to a rigid substrate is considered, with the mismatch between the attachment site and the growing rod inducing stress. This stress can eventually lead to instability, bifurcation, and buckling. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Control rod drive

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hawke, B.C.

1986-01-01

A reactor core, one or more control rods, and a control rod drive are described for selectively inserting and withdrawing the one or more control rods into and from the reactor core, which consists of: a support structure secured beneath the reactor core; control rod positioning means supported by the support structure for movably supporting the control rod for movement between a lower position wherein the control rod is located substantially beneath the reactor core and an upper position wherein at least an upper portion of the control rod extends into the reactor core; transmission means; primary drive means connected with the control rod positioning means by the transmission means for positioning the control rod under normal operating conditions; emergency drive means for moving the control rod from the lower position to the upper position under emergency conditions, the emergency drive means including a weight movable between an upper and a lower position, means for movably supporting the weight, and means for transmitting gravitational force exerted on the weight to the control rod positioning means to move the control rod upwardly when the weight is pulled downwardly by gravity; the transmission means connecting the control rod positioning means with the emergency drive means so that the primary drive means effects movement of the weight and the control rod in opposite directions under normal conditions, thus providing counterbalancing to reduce the force required for upward movement of the control rod under normal conditions; and restraint means for restraining the fall of the weight under normal operating conditions and disengaging the primary drive means to release the weight under emergency conditions

Numerical investigation of passive heat removal system via steam generator in VVER 1200

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dinh Anh Tuan; Duong Thanh Tung; Tran Chi Thanh; Nguyen Van Thai

2015-01-01

Passive heat removal system (PHRS) via Steam Generator is an important part in VVER design. In case of Design Basic Accidents such as blackout, failure of feed water supply to steam generator or coolant leakage with failure of emergency core cooling at high pressure. PHRS is designed to remove the residual heat from reactor core through steam generator to heat exchanger which is placed outside reactor vessel. In order to evaluate the passive system, a numerical investigation using a CFD code is performed. However, PHRS has complex geometry for using CFD simulation. Thus, RELAP5 is applied to provide the wall heat flux of tube in the heat exchanger tank. The natural convection in the heat exchanger tank is investigated in this report. Numerical results show temperature and velocity distribution in the heat exchanger tank are calculated with different wall heat flux corresponding to various transient conditions. The calculated results contribute to the capacity analysis of passive heat removal system and giving valuable information for safe operation of VVER 1200. (author)

The Morris-Lecar neuron model embeds a leaky integrate-and-fire model

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ditlevsen, Susanne; Greenwood, Priscilla

2013-01-01

We showthat the stochastic Morris–Lecar neuron, in a neighborhood of its stable point, can be approximated by a two-dimensional Ornstein Uhlenbeck (OU) modulation of a constant circular motion. The associated radial OU process is an example of a leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) model prior to firing...

Study on safety analysis of VVER-1200/V491 in scenario of Loss of Coolant Accidents along with partly failure of ECCS using RELAP5 code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hoang Minh Giang; Ha Thi Anh Dao; Hoang Tan Hung; Bui Thi Hoa; Nguyen Thi Tu Oanh; Dinh Anh Tuan; Pham Tuan Nam

2017-01-01

The advanced VVER-1200/V491 reactor designed with passive safety systems to deal with design extension conditions is primarily selected as priority candidate for Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant project. So that, in order to enhance competence of nuclear safety and toward participation on review Safety Analysis Report (SAR) of Ninh Thuan nuclear Power project the study on safety analysis of VVER-1200/V491 in scenario of Loss of Coolant Accidents along with partly failure of ECCS is implemented. As requirement of the study, the input deck file of VVER-1200/V491 for RELAP5 and analysis report for some special case of LOCAs along with partly failure of ECCS are issued. (author)

The RELAP5-Based NPA of the VVER Type Paks NPP

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guba, A.; Toth, I.; Mandy, C.; Stubbe, E.

1999-01-01

NPA is a data driven interactive graphical tool for visualisation of different plant conditions. Data generated by the analysis code RELAP5/MOD3.2 are processed and displayed on a computer monitor. The NPA model of Paks NPP Unit 3 was developed with the aim to demonstrate the phenomena occurring in different transient/accident scenarios. This VVER-specific NPA development is a result of a cooperation between BELGATOM and KFKI-AEKI. (author)

Influence of Bypass on Thermo-Hydraulics of VVER 440 Fuel Assembly

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jakubec Jakub

2017-04-01

Full Text Available The paper deals with CFD modelling and simulation of coolant flow within the nuclear reactor VVER 440 fuel assembly. The influence of coolant flow in bypass on the temperature distribution at the outlet of the fuel assembly and pressure drop was investigated. Only steady-state analyses were performed. Boundary conditions are based on operating conditions. ANSYS CFX is chosen as the main CFD software tool, where all analyses are performed.

Radiolysis of the VVER-1000 reactor coolant: An experimental study and mathematical modeling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arkhipov, O.P.; Bugaenko, V.L.; Kabakchi, S.A.

1995-01-01

Variations in the composition of the coolant for the primary circuit of a VVER-1000 reactor of the Kalinin nuclear power plant upon transition from power-level operation to shutdown was studied experimentally. The data obtained were used for verification of the MORAVA-H2 program developed earlier for simulation of the coolant state in pressurized-water power reactors

OECD/DOE/CEA VVER-1000 coolant transient (V1000CT) benchmark - a consistent approach for assessing coupled codes for RIA analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boyan D Ivanov; Kostadin N Ivanov; Eric Royer; Sylvie Aniel; Nikola Kolev; Pavlin Groudev

2005-01-01

Full text of publication follows: The Rod Ejection Accident (REA) and Main Steam Line Break (MSLB) are two of the most important Design Basis Accidents (DBA) for VVER-1000 exhibiting significant localized space-time effects. A consistent approach for assessing coupled three-dimensional (3-D) neutron kinetics/thermal hydraulics codes for these Reactivity Insertion Accidents (RIA) is to first validate the codes using the available plant test (measured) data and after that perform cross code comparative analysis for REA and MSLB scenarios. In the framework of joint effort between the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of OECD, the United States Department of Energy (US DOE), and the Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique (CEA), France a coupled 3-D neutron kinetics/thermal hydraulics benchmark was defined. The benchmark is based on data from the Unit 6 of the Bulgarian Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). In performing this work the PSU, USA and CEA-Saclay, France have collaborated with Bulgarian organizations, in particular with the KNPP and the INRNE. The benchmark consists of two phases: Phase 1: Main Coolant Pump Switching On; Phase 2: Coolant Mixing Tests and MSLB. In addition to the measured (experiment) scenario, an extreme calculation scenario was defined for better testing 3-D neutronics/thermal-hydraulics techniques: rod ejection simulation with control rod being ejected in the core sector cooled by the switched on MCP. Since the previous coupled code benchmarks indicated that further development of the mixing computation models in the integrated codes is necessary, a coolant mixing experiment and MSLB transients are selected for simulation in Phase 2 of the benchmark. The MSLB event is characterized by a large asymmetric cooling of the core, stuck rods and a large primary coolant flow variation. Two scenarios are defined in Phase 2: the first scenario is taken from the current licensing practice and the second one is derived from the original one using aggravating

Floor response spectra for seismic qualification of Kozloduy VVER 440-230 NPP

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kostov, M.K.; Prato, C.A.; Stevenson, J.D.

1993-01-01

In this paper the floor response spectra generation methodology for Kozloduy NPP, Unit 1-2 of VVER 440-230 is presented. The 2D coupled soil-structure interaction models are used combined with a simplified correction of the final results for accounting of torsional effects. Both time history and direct approach for in-structure spectra generation are used and discussion of results is made

Floor response spectra for seismic qualification of Kozloduy VVER 440-230 NPP

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kostov, M.K. [Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia (BG). Central Lab. for Seismic Mechanics and Earthquake Engineering; Ma, D.C. [Argonne National Lab., IL (United States); Prato, C.A. [Univ. of Cordoba (AR); Stevenson, J.D. [Stevenson and Associates, Cleveland, OH (US)

1993-08-01

In this paper the floor response spectra generation methodology for Kozloduy NPP, Unit 1-2 of VVER 440-230 is presented. The 2D coupled soil-structure interaction models are used combined with a simplified correction of the final results for accounting of torsional effects. Both time history and direct approach for in-structure spectra generation are used and discussion of results is made.

CATHARE-2 prediction of large primary to secondary leakage (PRISE) at PSB-VVER experimental facility

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sabotinov, L.; Chevrier, P. [Institut de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire, 92 - Fontenay aux Roses (France)

2007-07-01

The large primary to secondary leakage (PRISE) is a specific loss-of-coolant accident in VVER reactors, related to the break of the steam generator collector cover, leading to loss of primary mass inventory and possible direct radioactive release to atmosphere. The best estimate thermal-hydraulic computer code CATHARE-2 Version 2.5-1 was used for post-test analysis of a PRISE experiment, conducted at the large scale test facility PSB-VVER in Russia. The PSB rig is 1:300 scaled model of VVER-1000 NPP. The accident is calculated with a 1.4% break size, which corresponds to 100 mm leak from primary to secondary side in the real NPP. A computer model has been developed for CATHARE-2 V2.5-1, taking into account all important components of the PSB facility: reactor model (lower plenum, core, bypass, upper plenum, downcomer), 4 separate loops, pressurizer, horizontal multi-tube steam generators, break section. The secondary side is presented by recirculation model. A large number of sensitivity calculations has been performed regarding break modeling, reactor pressure vessel modeling, counter current flow modeling, hydraulic losses, heat losses, steam generator level regulation. Comparison between calculated and experimental results shows good prediction of the basic thermal-hydraulic phenomena and parameters such as primary and secondary pressures, temperatures, loop flows, etc. Some discrepancies were observed in the calculations of primary mass inventory and loop seal clearance. Nevertheless the final core heat up, which is one of the most important safety criteria, was correctly predicted. (authors)

Fast Neutron Transport in the Biological Shielding Model and Other Regions of the VVER-1000 Mock-Up on the LR-0 Research Reactor

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Košťál Michal

2016-01-01

Full Text Available A set of benchmark experiments was carried out in the full scale VVER-1000 mock-up on the reactor LR-0 in order to validate neutron transport calculation methodologies and to perform the optimization of the shape and locations of neutron flux operation monitors channels inside the shielding of the new VVER-1000 type reactors. Compared with previous experiments on the VVER-1000 mock-up on the reactor LR-0, the fast neutron spectra were measured in the extended neutron energy interval (0.1–10 MeV and new calculations were carried out with the MCNPX code using various nuclear data libraries (ENDF/B VII.0, JEFF 3.1, JENDL 3.3, JENDL 4, ROSFOND 2009, and CENDL 3.1. Measurements and calculations were carried out at different points in the mock-up. The calculation and experimental data are compared.

Burnup Estimation of Rhodium Self-Powered Neutron Detector Emitter in VVER Reactor Core Using Monte Carlo Simulations

OpenAIRE

Khrutchinsky, А. А.; Kuten, S. A.; Babichev, L. F.

2011-01-01

Estimation of burn-up in a rhodium-103 emitter of self-powered neutron detector in VVER-1000 reactor core has been performed using Monte Carlo simulations within approximation of a constant neutron flux.

Replacement rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hatfield, S.C.

1989-01-01

This patent describes in an elongated replacement rod for use with fuel assemblies of the type having two end fittings connected by guide tubes with a plurality of rod and guide tube cell defining spacer grids containing rod support features and mixing vanes. The grids secured to the guide tubes in register between the end fittings at spaced intervals. The fuel rod comprising: an asymmetrically beveled tip; a shank portion having a straight centerline; and a permanently diverging portion between the tip and the shank portion

Analytical validation of operator actions in case of primary to secondary leakage for VVER-1000/V320

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Andreeva, M., E-mail: m_andreeva@inrne.bas.bg; Groudev, P., E-mail: pavlinpg@inrne.bas.bg; Pavlova, M., E-mail: pavlova@inrne.bas.bg

2015-12-15

Highlights: • We validate operator actions in case of primary to secondary leakage. • We perform four scenarios related to SGTR accident for VVER-1000/V320. • The reference power plant for the analyses is Unit 6 at Kozloduy NPP. • The RELAP5/MOD 3.2 computer code is used in performing the analyses. • The analyses confirm the effectiveness of operator actions during PRISE. - Abstract: This paper presents the results of analytical validation of operator actions in case of “Steam Generator Tube Rupture” (SGTR) for VVER-1000/V320 units at Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP), done during the development of Symptom Based Emergency Operating Procedures (SB EOPs) for this plant. The purpose of the analyses is to demonstrate the ability to terminate primary to secondary leakage and to indicate an effective strategy for preventing secondary leakage to the environment and in this way to prevent radiological release to the environment. Following depressurization and cooldown of reactor coolant system (RCS) with isolation of the affected steam generator (SG), in these analyses are validated options for post-SGTR cooldown by: • back up filling the ruptured SG; • using letdown system in the affected SG and • by opening Fast Acting Isolation Valve (FAIV) and using Steam Dump Facility to the Condenser (BRU-K). The results of the thermal-hydraulic analyses have been used to assist KNPP specialists in analytical validation of EOPs. The RELAP5/MOD3.2 computer code has been used for the analyses in a VVER-1000 Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) model. A model of VVER-1000 based on Unit 6 of Kozloduy NPP has been developed for the thermal-hydraulics code RELAP5/MOD3.2 at the Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (INRNE-BAS). This paper is possible through the participation of leading specialists from KNPP.

Water rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kashiwai, Shin-ichi; Yokomizo, Osamu; Orii, Akihito.

1992-01-01

In a reactor core of a BWR type reactor, the area of a flow channel in a lower portion of a downcoming pipe for downwardly releasing steams present at the top portion in a water rod is increased. Further, a third coolant flow channel (an inner water rod) is disposed in an uprising having an exit opened near the inlet of the water rod and an inlet opened at the outside near the top portion of the water and having an increase flow channel area in the upper portion. The downcoming pipe in the water rod is filled with steams, and the void ratio is increased by so much as the flow channel area of the downcoming pipe is increased. Since the pressure difference between the inlet and the exit of the inner water rod is greater than the pressure difference between the inlet and the exit of the water rod, most of water flown into the inner water rod is discharged out of the exit in the form of water as it is. Since the area of the flow channel is increased in the portion of the inner water rod, void efficiency in the upper portion of the reactor core is decreased by so much. Since the void ratio is thus increased in the lower portion and the void efficiency is decreased in the upper portion of the reactor core, axial void distribution can be flattened. (N.H.)

Leaky surface acoustic waves in Z-LiNbO3 substrates with epitaxial AIN overlays

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bu, G.; Ciplys, D.; Shur, M.S.; Namkoong, G.; Doolittle, W.A.; Hunt, W.D.

2004-01-01

The properties of leaky surface acoustic waves (LSAW) in MBE grown AIN layer on Z-cut LiNbO 3 structures have been studied by numerical simulation and experimental measurements and compared with those of Rayleigh waves in the same structure. In the range of AIN layer thicknesses studied (0 3 substrate was essentially constant at around 4400 m/s. The measured electromechanical coupling coefficients (K 2 ) for the LSAW are roughly 1/4 of the predicted values, which might be due to the strong attenuation of the leaky wave unaccounted for during the parameter extraction. The thin AIN film slightly improved the measured temperature coefficient of frequency for the LSAW over that attained for the Z-cut, X-propagating LiNbO 3 substrate alone

Conducting water chemistry of the secondary coolant circuit of VVER-based nuclear power plant units constructed without using copper containing alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Tyapkov, V. F.

2014-07-01

The secondary coolant circuit water chemistry with metering amines began to be put in use in Russia in 2005, and all nuclear power plant units equipped with VVER-1000 reactors have been shifted to operate with this water chemistry for the past seven years. Owing to the use of water chemistry with metering amines, the amount of products from corrosion of structural materials entering into the volume of steam generators has been reduced, and the flow-accelerated corrosion rate of pipelines and equipment has been slowed down. The article presents data on conducting water chemistry in nuclear power plant units with VVER-1000 reactors for the secondary coolant system equipment made without using copper-containing alloys. Statistical data are presented on conducting ammonia-morpholine and ammonia-ethanolamine water chemistries in new-generation operating power units with VVER-1000 reactors with an increased level of pH. The values of cooling water leaks in turbine condensers the tube system of which is made of stainless steel or titanium alloy are given.

TAREG 2.01/00 Project, ''Validation of neutron embrittlement for VVER 1000 and 440/213 RPVs, with emphasis on integrity assessment''

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ahlstrand, R.; Margolin, B.; Kostylev, V.; Yurchenko, E.; Akbashev, I.; Piminov, V.; Nikolaev, Y.; Koshkin, V.; Kharshenko, V.; Chyrko, L.; Bukhanov, V.; Comsa, O.

2012-01-01

The irradiation embrittlement and integrity of the VVER reactors has been an important issue in many EC supported TACIS and PHARE projects since 1990. In the EC annual program 2000 two TACIS projects (TAREG 2.01/00 and 2.01/03) were approved on the issue in order to improve the neutron irradiation embrittlement databases, elaborate new trend curves for the embrittlement and to assess the integrity of the RPVs (Reactor Pressure Vessel) by analysing PTS transients (Pressurized Thermal Shock) for some selected Russian and Ukrainian VVER 1000 and 440/213 NPPs. In this paper the TAREG 2.01/00 project is briefly described with some details from the twin project 2.01/03, which served as a materials testing project, providing inputs for the 1st project. As a result of the project new trend curves for neutron irradiation embrittlement were elaborated, based on upgraded and more reliable surveillance results databases. The PTS study shows that the integrity of the selected VVER RPVs can be ensured to the end of RPV design life. (author)

Accident loads for a VVER-440/213 containment

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Techy, Z. [Institute for Electric Power Research (VEIKI), Budapest (Hungary); Lajtha, G. [Institute for Electric Power Research (VEIKI), Budapest (Hungary); Taubner, R. [Institute for Electric Power Research (VEIKI), Budapest (Hungary)

1995-08-01

Specific features of the VVER-440/213 containment are the subdivided rectangular building and the localization system including the bubbler trays and air traps. Accident loads are calculated for a large break loss of coolant accident (LBLOCA). The maximum pressure and temperature loads are calculated with different codes during the blowdown phase of the LBLOCA. The uncertainty margins of the maximum pressure are given in this case. Sensitivity studies are performed for different leakage rates and hydraulic data of the containment. The effects of the active and passive spray systems on the depressurization are presented in this paper. The maximum pressure loads are also examined in case of degraded conditions of the localization system. (orig.).

Control rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Igarashi, Takao; Yoshimoto, Yuichiro; Sugawara, Satoshi; Fukumoto, Takashi; Endo, Zen-ichiro; Saito, Shozo; Shinpo, Katsutoshi; Nishimura, Akira; Ozawa, Michihiro

1988-01-01

Purpose: To provide a sufficient shutdown margin upon reactor shutdown, prevent sheath deformation without decreasing neutron absorbents and prevent impact shocks exerted to structural materials. Constitution: The control rod of the present invention comprises a neutron absorption region, a sheath deformation means attached to the side wall and means for restricting and supporting axial movement of the neutron absorbent rod. Then, the amount of absorptive nuclei chained absorbents in the lower region is reduced than that in the upper region. In this way, effective neutron absorbing performance can be obtained relative to the neutron importance distribution during reactor shutdown. In addition, since the operationability is improved by reducing the weight of the control rod and the absorptive nuclei chained neutron abosrbers are used, mechanical nuclear life of the control rod can be increased. Thus, it is possible to prevent the outward deformation of the sheath, as well as prevent collision between the neutron absorber rod and the structural material on the side of inserting the control rod generated upon reactor scram by a simple structure. (Kamimura, M.)

Kinetics Parameters of VVER-1000 Core with 3 MOX Lead Test Assemblies To Be Used for Accident Analysis Codes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pavlovitchev, A.M.

2000-01-01

The present work is a part of Joint U.S./Russian Project with Weapons-Grade Plutonium Disposition in VVER Reactor and presents the neutronics calculations of kinetics parameters of VVER-1000 core with 3 introduced MOX LTAs. MOX LTA design has been studied in [1] for two options of MOX LTA: 100% plutonium and of ''island'' type. As a result, zoning i.e. fissile plutonium enrichments in different plutonium zones, has been defined. VVER-1000 core with 3 introduced MOX LTAs of chosen design has been calculated in [2]. In present work, the neutronics data for transient analysis codes (RELAP [3]) has been obtained using the codes chain of RRC ''Kurchatov Institute'' [5] that is to be used for exploitation neutronics calculations of VVER. Nowadays the 3D assembly-by-assembly code BIPR-7A and 2D pin-by-pin code PERMAK-A, both with the neutronics constants prepared by the cell code TVS-M, are the base elements of this chain. It should be reminded that in [6] TVS-M was used only for the constants calculations of MOX FAs. In current calculations the code TVS-M has been used both for UOX and MOX fuel constants. Besides, the volume of presented information has been increased and additional explications have been included. The results for the reference uranium core [4] are presented in Chapter 2. The results for the core with 3 MOX LTAs are presented in Chapter 3. The conservatism that is connected with neutronics parameters and that must be taken into account during transient analysis calculations, is discussed in Chapter 4. The conservative parameters values are considered to be used in 1-point core kinetics models of accident analysis codes

Water chemistry regimes for VVER-440 units: water chemistry influence on fuel cladding behaviour

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zmitko, M.

1999-01-01

In this lecture next problems of water chemistry influence on fuel cladding behaviour for VVER-440 units are presented: primary coolant technologies; water chemistry specification and control; fuel integrity considerations; zirconium alloys cladding corrosion (corrosion versus burn-up; water chemistry effect; crud deposition; hydrogen absorption; axial offset anomaly); alternatives for the primary coolant regimes

Evaluation of the applicability of cladding deformation model in RELAP5/MOD3.2 code for VVER-1000 fuel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vorob'ev, Yu.; Zhabin, O.

2015-01-01

Applicability of cladding deformation model in RELAP5/MOD3.2 code is analyzed for VVER-1000 fuel cladding from Zr+1%Nb alloy. Experimental data and calculation model of fuel assembly channel of the core are used for this purpose. The model applicability is tested for the cladding temperature range from 600 to 1200 deg C and pressure range from 1 to 12 MPa. Evaluation results demonstrate limited applicability of built-in RELAP5/MOD3.2 cladding deformation model to the estimation of Zr+1%Nb cladding rupture conditions. The limitations found shall be considered in application of RELAP5/MOD3.2 cladding deformation model in the design-basis accident analysis of VVER reactors

Control rod drives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Futatsugi, Masao.

1980-01-01

Purpose: To secure the reactor operation safety by the provision of a fluid pressure detecting section for control rod driving fluid and a control rod interlock at the midway of the flow pass for supplying driving fluid to the control rod drives. Constitution: Between a driving line and a direction control valve are provided a pressure detecting portion, an alarm generating device, and a control rod inhibition interlock. The driving fluid from a driving fluid source is discharged by way of a pump and a manual valve into the reactor in which the control rods and reactor fuels are contained. In addition, when the direction control valve is switched and the control rods are inserted and extracted by the control rod drives, the pressure in the driving line is always detected by the pressure detection section, whereby if abnormal pressure is resulted, the alarm generating device is actuated to warn the abnormality and the control rod inhibition interlock is actuated to lock the direction control valve thereby secure the safety operation of the reactor. (Seki, T.)

Control rod drives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oonuki, Koji.

1981-01-01

Purpose: To increase the driving speed of control rods at rapid insertion with an elongate control rod and an extension pipe while ensuring sufficient buffering performance in a short buffering distance, by providing a plurality of buffers to an extension pipe between a control rod drive source and a control rod in LMFBR type reactor. Constitution: First, second and third buffers are respectively provided to an acceleration piston, an extension pipe and a control rod respectively and the insertion positions for each of the buffers are displaced orderly from above to below. Upon disconnection of energizing current for an electromagnet, the acceleration piston, the extension pipe and the control rod are rapidly inserted in one body. The first, second and third buffers are respectively actuated at each of their falling strokes upon rapid insertion respectively, and the acceleration piston, the extension pipe and the control rod receive the deceleration effect in the order correspondingly. Although the compression force is applied to the control rod only near the stroke end, it does not cause deformation. (Kawakami, Y.)

Generation of multigroup cross-sections from micro-group ones in code system SUHAM-U used for VVER-1000 reactor core calculations with MOX loading

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Boyarinov, V.F.; Davidenko, V.D.; Polismakov, A.A.; Tsybulsky, V.F. [RRC Kurchatov Institute, Moscow (Russian Federation)

2005-07-01

At the present time, the new code system SUHAM-U for calculation of the neutron-physical processes in nuclear reactor core with triangular and square lattices based both on the modern micro-group (about 7000 groups) cross-sections library of code system UNK and on solving the multigroup (up to 89 groups) neutron transport equation by Surface Harmonics Method is elaborated. In this paper the procedure for generation of multigroup cross-sections from micro-group ones for calculation of VVER-1000 reactor core with MOX loading is described. The validation has consisted in computing VVER-1000 fuel assemblies with uranium and MOX fuel and has shown enough high accuracy under corresponding selection of the number and boundaries of the energy groups. This work has been fulfilled in the frame of ISTC project 'System Analyses of Nuclear Safety for VVER Reactors with MOX Fuels'.

Thermal-hydraulic studies on the safety of VVER-440 type nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tuunanen, J.

1994-01-01

The thesis includes several thermal-hydraulic analyses related to the Loviisa VVER-440 nuclear power plant units. The work consists of experimental studies, analysis of the experiments, analysis of some plant transients and development of a calculational model for calculation of boric concentrations in the reactor. In the first part of thesis, in the case of simulation of boric acid solution behaviour during long-term cooling period of LOCAs, experiments were performed in scaled-down test facilities. The experimental data together with the results of RELAP5/MOD3 simulations were used to develop a model for calculations of boric acid concentrations in the reactor during LOCAs. In the second part, in the case of simulation of horizontal generators, experiments were performed with PACTEL integral test loop to simulate loss of feedwater transients. The PACTEL experiments as well as earlier REWETT-III natural circulation tests, were analyzed with RELAP5/MOD3 Version 5m5 code. The third part of the work consists of simulations of Loviisa VVER reactor pump trip transients with RELAP5/MOD1-Eur, RELAP5/MOD3 and CATHARE codes. (56 refs., 9 figs.)

Analysis of transients for NPP with VVER-440 using the code SiTAP

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kalinenko, V.

1994-06-01

The report contains analysis of transients ''Loop connection'' and ''Steam generator tube rupture'' for nuclear power plants (NPP) with VVER-440. To obtain more detailed information about NPP's dynamic characteristics, various variants of initial and boundary conditions are considerd. Calculation of these transients was performed using the SiTAP code developed at the Nuclear Safety Institute of the Russian Research Centre ''Kurchatov Institute''. SiTAP code is a multifunctional computer tool for fast analysis of transient and accidental processes of VVER type reactors for engineers working in the field of NPP dynamics. SiTAP can be used form comparative analysis of several variants of accident scenarios to find out the conditions leading to most serious consequences from a safety point of view. In such cases, additional analyses using best-estimate codes should be carried out. The results of SiTAP for a faulty loop connection leading to a boron dilution accident are intended to be used as boundary conditions for a more detailed anlaysis with the aid of the three-dimensional reactor core model DYN3D, developed in the Research Centre Rossendorf for the simulation of reactivity initiated accidents. (orig.)

Analysing The Thermalhydraulic Parameters Of VVER-1000 Reactor For The Accident Of Steam Generator Tube Rupture

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Luu Nam Hai; Truong Cong Thang

2011-01-01

To ensure the safety operation of nuclear power plant (NPP), a lot of postulated accident scenarios were considered and analysed. This research chose and analysed the accident of steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) under the actual plant conditions by using the simulation program PCTRAN. The SGTR accident is happen when the NPP is under operation with the steady state condition (power of 3000 MWth, primary pressure of 157 bar and secondary pressure of 63 bar). The accident is initiated by creating a break with equivalent diameter of 100 mm in the area of lower row heat exchanging tubes. The result of analysis is compared with the calculation of the Shariz University, Iran using the thermal hydraulics code RELAP5/mod3.2 and the report in the PSAR data of VVER-1000. This comparison shows that it is possible for using PCTRAN to analyse accidents of VVER-1000 reactor. (author)

The virtual digital nuclear power plant: A modern tool for supporting the lifecycle of VVER-based nuclear power units

Science.gov (United States)

Arkadov, G. V.; Zhukavin, A. P.; Kroshilin, A. E.; Parshikov, I. A.; Solov'ev, S. L.; Shishov, A. V.

2014-10-01

The article describes the "Virtual Digital VVER-Based Nuclear Power Plant" computerized system comprising a totality of verified initial data (sets of input data for a model intended for describing the behavior of nuclear power plant (NPP) systems in design and emergency modes of their operation) and a unified system of new-generation computation codes intended for carrying out coordinated computation of the variety of physical processes in the reactor core and NPP equipment. Experiments with the demonstration version of the "Virtual Digital VVER-Based NPP" computerized system has shown that it is in principle possible to set up a unified system of computation codes in a common software environment for carrying out interconnected calculations of various physical phenomena at NPPs constructed according to the standard AES-2006 project. With the full-scale version of the "Virtual Digital VVER-Based NPP" computerized system put in operation, the concerned engineering, design, construction, and operating organizations will have access to all necessary information relating to the NPP power unit project throughout its entire lifecycle. The domestically developed commercial-grade software product set to operate as an independently operating application to the project will bring about additional competitive advantages in the modern market of nuclear power technologies.

Impact of burnable absorber Gd on nuclide composition for VVER-440 fuel (Gd-2)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zajac, R.; Chrapciak, V.

2010-01-01

The latest version of Russian fuel VVER-440 includes burnable absorber in 6 pins. In this article is impact of burnable absorber on nuclide composition and criticality analyzed. In part 1 was analyzed whole burnup interval 0-50 MWd/kgU. In present part 2 are detailed analysis only for first cycle (burnup 0-10 MWd/kgU). (Authors)

Experimental study of hydrodynamically induced vibrational processes in VVER-440 fuel assemblies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Solonin, V.I.; Perevezentsev, V.V.; Rekshnya, N.F.; Krapivtsev, V.G.

2000-01-01

Investigations are described of hydrodynamically induced vibrations in a single fuel assembly of a VVER-440 reactor, performed on a full-scale model installed in a closed loop filled with distilled water; the model fuel elements contained simulators of fuel pellets. Data on hydrodynamic loads were obtained by measuring pressure oscillations along the height of the fuel assembly case. Results of the measurements are presented in graphs and are discussed in some detail. (A.K.)

Accounting for the inertia of the thermocouples' measurements by modelling of a NPP Kalinin-3 transient with the coupled system code ATHLET-BIPR-VVER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nikonov, S.; Velkov, K.

2008-01-01

The ATHLET-BIPR-VVER coupled system code is applied for performing of safety analysis for different WWER reactors. During the last years its validation matrix is continuously being enlarged. The measurements performed during the commissioning phase of NPP Kalinin Unit 3 for the transient 'Switching-off of one Main Circulation Pump at nominal power' are very well documented and have a variety of recorded integral and local thermo-hydraulic and neutron-physic parameters including the measurements' errors. This data is being used for further validation of the coupled code system ATHLET-BIPR-VVER. In the paper are discussed the problems and our solutions by the correct interpretation of the measured thermocouples' records at NPP Kalinin-3 and the comparison with the predicted results by the coupled thermal-hydraulic/neutron-kinetic code ATHLET-BIPR-VVER. Of primary importance by such comparisons is the correct accounting of the fluid mixing process that take place in the surrounding of the measuring sensors and also the consideration of the time delay (inertia term) of the measuring devices. On the bases of previous experience and many simulations of the defined transient a method is discussed and proposed to consider correctly the inertia term of the thermocouples' measurements. The new modelling is implemented in the coupled system code ATHLET-BIPR-VVER for further validation. (Author)

Control rod cluster with removable rods for nuclear fuel assembly

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Denizou, J.P.

1989-01-01

For each removable control rod, the open end section of the sleeve has a certain length of reduced diameter with openings in its wall. The top end of the rod is joined to an extension tube that surrounds the shaft over part of its lenght. This extension tube fits over the reduced part of the sleeve when the shaft is screwed into the bore of the sleeve. Rotation of the rod in the sleeve is prevented by deforming the extension tube locally in the openings of the end part of the sleeve. The rod is dismantled by exerting a torque on it using a gripping area near the end of the rod [fr

Control rod drive mechanism

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nakamura, Akira.

1981-01-01

Purpose: To ensure the scram operation of a control rod by the reliable detection for the position of control rods. Constitution: A permanent magnet is provided to the lower portion of a connecting rod in engagement with a control rod and a tube having a plurality of lead switches arranged axially therein in a predetermined pitch is disposed outside of the control rod drives. When the control rod moves upwardly in the scram operation, the lead switches are closed successively upon passage of the permanent magnet to operate the electrical circuit provided by way of each of the lead switches. Thus, the position for the control rod during the scram can reliably be determined and the scram characteristic of the control rod can be recognized. (Furukawa, Y.)

Development of a qualified nodalization for small-break LOCA transient analysis in PSB-VVER integral test facility by RELAP5 system code

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shahedi, S. [Department of Energy Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Street, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Jafari, J., E-mail: jalil_jafari@yahoo.co [Reactors and Accelerators R and D School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, North Kargar Street, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Boroushaki, M. [Department of Energy Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Street, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); D' Auria, F. [DIMNP, University of Pisa, Via Diotisalvi 2, 56126 Pisa (Italy)

2010-10-15

This paper deals with development and qualification of a nodalization for modeling of the PSB-VVER integral test facility (ITF) by RELAP5/MOD3.2 code and prediction of its primary and secondary systems behaviors at steady state and transient conditions. The PSB-VVER is a full-height, 1/300 volume and power scale representation of a VVER-1000 NPP. A RELAP5 nodalization has been developed for PSB-VVER modeling and a nodalization qualification process has been applied for the developed nodalization at steady state and transient levels and a qualified nodalization has been proposed for modeling of the PSB ITF. The 11% small-break loss-of-coolant-accident (SBLOCA), i.e. rupture of one of the hydroaccumulators (HA) injection lines in the upper plenum (UP) region of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) below the hot legs (HL), inlets has been considered for nodalization qualification process. The influence of the different steam generator (SG) nodalizations on the RELAP5 results and on the nodalization qualification process has been examined. The 'steady state' qualification level includes checking the correctness of the initial and boundary conditions and geometrical fidelity. In the 'transient' qualification level, the time dependent results of the code calculation are compared with the experimental time trends from both the qualitative and quantitative point of view. For quantitative assessment of the results, a Fast Fourier Transform Based Method (FFTBM) has been used. The FFTBM was used to establish a range in which the steam generators nodalizations can vary.

Method of inserting fuel rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kamimoto, Shuji; Imoo, Makoto; Tsuchida, Kenji.

1991-01-01

The present invention concerns a method of inserting a fuel rod upon automatic assembling, automatic dismantling and reassembling of a fuel assembly in a light water moderated reactor, as well as a device and components used therefor. That is, a fuel rod is inserted reliably to an aimed point of insertion by surrounding the periphery of the fuel rod to be inserted with guide rods, and thereby suppressing the movement of the fuel rod during insertion. Alternatively, a fuel rod is inserted reliably to a point of insertion by inserting guide rods at the periphery of the point of insertion for the fuel rod to be inserted thereby surrounding the point of insertion with the guide rods or fuel rods. By utilizing fuel rods already present in the fuel assembly as the guide rods described above, the fuel rod can be inserted reliably to the point of insertion with no additional devices. Dummy fuel rods are previously inserted in a fuel assembly which are then utilized as the above-mentioned guide rods to accurately insert the fuel rod to the point of insertion. (I.S.)

Control rod drives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hayakawa, Hiroyasu.

1979-01-01

Purpose: To enable rapid control in a simple circuit by providing a motor control device having an electric capacity capable of simultaneously driving all of the control rods rapidly only in the inserting direction as well as a motor controlling device capable of fine control for the insertion and extraction at usual operation. Constitution: The control rod drives comprise a first motor control device capable of finely controlling the control rods both in inserting and extracting directions, a second motor control device capable of rapidly driving the control rods only in the inserting direction, and a first motor switching circuit and a second motor switching circuit switched by switches. Upon issue of a rapid insertion instruction for the control rods, the second motor switching circuit is closed by the switch and the second motor control circuit and driving motors are connected. Thus, each of the control rod driving motors is driven at a high speed in the inserting direction to rapidly insert all of the control rods. (Yoshino, Y.)

Temperature and boron dependencies of buckling and radial reflector saving for VVER lattices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alvarez, C.

1990-01-01

The temperature and boron dependencies of buckling and radial reflectors savings are analyzed in this paper on the basis of the results from the calculations ZR-6M critical assembly. These dependencies are related to the physical behavior of temperature and boron reactivity coefficients for the cores of VVER-type critical facilities. As a byproduct, the parameter was also investigated and its dependence on water density was determined

Monitoring of biofilm growth using ATR-leaky mode spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leitz, M.; Franke, H.; Grattan, K.T.V.; Tamachkiarow, A.

2002-01-01

An approach to the in situ monitoring of biofilm formation using the technique of ATR-leaky mode spectroscopy is given as an example for the case of Cytophaga. The biofilm growth was studied on an aluminium layer and on a bilayer of the hydrogel agarose on aluminium. This metal was chosen because of its chemical stability in aqueous systems. The spectra obtained have been recorded using a flow cell to contain the suspension and nutrients over a period of several days. In the case considered using a prism surface coated with agarose, the experiments were performed by breeding in an incubator. (author)

Fission reactor control rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Irie, Tomoo.

1991-01-01

The present invention concerns a control rod in a PWR type reactor. A control rod has an inner cladding tube and an outer cladding tube disposed coaxially, and a water draining hole is formed at the inside of the inner cladding tube. Neutron absorbers are filled in an annular gap between the outer cladding tube and the inner cladding tube. The water draining hole opens at the lower end thereof to the top end of the control rod and at the upper end thereof to the side of the upper end plug of the control rod. If the control rod is dropped to a control rod guide thimble for reactor scram, coolants from the control rod guide thimble are flown from the lower end of the water draining hole and discharged from the upper end passing through the water draining hole. In this way, water from the control rod guide thimble is removed easily when the control rod is dropped. Further, the discharging amount of water itself is reduced by the provision of the water draining hole. Accordingly, sufficient control rod dropping speed can be attained. (I.N.)

Validation of computer codes and modelling methods for giving proof of nuclear safety of transport and storage of spent VVER-type nuclear fuels. Pt. 2. Criticality safety during transport and storage of spent VVER fuel elements. Final report; Einschaetzung von Rechenprogrammen und Methoden zum Nachweis der nuklearen Sicherheit bei Transport und Lagerung von WWER-Kernbrennstoffen. T. 2. Kritikalitaetssicherheit bei Transport und Lagerung von WWER-Brennelementen. Abschlussbericht

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Buechse, H.; Langowski, A.; Lein, M.; Nagel, R.; Schmidt, H.; Stammel, M.

1995-03-15

The report gives the results of investigations on the validation of computer codes used to prove nuclear safety during transport and storage of spent VVER - fuel of NPP Greifswald and Rheinsberg. Characteristics of typical spent fuel (nuclide concentration, neutron source strength, gamma spectrum, decay heat) - calculated with several codes - and dose rates (e.g. in the surrounding of a loaded spent fuel cask) - based on the different source terms - are presented. Differences and their possible reasons are discussed. The results show that despite the differences in the source terms all relevant health physics requirements are met for all cases of source term. The validation of the criticality code OMEGA was established by calculation of appr. 200 critical experiments of LWR fuel, including VVER fuel rod arrangements. The mean error of the effective multiplication factor k{sub eff} is -0,01 compared to the experiment for this area of applicability. Thus, the OMEGA error of 2% assumed in earlier works has turned out to be sufficiently conservative. (orig.) [Deutsch] Der Bericht enthaelt die Ergebnisse von Untersuchungen zur Validierung von Rechenprogrammen, welche zum Nachweis der nukelaren Sicherheit bei Transport und Lagerung von WWER-Kernbrennstoff der KKW Greifswald und Rheinsberg eingesetzt wurden. Es werden eine Charakteristik des abgebrannten Brennstoffs (Nuklidkonzentrationen, Neutronenquellstaerke, Gammaspektrum, Nachzerfallsleistung) - berechnet mit verschiedenen Programmen - und Ortsdosisleistungen (z.B. in der Umgebung eines Transportbehaelters) - basierend auf den verschiedenen Quelltermen - angegeben. Differenzen und Ursachen werden diskutiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass trotz der Differenzen in den Quelltermen alle strahlenschutztechnisch relevanten Aussagen unbeeinflusst bleiben. Fuer die Einschaetzung des Gueltigkeitsbereiches des Monte-Carlo-Programms OMEGA wurden ca. 200 kritische Experimente mit LWR-Brennstoff unter besonderer Beruecksichtigung

Fuel rod simulator effects in flooding experiments single rod tests

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nishida, M.

1984-09-01

The influence of a gas filled gap between cladding and pellet on the quenching behavior of a PWR fuel rod during the reflood phase of a LOCA has been investigated. Flooding experiments were conducted with a short length electrically heated single fuel rod simulator surrounded by glass housing. The gap of 0.05 mm width between the Zircaloy cladding and the internal Al 2 O 3 pellets of the rod was filled either wit helium or with argon to vary the radial heat resistance across the gap. This report presents some typical data and an evaluation of the reflood behavior of the fuel rod simulator used. The results show that the quench front propagates faster for increasing heat resistance in the gap between cladding and heat source of the rod. (orig.) [de

Isotope study on the Keuper sandstone aquifer with a leaky cover layer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Geyh, M.A.; Backhaus, G.; Andres, G.; Rudolph, J.; Rath, H.K.

1984-01-01

Analyses of 14 C, 3 H, 39 Ar, delta 13 C and delta 18 O were performed on groundwater samples taken from the confined Keuper sandstone aquifer north of Nuremberg. The conventional 14 C data apparently contradict the hydrodynamic concept that the age of the deep groundwater flowing from east to west increases in the same direction. A two-dimensional dispersion model is used to convert the conventional 14 C groundwater ages to the regionally valid hydraulic conductivity coefficient of the leaky cover layer confining the aquifer. The basic assumption is that the deep groundwater has a water component which has percolated through the cover layer and which, on mixing, has changed the 14 C ages of the deep groundwater. Therefore, the ratio of the water from 'leaky' recharge to the water from the catchment area plays an important role. Values of delta 18 O and recharge temperatures derived from the noble-gas content of the deep water indicate mixing of Holocene and Pleistocene groundwaters and confirm the model. The considerable differences between the 39 Ar and 14 C groundwater ages may be plausibly explained by the hydrodynamic situation if 39 Ar production in the aquitard is assumed. (author)

Extension and Verification of the Cross-Section Library for the VVER-1000 Surveillance Specimen Region

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kirilova, D.; Belousov, S.; Ilieva, K.

2011-01-01

The objective of this work is a generation of new version of the BGL multigroup cross-section to extend the region of its applicability. The existing library version is problem oriented for VVER-1000 type of reactors and was generated by collapsing of the VITAMIN-B6 problem independent cross-section fine-group library applying the VVER-1000 reactor middle plane spectrum in cylindrical geometry. The new version BGLex additionally contains cross-sections averaged on the corresponding spectra of the surveillance specimen's (SS) region for VVER-1000 type of reactors. Comparative analysis of the neutron spectra for different one-dimensional geometry models that could be applied for the cross-section collapsing using the software package SCALE, showed a high sensitivity of the results to the geometry model. That is why a neutron importance assessment was done for the SS region using the adjoint solution calculated by the two-dimensional code DORT and problem-independent library VITAMIN-B6. The one-dimensional geometry model applied to the cross-section collapsing were determined by the material limits above the reactor core in axial direction z as for every material a homogenization in radial direction was done. The material homogenization in radial direction was done by material weighing taking into account the adjoint solution as well as the neutron source. The one-dimensional geometry model comprising the homogenized weighed materials was applied for the cross-section generation of the fine-group library VITAMIN-B6 to the broad-group structure of BGL library. The new version BGLex was extended with cross-sections for the SS region. Verification and validation of the new version BGLex is forthcoming. It includes comparison between the calculated results with the new version BGLex and the libraries BGL and VITAMIN-B6 and comparison with experimental results. (author)

Extension and Verification of the Cross-Section Library for the VVER- 1000 Surveillance Specimen Region

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kirilova, D.; Belousov, S.; Ilieva, K.

2011-01-01

The objective of this work is a generation of new version of the BGL multigroup cross-section to extend the region of its applicability. The existing library version is problem oriented for VVER-1000 type of reactors and was generated by collapsing of the VITAMIN-B6 problem independent cross-section fine-group library applying the VVER-1000 reactor middle plane spectrum in cylindrical geometry. The new version BGLex additionally contains cross-sections averaged on the corresponding spectra of the surveillance specimen's (SS) region for VVER-1000 type of reactors. Comparative analysis of the neutron spectra for different one-dimensional geometry models that could be applied for the cross-section collapsing using the software package SCALE, showed a high sensitivity of the results to the geometry model. That is why a neutron importance assessment was done for the SS region using the adjoint solution calculated by the two-dimensional code DORT and problem-independent library VITAMIN-B6. The one-dimensional geometry model applied to the cross-section collapsing were determined by the material limits above the reactor core in axial direction z as for every material a homogenization in radial direction was done. The material homogenization in radial direction was done by material weighing taking into account the adjoint solution as well as the neutron source. The one-dimensional geometry model comprising the homogenized weighed materials was applied for the cross-section generation of the fine-group library VITAMIN-B6 to the broad-group structure of BGL library. The new version BGLex was extended with cross-sections for the SS region. Verification and validation of the new version BGLex is forthcoming. It includes comparison between the calculated results with the new version BGLex and the libraries BGL and VITAMIN-B6 and comparison with experimental results. (author)

Experimental study of asymmetric boron dilution at VVER-1000 of Kudankulam NPP and its simulation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tsyganov, Sergey V.; Kotsarev, Alexander V.; Baykov, Alexander V. [National Research Centre ' ' Kurchatov Institute' ' , Moscow (Russian Federation)

2017-09-15

The Kudankulam NPP units contain additional and unique for VVER Quick Boron Injection System (QBIS) for beyond-design-basis accident management without scram. During the physical start-up stage at hot zero power of both Kudankulam units, special tests were performed to assess the efficiency of the system. In the course of test three out of four QBIS tanks had been promptly opened and it led to the asymmetrical injection of boric acid into the core. The scenario of the tests may address to the inhomogeneous boron dilution process that is now an essential part of safety analysis of pressurised water reactors. The simulation of the process, including ex-core ion chambers readings, has been accomplished using ATHLET/BIPR-VVER code. Behaviour of some reactor parameters in the course of the test and some results of the simulation are discussing in the paper. Authors believe the process of the asymmetrical injection of boric acid may be useful for verification and validation of coupled neutronic and thermo-hydraulic codes widely used for safety analysis, including analysis of boron dilution accident.

Maximum/minimum asymmetric rod detection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huston, J.T.

1990-01-01

This patent describes a system for determining the relative position of each control rod within a control rod group in a nuclear reactor. The control rod group having at least three control rods therein. It comprises: means for producing a signal representative of a position of each control rod within the control rod group in the nuclear reactor; means for establishing a signal representative of the highest position of a control rod in the control rod group in the nuclear reactor; means for establishing a signal representative of the lowest position of a control rod in the control rod group in the nuclear reactor; means for determining a difference between the signal representative of the position of the highest control rod and the signal representative of the position of the lowest control rod; means for establishing a predetermined limit for the difference between the signal representative of the position of the highest control rod and the signal representative of the position of the lowest control rod; and means for comparing the difference between the signals with the predetermined limit. The comparing means producing an output signal when the difference between the signals exceeds the predetermined limit

System analysis of nuclear safety of VVER reactor with MOX fuel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Klimov, A.D.; Zharkov, V.P.; Suslov, I.R. [Russia, Moscow Malaya Krasnoselskaya St. (Russian Federation); Boyarinov, V.F.; Kevrolev, V.V.; Tchibinyaev, A.V.; Tsibulskiy, V.F. [RRC KI, Russia, Moscow (Russian Federation); Kochurov, B.P. [ITEP, Russia, Moscow (Russian Federation); Giovanni, B. [NFPSC, FRAMATOME (France)

2005-07-01

The report presents a short summary of the results achieved in the ISTC (International Science and Technology Center) project 'System analysis of nuclear safety of VVER reactor with MOX fuel' (April 2005). The studies within the project are of a systematic character and include the solutions of 15 tasks. The report gives an overview of the major blocks of these tasks: neutron transport equation solution; calculations of isotopic vectors, analysis of the impact of uncertainties on predicted reactor functionals. The calculation methods, the verification results and the corresponding codes are briefly described. (authors)

Control rod drives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hayakawa, Hiroyasu; Kawamura, Atsuo.

1979-01-01

Purpose: To reduce pellet-clad mechanical interactions, as well as improve the fuel safety. Constitution: In the rod drive of a bwr type reactor, an electric motor operated upon intermittent input such as of pulse signals is connected to a control rod. A resolver for converting the rotational angle of the motor to electric signals is connected to the rotational shaft of the motor and the phase difference between the output signal from the resolver and a reference signal is adapted to detect by a comparator. Based on the detection result, the controller is actuated to control a motor for control rod drive so that fine control for the movement of the control rod is made possible. This can reduce the moving distance of the control rod, decrease the thermal stress applied to the control rod and decrease the pellet clad mechanical interaction failures due to thermal expansion between the cladding tube and the pellets caused by abrupt changes in the generated power. (Furukawa, Y.)

DRAGON analysis of MOX fueled VVER cell benchmarks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marleau, G.; Foissac, F.

2002-01-01

The computational unit-cell benchmarks problems for LEU and MOX fueled VVER-1000 ('water-water energetic reactor') have been analyzed using the code DRAGON with ENDF/B-V and ENDF/B-VI based WIMS-AECL cross section libraries. The results obtained were compared with those generated using the SAS2H module of the SCALE-4.3 computational code system and with the code HELIOS. Good agreements between DRAGON and HELIOS were obtained when the ENDF/B-VI based library was considered while the ENDF/B-V DRAGON results were generally closer to those obtained using SAS2H. This study was useful for the verification of the DRAGON code and confirms that HELIOS and DRAGON have a similar behavior when compatible cross sections library are used. (author)

Temperature and boron dependencies of buckling and radial reflector savings for VVER lattices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alvarez, C.

1990-01-01

The temperature and boron dependencies of buckling and radial reflector savings are analyzed in this paper on the basis of the results from the calculations for the ZR-6M critical assembly. These dependencies are related to he physical behaviour of temperature and boron reactivity coefficients for the cores of VVER-type critical facilities. As a byproduct, the dp/dBg 2 parameter was also investigated and its dependence on water density was determined

Status of rod consolidation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bailey, W.J.

1985-04-01

Two of the factors that need to be taken into account with rod consolidation are (1) the effects on rods from their removal from the fuel assembly and (2) the effects on rods as a result of the consolidation process. Potential components of both factors are described in the report. Discussed under (1) are scratches on the fuel rod surfaces, rod breakage, crud, extended burnup, and possible cladding embrittlement due to hydrogen injection at BWRs. Discussed under (2) are the increased water temperature (less than 10 0 C) because of closer packing of the rods, formation of crevices between rods in the close-packed mode, contact with dissimilar metals, and the potential for rapid heating of fuel rods following the loss of water from a spent fuel storage pool. Another factor that plays an important role in rod consolidation is the cost of disposal of the nonfuel-bearing components of the fuel assembly. Also, the dose rate from the components - especially Inconel spacer grids - can affect the handling procedures. Several licensing issues that exist are described. A list of recommendations is provided. 98 refs., 5 figs., 5 tabs

Feasibility of graphene CRLH metamaterial waveguides and leaky wave antennas

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chu, Derrick A.; Itoh, Tatsuo [Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095 (United States); Hon, Philip W. C. [Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095 (United States); NG NEXT Nanophotonics and Plasmonics Laboratory, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, Redondo Beach, California 90278 (United States); Williams, Benjamin S., E-mail: bswilliams@ucla.edu [Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095 (United States); California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095 (United States)

2016-07-07

The feasibility of composite right/left-handed (CRLH) metamaterial waveguides based upon graphene plasmons is demonstrated via numerical simulation. Designs are presented that operate in the terahertz frequency range along with their various dimensions. Dispersion relations, radiative and free-carrier losses, and free-carrier based tunability are characterized. Finally, the radiative characteristics are evaluated, along with its feasibility for use as a leaky-wave antenna. While CRLH waveguides are feasible in the terahertz range, their ultimate utility will require precise nanofabrication, and excellent quality graphene to mitigate free-carrier losses.

Issues in the use of Weapons-Grade MOX Fuel in VVER-1000 Nuclear Reactors: Comparison of UO2 and MOX Fuels

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carbajo, J.J.

2005-05-27

The purpose of this report is to quantify the differences between mixed oxide (MOX) and low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuels and to assess in reasonable detail the potential impacts of MOX fuel use in VVER-1000 nuclear power plants in Russia. This report is a generic tool to assist in the identification of plant modifications that may be required to accommodate receiving, storing, handling, irradiating, and disposing of MOX fuel in VVER-1000 reactors. The report is based on information from work performed by Russian and U.S. institutions. The report quantifies each issue, and the differences between LEU and MOX fuels are described as accurately as possible, given the current sources of data.

Control rod drive

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okutani, Tetsuro.

1988-01-01

Purpose: To provide a simple and economical control rod drive using a control circuit requiring no pulse circuit. Constitution: Control rods in a BWR type reactor are driven by hydraulic pressure and inserted or withdrawn in the direction of applying the hydraulic pressure. The direction of the hydraulic pressure is controlled by a direction control valve. Since the driving for the control rod is extremely important in view of the operation, a self diagnosis function is disposed for rapid inspection of possible abnormality. In the present invention, two driving contacts are disposed each by one between the both ends of a solenoid valve of the direction control valve for driving the control rod and the driving power source, and diagnosis is conducted by alternately operating them. Therefore, since it is only necessary that the control circuit issues a driving instruction only to one of the two driving contacts, the pulse circuit is no more required. Further, since the control rod driving is conducted upon alignment of the two driving instructions, the reliability of the control rod drive can be improved. (Horiuchi, T.)

Control rod withdrawal monitoring device

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ebisuya, Mitsuo.

1984-01-01

Purpose: To prevent the power ramp even if a plurality of control rods are subjected to withdrawal operation at a time, by reducing the reactivity applied to the reactor. Constitution: The control rod withdrawal monitoring device is adapted to monitor and control the withdrawal of the control rods depending on the reactor power and the monitoring region thereof is divided into a control rod group monitoring region a transition region and a control group monitoring not interfere region. In a case if the distance between a plurality of control rods for which the withdrawal positions are selected is less than a limiting value, the coordinate for the control rods, distance between the control rods and that the control rod distance is shorter are displayed on a display panel, and the withdrawal for the control rods are blocked. Accordingly, even if a plurality of control rods are subjected successively to the withdrawal operation contrary to the control rod withdrawal sequence upon high power operation of the reactor, the power ramp can be prevented. (Kawakami, Y.)

Standard and hydrazine water chemistry in primary circuit of VVER 440 units

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Burclova, J.

1992-01-01

Standard ammonia-potassium-boron water chemistry of 8 units with VVER 440 in CSFR is discussed as well as the corrosion product activity in the coolant during steady state and shut-down period and surface activity, dose rate build-up and occupational radiation exposure. Available data on hydrazine application (USSR, Hungary) indicate the possibility of the radiation field decreasing. Nevertheless the detailed analysis of 55 cycles of operation under standard water chemistry in Czechoslovakia allows to expect the comparable results for both water chemistries. (author)

Comparison of problems and experience of core operation with distorted fuel element assemblies in VVER-1000 and PWR reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Afanas'ev, A.

1999-01-01

The main reactors leading to distortion of fuel element assemblies during reactor operation were studied. A series of actions which compensate this effect was proposed. Criteria of operation limitation in VVER-1000 and PWR reactors are described

Structural strength during severe reactor accidents of the VVER- 91 nuclear power plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Varpasuo, P.

1999-12-01

The report summarises the studies carried out in Fortum Engineering (formerly IVO Power Engineering) between the years of 1992 and 1997 concerning ultimate strength of structures designed to mitigate and contain the consequences of various core melt accident scenarios. The report begins with the description of containment loading situations arising from core melt accidents. These situations are divided to fast and slow loads. Fast loads include ex-vessel steam explosions, steam spikes, hydrogen burns, direct containment heating and missiles. Slow loads are connected with pressure rise inside the containment in case when the containment heat removal system is not functioning. First part of report describes the analyses of reactor cavity based on axi-symmetric load assumptions. These studies are performed with various models like one degree of freedom idealisation, axi-symmetric modelling of geometry and full three-dimensional modelling of geometry. Second part of report describes the analyses of cavity based on non-axi-symmetric load assumptions. Here full 3D- geometry model is used combined with various physical models for the behaviour of reinforced concrete. Third part of report gives short account of the analysis of containment ultimate pressure capacity. The containment model in this case includes pre-stressing tendons and mild steel reinforcing bars. The load is assumed to axi-symmetric internal static pressure. The capacity of the reactor cavity against the ex-vessel steam explosion scenarios for VVER-91 plant concept is established for both axi-symmetric and non-axi-symmetric load models using ANACAP structural analysis code. The validation of the cavity response to ex-vessel steam explosion load using different commercially available codes gave mixed results for both axisymmetric and non-axi-symmetric load presentations.The ultimate static overpressure capacity of the VVER-91 reactor cavity structure was established to be of the order of 10 MPa. This result

Experimental investigation of the coolability of blocked hexagonal bundles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hózer, Zoltán, E-mail: zoltan.hozer@energia.mta.hu; Nagy, Imre; Kunstár, Mihály; Szabó, Péter; Vér, Nóra; Farkas, Róbert; Trosztel, István; Vimi, András

2017-06-15

Highlights: • Experiments were performed with electrically heated hexagonal fuel bundles. • Coolability of ballooned VVER-440 type bundle was confirmed up to high blockage rate. • Pellet relocation effect causes delay in the cool-down of the bundle. • The bypass line does not prevent the reflood of ballooned fuel rods. - Abstract: The CODEX-COOL experimental series was carried out in order to evaluate the effect of ballooning and pellet relocation in hexagonal bundles on the coolability of fuel rods after a LOCA event. The effects of blockage geometry, coolant flowrate, initial temperature and axial profile were investigated. The experimental results confirmed that a VVER bundle up to 80% blockage rate remains coolable after a LOCA event under design basis conditions. The ballooned section creates some obstacles for the cooling water during reflood of the bundle, but this effect causes only a short delay in the cooling down of the hot fuel rods. The accumulation of fuel pellet debris in the ballooned volume results in a local power peak, which leads to further slowing down of quench front.

Thermal behavior simulation of a nuclear fuel rod through an eletrically heated rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lima, R. de C.F. de.

1984-01-01

In thermalhydraulic loops the nuclear industry often uses electrically heated rods to simulate power transients, which occur in nuclear fuel rods. The development and design of a electrically heated rod, by supplying the dimensions and materials which should be used in order to yeld the same temperature and heat flux at the surfaces of the nuclear rod and the electrically heated rod are presented. To a given nuclear transient this equality was obtained by fitting the linear power through the lumped parameters technique. (Author) [pt

Steam oxidation of Zr 1% Nb clads of VVER fuels in high temperature

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Solyanyj, V.I.; Bibilashvili, Yu.K.; Dranenko, V.V.; Levin, A.Ya.; Izrajlevskij, L.B.; Morozov, A.M.

1984-01-01

In a wide range of accident conditions processes of clad corrosion effected by steam are rather intensive and in many respects influence the safety of NPP and the after-accident dismantling of a reactor core. This paper discusses the results of comprehensive studies into corrosion behaviour of Zr 1%Nb clads of VVER-type fuels at high temperatures. These studies are a continuation of previous work and the base for the design modelling of corrosion processes

Nuclear fuel rod loading apparatus

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

King, H.B.; Macivergan, R.; Mckenzie, G.W.

1980-01-01

An apparatus incorporating a microprocessor control is provided for automatically loading nuclear fuel pellets into fuel rods commonly used in nuclear reactor cores. The apparatus comprises a split ''v'' trough for assembling segments of fuel pellets in rows and a shuttle to receive the fuel pellets from the split ''v'' trough when the two sides of the split ''v'' trough are opened. The pellets are weighed while in the shuttle, and the shuttle then moves the pellets into alignment with a fuel rod. A guide bushing is provided to assist the transfer of the pellets into the fuel rod. A rod carousel which holds a plurality of fuel rods presents the proper rod to the guide bushing at the appropriate stage in the loading sequence. The bushing advances to engage the fuel rod, and the shuttle advances to engage the guide bushing. The pellets are then loaded into the fuel rod by a motor operated push rod. The guide bushing includes a photocell utilized in conjunction with the push rod to measure the length of the row of fuel pellets inserted in the fuel rod

Control rod shutdown system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miyamoto, Yoshiyuki; Higashigawa, Yuichi.

1996-01-01

The present invention provides a control rod terminating system in a BWR type nuclear power plant, which stops an induction electric motor as rapidly as possible to terminate the control rods. Namely, the control rod stopping system controls reactor power by inserting/withdrawing control rods into a reactor by driving them by the induction electric motor. The system is provided with a control device for controlling the control rods and a control device for controlling the braking device. The control device outputs a braking operation signal for actuating the braking device during operation of the control rods to stop the operation of the control rods. Further, the braking device has at least two kinds of breaks, namely, a first and a second brakes. The two kinds of brakes are actuated by receiving the brake operation signals at different timings. The brake device is used also for keeping the control rods after the stopping. Even if a stopping torque of each of the breaks is small, different two kinds of brakes are operated at different timings thereby capable of obtaining a large stopping torque as a total. (I.S.)

Calculations of 3D full-scale VVER fuel assembly and core models using MCU and BIPR-7A codes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aleshin, Sergey S.; Bikeev, Artem S.; Bolshagin, Sergey N.; Kalugin, Mikhail A.; Kosourov, Evgeniy K.; Pavlovichev, Aleksandr M.; Pryanichnikov, Aleksandr V.; Sukhino-Khomenko, Evgenia A.; Shcherenko, Anna I.; Shcherenko, Anastasia I.; Shkarovskiy, Denis A. [Nuclear Research Centre ' ' Kurchatov Institute' ' , Moscow (Russian Federation)

2015-09-15

Two types of calculations were made to compare BIPR-7A and MCU results for 3D full-scale models. First EPS (emergency protection system) efficiency and in-core power distributions were analyzed for an equilibrium fuel load of VVER-1000 assuming its operation within an 18-month cycle. Computations were performed without feedbacks and with fuel burnup distributed over the core. After 3D infinite lattices of full-scale VVER-1000 fuel assemblies (A's) with uranium fuel 4.4% enrichment and uranium-erbium fuel 4.4% enrichment and Er{sub 2}O{sub 3} 1 % wt were considered. Computations were performed with feedbacks and fuel burnup at the constant power level. For different time moments effective multiplication factor and power distribution were obtained. EPS efficiency and reactivity effects at chosen time moments were analyzed.

Fuel rod leak detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Womack, R.E.

1978-01-01

A typical embodiment of the invention detects leaking fuel rods by means of a radiation detector that measures the concentration of xenon-133 ( 133 Xe) within each individual rod. A collimated detector that provides signals related to the energy of incident radiation is aligned with one of the ends of a fuel rod. A statistically significant sample of the gamma radiation (γ-rays) that characterize 133 Xe is accumulated through the detector. The data so accumulated indicates the presence of a concentration of 133 Xe appropriate to a sound fuel rod, or a significantly different concentration that reflects a leaking fuel rod

Post-Test Analysis of 11% Break at PSB-VVER Experimental Facility using Cathare 2 Code

Science.gov (United States)

Sabotinov, Luben; Chevrier, Patrick

The best estimate French thermal-hydraulic computer code CATHARE 2 Version 2.5_1 was used for post-test analysis of the experiment “11% upper plenum break”, conducted at the large-scale test facility PSB-VVER in Russia. The PSB rig is 1:300 scaled model of VVER-1000 NPP. A computer model has been developed for CATHARE 2 V2.5_1, taking into account all important components of the PSB facility: reactor model (lower plenum, core, bypass, upper plenum, downcomer), 4 separated loops, pressurizer, horizontal multitube steam generators, break section. The secondary side is represented by recirculation model. A large number of sensitivity calculations has been performed regarding break modeling, reactor pressure vessel modeling, counter current flow modeling, hydraulic losses, heat losses. The comparison between calculated and experimental results shows good prediction of the basic thermal-hydraulic phenomena and parameters such as pressures, temperatures, void fractions, loop seal clearance, etc. The experimental and calculation results are very sensitive regarding the fuel cladding temperature, which show a periodical nature. With the applied CATHARE 1D modeling, the global thermal-hydraulic parameters and the core heat up have been reasonably predicted.

A successful approach for the implementation of symptom-based emergency operating procedures for VVER reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lhoest, V.; Prior, R.; Pascal, G.

2000-01-01

The paper provides an overview of the organization, the progress and the results of the various Emergence Operating Procedure (EOP) development programs for VVER type reactors conducted by Westinghouse so far. The detailed working process is presented through the solutions to some major plant issues. The EOPs have been developed for the Temelin, Dukovany, Bohunice, Mochovce and Paks VVER nuclear power plants. The procedures are developed in working teams of experts from the utility and Westinghouse. The completion of the programs constitute an indication of the overall success of this approach. This is further reinforced by the general acceptance of the new procedures by the plant personnel, together with the good results obtained so far from procedure testing. This is also confirmed by a new PSA-level 1 analysis for Dukovany plant, which shows a significant improvement in the overall plant safety. This means a 20% reduction in the Core Damage Frequency due to the introduction of the new EOPs. The fact that some modifications have been implemented to the plants to solve design weaknesses identified in the course of this programs also constitute a positive result

Fuel rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hattori, Shinji; Kajiwara, Koichi.

1980-01-01

Purpose: To ensure the safety for the fuel rod failures by adapting plenum springs to function when small forces such as during transportation of fuel rods is exerted and not to function the resilient force when a relatively great force is exerted. Constitution: Between an upper end plug and a plenum spring in a fuel rod, is disposed an insertion member to the lower portion of which is mounted a pin. This pin is kept upright and causes the plenum spring to function resiliently to the pellets against the loads due to accelerations and mechanical vibrations exerted during transportation of the fuel rods. While on the other hand, if a compression force of a relatively high level is exerted to the plenum spring during reactor operation, the pin of the insertion member is buckled and the insertion member is inserted to the inside of the plenum spring, whereby the pellets are allowed to expand freely and the failures in the fuel elements can be prevented. (Moriyama, K.)

Neutron dosimetry in EDF experimental surveillance programme for VVER-440 nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brumovsky, M.; Erben, O.; Novosad, P.; Zerola, L.; Hogel, J.; Trollat, C.

2001-01-01

Fourteen chains containing experimental surveillance material specimens of the VVER 440/213 nuclear power reactor pressure vessels were irradiated in the surveillance channels of the Nuclear Power Plant Dukovany in the Czech Republic. The irradiation periods were one, two or three cycles. The chains contained different number and types of containers, the omitted ones were replaced by chain elements. All of the containers were instrumented with wire neutron fluence detectors, some of the containers in the chain had spectrometric sets of neutron fluence monitors. For the absolute fluence values evaluation it was taken into account time history of the reactor power and local changes of the neutron flux along the reactor core height, correction factors due to the orientation of monitors with respect to the reactor core centre. Unfolding programs SAND-II or BASA-CF were used. The relative axial fluence distribution was obtained from the O-wire measurements. Neutron fluence values above 0.5 MeV energy and above 1.0 MeV energy in the container axis on the axial positions of the sample centres and fluence values in the geometric centre of the samples was calculated making use the exponential attenuation model of the incident neutron beam. Received fast neutron fluence values can be used as reference values to all VVER-440 type 213 nuclear power plant reactors. (author)

Verification of the enrichment of fresh VVER-440 fuel assemblies at NPP Paks

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Almasia, I.; Hlavathya, Z.; Nguyena, C. T. [Institute of Isotopes, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, (Hungary); others, and

2012-06-15

A Non Destructive Analysis (NDA) method was developed for the verification of {sup 235}U enrichment of both homogeneous and profiled VVER-440 reactor fresh fuel assemblies by means of gamma spectrometry. A total of ca. 30 assemblies were tested, five of which were homogeneous, with {sup 235}U enrichment in the range 1,6% to 3,6%, while the others were profiled with pins of 3,3% to 4,4% enrichment. Two types of gamma detectors were used for the test measurements: 2 coaxial HPGe detectors and a miniature CdZnTe (CZT) detector fitting into the central tube of the assemblies. It was therefore possible to obtain information from both the inside and the outside of the assemblies. It was shown that it is possible to distinguish between different types of assemblies within a reasonable measurement time (about 1000 sec). For the HPGe measurements the assemblies had to be lifted out from their storage rack, while for the CZT detector measurements the assemblies could be left at their storage position, as it was shown that the neighbouring assemblies do not affect measurement inside the assemblies' central tube. The measured values were compared to Monte Carlo simulations carried out using the MCNP code, and a recommendation for the optimal approach to verify the {sup 235}U enrichment of fresh VVER-440 reactor fuel assemblies is suggested.

Study of Fast Transient Pressure Drop in VVER-1000 Nuclear Reactor Using Acoustic Phenomenon

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Soroush Heidari Sangestani

2018-01-01

Full Text Available This article aims to simulate the sudden and fast pressure drop of VVER-1000 reactor core coolant, regarding acoustic phenomenon. It is used to acquire a more accurate method in order to simulate the various accidents of reactor core. Neutronic equations should be solved concurrently by means of DRAGON 4 and DONJON 4 coupling codes. The results of the developed package are compared with WIMS/CITATION and final safety analysis report of Bushehr VVER-1000 reactor (FSAR. Afterwards, time dependent thermal-hydraulic equations are answered by employing Single Heated Channel by Sectionalized Compressible Fluid method. Then, the obtained results were validated by the same transient simulation in a pressurized water reactor core. Then, thermal-hydraulic and neutronic modules are coupled concurrently by use of producing group constants regarding the thermal feedback effect. Results were compared to the mentioned transient simulation in RELAP5 computer code, which show that mass flux drop is sensed at the end of channel in several milliseconds which causes heat flux drop too. The thermal feedback resulted in production of some perturbations in the changes of these parameters. The achieved results for this very fast pressure drop represent accurate calculations of thermoneutronic parameters fast changes.

Device for preventing spontaneous repositioning of a control element of a nuclear reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maslenok, B.A.; Chegaj, A.S.; Slobin, W.G.; Mednickij, W.G.; Genkin, L.I.; Petritschenko, N.F.; Mitrofanow, B.I.

1976-01-01

The invention concerns the control element of a nuclear reactor. The vertical connecting rod is to be prevented from spontaneous repositioning if the pressurized housing which encloses the control element becomes leaky. It is proposed to provide spheres as wedging elements locking the connecting rod, but also allowing easy loosening. (UWI) [de

Calculation with MCNP of capture photon flux in VVER-1000 experimental reactor.

Science.gov (United States)

Töre, Candan; Ortego, Pedro

2005-01-01

The aim of this study is to obtain by Monte Carlo method the high energy photon flux due to neutron capture in the internals and vessel layers of the experimental reactor LR-0 located in REZ, Czech Republic, and loaded with VVER-1000 fuel. The calclated neutron, photon and photon to neutron flux ratio are compared with experimental measurements performed with a multi-parameter stilbene detector. The results show clear underestimation of photon flux in downcomer and some overestimation at vessel surface and 1/4 thickness but a good fitting for deeper points in vessel.

Radioactive release from VVER-1000 reactors after a terror attack

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sdouz, G.

2005-01-01

Full text: One of the terror scenarios for nuclear power plants is a severe damage of the reactor containment caused by a plane crash or a missile. Due to the loss of electric power the cooling of the core is not maintained leading to a core melt accident. Normally in the course of severe accidents an intact containment has the ability to retain a large part of the radioactive inventory. The goal of this work is the investigation of the behavior of the radioactive release from a VVER-1000-type reactor during a severe accident with a large containment leak from the beginning of the accident. The results are compared with the release in a severe accident via a very small leakage due to the untightness of the containment. This work supplements a series of studies investigating the behavior of a VVER-1000-type reactor during severe accidents under different accident management strategies. The focus in this study is on the 'station blackout'-sequence (or TMLB' in the WASH-1400 nomenclature). The calculations were performed using the Source Term Code Package (STCP), hydrogen explosions are not considered. Up to the melt-through of the cavity bottom the thermal-hydraulics phenomena are almost identical to the TMLB'-case with an intact containment from the beginning. The phenomena occur slightly delayed due to the large containment leak. When the core-concrete-interaction begins the resulting gases leave the containment through the large leak and do not cause a pressure increase. The containment pressure remains at ambient pressure. Due to the different behavior and to the different release times of the nuclides the deviations to the scenario with an intact containment show a great variety. From this comparison it can be shown that the intact containment retains the nuclides up to a factor of 6000. (author)

Delayed Neutron Fraction (beta-effective) Calculation for VVER 440 Reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hascik, J.; Michalek, S.; Farkas, G.; Slugen, V.

2008-01-01

Effective delayed neutron fraction (β eff ) is the main parameter in reactor dynamics. In the paper, its possible determination methods are summarized and a β eff calculation for a VVER 440 power reactor as well as for training reactor VR1 using stochastic transport Monte Carlo method based code MCNP5 is made. The uncertainties in determination of basic delayed neutron parameters lead to the unwished conservatism in the reactor control system design and operation. Therefore, the exact determination of the β eff value is the main requirement in the field of reactor dynamics. The interest in the delayed neutron data accuracy improvement started to increase at the end of 80-ties and the beginning of 90-ties, after discrepancies among the results of experiments and measurements what do you mean differences between different calculation approaches and experimental results. In consequence of difficulties in β eff experimental measurement, this value in exact state is determined by calculations. Subsequently, its reliability depends on the calculation method and the delayed neutron data used. An accurate estimate of β eff is essential for converting reactivity, as measured in dollars, to an absolute reactivity and/or to an absolute k eff . In the past, k eff has been traditionally calculated by taking the ratio of the adjoint- and spectrum-weighted delayed neutron production rate to the adjoint- and spectrum-weighted total neutron production rate. An alternative method has also been used in which β eff is calculated from simple k-eigenvalue solutions. The summary of the possible β eff determination methods can be found in this work and also a calculation of β eff first for the training reactor VR1 in one operation state and then for VVER 440 power reactor in two different operation states are made using the prompt method, by MCNP5 code.(author)

Multiple fuel rod gripper

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shields, E.P.

1987-01-01

An apparatus is described for gripping an array of rods comprising: (a) gripping members grippingly engageable with the rods, each of which has a hollow portion terminating in an open end for receiving the end of one of the rods; (b) a closing means for causing the hollow portion of each of the gripping members to apply substantially the same gripping force onto the end of its respective rod, including (i) a locking plate having a plurality of tapered holes registrable with the array of rods, wherein the exterior of each of the gripping members is tapered and nested within one of the tapered holes, (ii) a withdrawing means having a hydraulic plunger operatively connected to each of the gripping members for applying a substantially identical withdrawing force on each of the gripping members, whereby the hollow portion of each of the gripping members applies substantially the same gripping force on its respective rod, and (c) means for detecting whether each of the gripping members has grippingly engaged its respective rod

High-yield production of hydrophobins RodA and RodB from Aspergillus fumigatus in Pichia pastoris

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Pedersen, Mona Højgaard; Borodina, Irina; Moresco, Jacob Lange

2011-01-01

A as well as rRodB were able to convert a glass surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic similar to native RodA, but only rRodB was able to decrease the hydrophobicity of a Teflon-like surface to the same extent as native RodA, while rRodA showed this ability to a lesser extent. Recombinant RodA and native...

Cone dystrophy with "supernormal" rod ERG: psychophysical testing shows comparable rod and cone temporal sensitivity losses with no gain in rod function.

Science.gov (United States)

Stockman, Andrew; Henning, G Bruce; Michaelides, Michel; Moore, Anthony T; Webster, Andrew R; Cammack, Jocelyn; Ripamonti, Caterina

2014-02-10

We report a psychophysical investigation of 5 observers with the retinal disorder "cone dystrophy with supernormal rod ERG," caused by mutations in the gene KCNV2 that encodes a voltage-gated potassium channel found in rod and cone photoreceptors. We compared losses for rod- and for cone-mediated vision to further investigate the disorder and to assess whether the supernormal ERG is associated with any visual benefit. L-cone, S-cone, and rod temporal acuity (critical flicker fusion frequency) were measured as a function of target irradiance; L-cone temporal contrast sensitivity was measured as a function of temporal frequency. Temporal acuity measures revealed that losses for vision mediated by rods, S-cones, and L-cones are roughly equivalent. Further, the gain in rod function implied by the supernormal ERG provides no apparent benefit to near-threshold rod-mediated visual performance. The L-cone temporal contrast sensitivity function in affected observers was similar in shape to the mean normal function but only after the mean function was compressed by halving the logarithmic sensitivities. The name of this disorder is potentially misleading because the comparable losses found across rod and cone vision suggest that the disorder is a generalized cone-rod dystrophy. Temporal acuity and temporal contrast sensitivity measures are broadly consistent with the defect in the voltage-gated potassium channel producing a nonlinear distortion of the photoreceptor response but after otherwise normal transduction processes.

2-D FEM Simulation of Propagation and Radiation of Leaky Lamb Wave in a Plate-Type Ultrasonic Waveguide Sensor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Park, Sang-Jin; Kim, Hoe-Woong; Joo, Young-Sang; Kim, Sung-Kyun; Kim, Jong-Bum [KAERI, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2016-05-15

This paper introduces the 2-D FEM simulation of the propagation and radiation of the leaky Lamb wave in and from a plate-type ultrasonic waveguide sensor conducted for the radiation beam profile analysis. The FEM simulations are performed with three different excitation frequencies and the radiation beam profiles obtained from FEM simulations are compared with those obtained from corresponding experiments. This paper deals with the 2-D FEM simulation of the propagation and radiation of the leaky Lamb wave in and from a plate-type ultrasonic waveguide sensor conducted to analyze the radiation beam profiles. The radiation beam profile results obtained from the FEM simulation show good agreement with the ones obtained from the experiment. This result will be utilized to improve the performance of the developed waveguide sensor. The quality of the visualized image is mainly affected by beam profile characteristics of the leaky wave radiated from the waveguide sensor. However, the relationships between the radiation beam profile and many parameters of the waveguide sensor are not fully revealed yet. Therefore, further parametric studies are necessary to improve the performance of the sensor and the finite element method (FEM) is one of the most effective tools for the parametric study.

Assessment of In-vessel corium retention for VVER-440/V213

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matejovic, P.; Barnak, M.; Bachraty, M.; Berky, R.

2011-01-01

In-vessel corium retention (IVR) via external reactor vessel cooling (ERVC) has been recognised as a feasible and promising severe accident management strategy for VVER-440/V213 reactors. In general, the avoiding of boiling crisis on outer (cooled) RPV (reactor pressure vessel) surface is sufficient condition for preserving the RPV integrity. The crucial point of the proposed IVR concept for VVER-440/V213 is the narrow gap between elliptical lower head and thermal and biological shield. In the cold conditions the width of this gap is only about 2 cm and would be even lower in hot IVR conditions, when the reactor wall is subjected to large thermal gradients due to temperature difference between the hot inner surface (loaded by corium) and cold outer surface (which is cooled by water in flooded cavity). Sufficient gap should remain free for coolant flow for the success of the proposed IVR concept. Thus, realistic estimation of thermal load and corresponding deformations of reactor wall and their impact on gap width are of primarily importance. Two different approaches were used for the estimation of the thermal load: a conservative approach and a transient approach, both were computed with the ASTEC code. The structural analysis of RPV subjected to IVR load was performed using the finite element method (FEM) code ANSYS release 10.0. From the results obtained it follows, that even when the RPV is subjected to limiting loading conditions during severe accident, there should be sufficient gap width (∼ 1 cm) between RPV wall and thermal/biological shield for the coolant flow in natural circulation regime alongside the outer surface of the RPV wall

In vessel retention for VVER 1000 - Experimental work

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Batek, D.

2015-01-01

After Fukushima accident, the nuclear community realized that it is necessary to have strategy and solution for severe accident management. In Vessel Retention (IVR) of corium is an important strategy to mitigate the consequences of a severe accident. In this poster the author reviews the present status of experimental works made by UJV (Czech Republic) from 2012 until now, on the IVR strategy specifically applied for the VVER 1000 unit. The BESTH 1 experiment was prepared to test the behavior of the RPV (Reactor Pressure Vessel) surface under 2 configurations: clean and corroded. BESTH 2 experiment is a modification of BESTH 1 experiment in order to get greater thermal fluxes. The BESTH 3 facility is a large scale experiment that is under extensive design (2016-2017) whose main objective will be to investigate the results of vast analytical works made by experts with specialization of severe accident phenomenology

Department of Energy's team's analyses of Soviet designed VVERs (water-cooled water-moderated atomic energy reactors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1989-09-01

This document contains apprendices A through P of this report. Topics discussed are: a cronyms and technical terms, accident analyses reactivity control; Soviet safety regulations; radionuclide inventory; decay heat; operations and maintenance; steam supply system; concrete and concrete structures; seismicity; site information; neutronic parameters; loss of electric power; diesel generator reliability; Soviet codes and standards; and comparisons of PWR and VVER features. (FI)

Control rod drive for vertical movement

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Suskov, I.I.; Gorjunov, V.S.; Zajcev, B.I.; Derevjankin, N.E.; Petrov, V.A.; Istomin, S.D.; Kovalencik, D.I.; Archipov, E.A.; Serebrjakov, V.I.; Kacalin, V.S.

1982-01-01

The control of the rod repositioning gear unit and the control unit of the profile grab of the control rod drive for the alkali metal-cooled fast breeder reactor is achieved by an electromotor being arranged outside the hermetic drive casing. The guide tube is directly repositioned by the rod repositioning gear unit. Coupling control of the drive with the control rod is done in the lower operative position of the control rod and that because of the interaction of the tie rod arranged on the spring-mounted control rod with the induction transmitter for the lower position of the control rod. In the transfer position the rod is fixed within the guide tube. (orig.)

Safety rod driving device

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Murakami, Kiyonobu; Kurosaki, Akira.

1988-01-01

Purpose: To rapidly insert safety rods for a criticality experiment device into a reactor core container to stop the criticality reaction thereby prevent reactivity accidents. Constitution: A cylinder device having a safety rod as a cylinder rod attached with a piston at one end is constituted. The piston is elevated by pressurized air and attracted and fixed by an electromagnet which is a stationary device disposed at the upper portion of the cylinder. If the current supply to the electromagnet is disconnected, the safety rod constituting the cylinder rod is fallen together with the piston to the lower portion of the cylinder. Since the cylinder rod driving device has neither electrical motor nor driving screw as in the conventional device, necessary space can be reduced and the weight is decreased. In addition, since the inside of the nuclear reactor can easily be shielded completely from the external atmosphere, leakage of radioactive materials can be prevented. (Horiuchi, T.)

Directional Emission from Dielectric Leaky-Wave Nanoantennas

Science.gov (United States)

Peter, Manuel; Hildebrandt, Andre; Schlickriede, Christian; Gharib, Kimia; Zentgraf, Thomas; Förstner, Jens; Linden, Stefan

2017-07-01

An important source of innovation in nanophotonics is the idea to scale down known radio wave technologies to the optical regime. One thoroughly investigated example of this approach are metallic nanoantennas which employ plasmonic resonances to couple localized emitters to selected far-field modes. While metals can be treated as perfect conductors in the microwave regime, their response becomes Drude-like at optical frequencies. Thus, plasmonic nanoantennas are inherently lossy. Moreover, their resonant nature requires precise control of the antenna geometry. A promising way to circumvent these problems is the use of broadband nanoantennas made from low-loss dielectric materials. Here, we report on highly directional emission from active dielectric leaky-wave nanoantennas made of Hafnium dioxide. Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots deposited in the nanoantenna feed gap serve as a local light source. The emission patterns of active nanoantennas with different sizes are measured by Fourier imaging. We find for all antenna sizes a highly directional emission, underlining the broadband operation of our design.

Regulatory use the classification security systems of I and C in VVER type reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ilizastegui Perez, F.

1998-01-01

Presently work the author proposes a classification to the system I and C to the VVER 440 type reactor in categories the regulatory control with a view to establishing the degree to the attention that the regulator should pay to these systems, leaving the importance that have the same ones for the security the installation, during the execution the works that are carried out with this equipment in the stages construction, setting in service and exploitation

Testing device for control rod drives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hayakawa, Toshifumi.

1992-01-01

A testing device for control rod drives comprises a logic measuring means for measuring an output signal from a control rod drive logic generation circuit, a control means for judging the operation state of a control rod and a man machine interface means for outputting the result of the judgement. A driving instruction outputted from the control rod operation device is always monitored by the control means, and if the operation instruction is stopped, a testing signal is outputted to the control rod control device to simulate a control rod operation. In this case, the output signal of the control rod drive logic generation circuit is held in a control rod drive memory means and intaken into a logic analysis means for measurement and an abnormality is judged by the control means. The stopping of the control rod drive instruction is monitored and the operation abnormality of the control rod is judged, to mitigate the burden of an operator. Further, the operation of the control rod drive logic generation circuit can be confirmed even during a nuclear plant operation by holding the control rod drive instruction thereby enabling to improve maintenance efficiency. (N.H.)

Safety related investigations of the VVER-1000 reactor type by the coupled code system TRACE/PARCS

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jaeger, Wadim; Lischke, Wolfgang; Sanchez Espinoza, Victor Hugo

2007-01-01

This study was performed at the Institute of Reactor Safety at the Research Center Karlsruhe. It is embedded in the ongoing investigations of the international code application and maintenance program (CAMP) for qualification and validation of system codes like TRACE [1] and PARCS [2]. The predestinated reactor type for the validation of these two codes was the Russian designed VVER-1000 because the OECD/NEA VVER-1000 Coolant Transient Benchmark Phase 2 [3] includes detailed information of the Bulgarian nuclear power plant (NPP) Kozloduy unit 6. The posttest-investigations of a coolant mixing experiment have shown that the predicted parameters (coolant temperature, pressure drop, etc.) are in good agreement to the measured data. The coolant mixing pattern especially in the downcomer has been also reproduced quiet well by TRACE. The coupled code system TRACE/PARCS which was applied on a postulated main steam line break (MSLB) provides good results compared to reference values and the ones of other participants of the benchmark. It can be pointed out that the developed three-dimensional nodalisation of the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) is appropriate for the description of transients where the thermal-hydraulics and the neutronics are strongly linked. (author)

Leaky electronic states for photovoltaic photodetectors based on asymmetric superlattices

Science.gov (United States)

Penello, Germano Maioli; Pereira, Pedro Henrique; Pires, Mauricio Pamplona; Sivco, Deborah; Gmachl, Claire; Souza, Patricia Lustoza

2018-01-01

The concept of leaky electronic states in the continuum is used to achieve room temperature operation of photovoltaic superlattice infrared photodetectors. A structural asymmetric InGaAs/InAlAs potential profile is designed to create states in the continuum with the preferential direction for electron extraction and, consequently, to obtain photovoltaic operation at room temperature. Due to the photovoltaic operation and virtual increase in the bandoffset, the device presents both low dark current and low noise. The Johnson noise limited specific detectivity reaches values as high as 1.4 × 1011 Jones at 80 K. At 300 K, the detectivity obtained is 7.0 × 105 Jones.

Investigation of reliability of EC method for inspection of VVER steam generator tubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Corak, Z.

2004-01-01

Complete and accurate non-destructive examinations (NDE) data provides the basis for performing mitigating actions and corrective repairs. It is important that detection and characterization of flaws are done properly at an early stage. EPRI Document PWR Steam Generator Examination Guidelines recommends an approach that is intended to provide the following: Ensure accurate assessment of steam generator tube integrity; Extend the reliable, cost effective, operating life of the steam generators, and Maximize the availability of the unit. Steam Generator Eddy Current Data Analysis Performance Demonstration represents the culmination of the intense two-year industry effort in the development of a performance demonstration program for eddy current testing (ECT) of steam generator tubing. It is referred to as the Industry Database (IDB) and provides a capability for individual organizations to implement SG ECT performance demonstration programs in accordance with the requirements specified in Appendices G and H of the ISI Guidelines. The Appendix G of EPRI Document PWR Steam Generator Examination Guidelines specifies personnel training and qualification requirements for NDE personnel who analyze NDE data for PWR steam generator tubing. Its purpose is to insure a continuing uniform knowledge base and skill level for data analysis. The European methodology document is intended to provide a general framework for development of qualifications for the inspection of specific components to ensure they are developed in a consistent way throughout Europe while still allowing qualification to be tailored in detail to meet different nation requirements. In the European methodology document one will not find a detailed description of how the inspection of a specific component should be qualified. A recommended practice is a document produced by ENIQ to support the production of detailed qualification procedures by individual countries. VVER SG tubes are inspected by EC method but a

Carrying BioMath education in a Leaky Bucket.

Science.gov (United States)

Powell, James A; Kohler, Brynja R; Haefner, James W; Bodily, Janice

2012-09-01

In this paper, we describe a project-based mathematical lab implemented in our Applied Mathematics in Biology course. The Leaky Bucket Lab allows students to parameterize and test Torricelli's law and develop and compare their own alternative models to describe the dynamics of water draining from perforated containers. In the context of this lab students build facility in a variety of applied biomathematical tools and gain confidence in applying these tools in data-driven environments. We survey analytic approaches developed by students to illustrate the creativity this encourages as well as prepare other instructors to scaffold the student learning experience. Pedagogical results based on classroom videography support the notion that the Biology-Applied Math Instructional Model, the teaching framework encompassing the lab, is effective in encouraging and maintaining high-level cognition among students. Research-based pedagogical approaches that support the lab are discussed.

Performance of a Planar Leaky-Wave Slit Antenna for Different Values of Substrate Thickness

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Niamat Hussain

2017-10-01

Full Text Available This paper presents the performance of a planar, low-profile, and wide-gain-bandwidth leaky-wave slit antenna in different thickness values of high-permittivity gallium arsenide substrates at terahertz frequencies. The proposed antenna designs consisted of a periodic array of 5 × 5 metallic square patches and a planar feeding structure. The patch array was printed on the top side of the substrate, and the feeding structure, which is an open-ended leaky-wave slot line, was etched on the bottom side of the substrate. The antenna performed as a Fabry-Perot cavity antenna at high thickness levels (H = 160 μm and H = 80 μm, thus exhibiting high gain but a narrow gain bandwidth. At low thickness levels (H = 40 μm and H = 20 μm, it performed as a metasurface antenna and showed wide-gain-bandwidth characteristics with a low gain value. Aside from the advantage of achieving useful characteristics for different antennas by just changing the substrate thickness, the proposed antenna design exhibited a low profile, easy integration into circuit boards, and excellent low-cost mass production suitability.

CFD Analysis of a Slug Mixing Experiment Conducted on a VVER-1000 Model

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

F. Moretti

2009-01-01

Full Text Available A commercial CFD code was applied, for validation purposes, to the simulation of a slug mixing experiment carried out at OKB “Gidropress” scaled facility in the framework of EC TACIS project R2.02/02: “Development of safety analysis capabilities for VVER-1000 transients involving spatial variations of coolant properties (temperature or boron concentration at core inlet.” Such experimental model reproduces a VVER-1000 nuclear reactor and is aimed at investigating the in-vessel mixing phenomena. The addressed experiment involves the start-up of one of the four reactor coolant pumps (the other three remaining idle, and the presence of a tracer slug on the starting loop, which is thus transported to the reactor pressure vessel where it mixes with the clear water. Such conditions may occur in a boron dilution scenario, hence the relevance of the addressed phenomena for nuclear reactor safety. Both a pretest and a posttest CFD simulations of the mentioned experiment were performed, which differ in the definition of the boundary conditions (based either on nominal quantities or on measured quantities, resp.. The numerical results are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed and compared against the measured data in terms of space and time tracer distribution at the core inlet. The improvement of the results due to the optimization of the boundary conditions is evidenced, and a quantification of the simulation accuracy is proposed.

Failed fuel rod detector

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Uchida, Katsuya; Matsuda, Yasuhiko

1984-05-02

The purpose of the project is to enable failed fuel rod detection simply with no requirement for dismantling the fuel assembly. A gamma-ray detection section is arranged so as to attend on the optional fuel rods in the fuel assembly. The fuel assembly is adapted such that a gamma-ray shielding plate is detachably inserted into optional gaps of the fuel rods or, alternatively, the fuel assembly can detachably be inserted to the gamma-ray shielding plate. In this way, amount of gaseous fission products accumulated in all of the plenum portions in the fuel rods as the object of the measurement can be determined without dismantling the fuel assembly. Accordingly, by comparing the amounts of the gaseous fission products, the failed fuel rod can be detected.

RodPilotR - The Innovative and Cost-Effective Digital Control Rod Drive Control System for PWRs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baron, Clemens

2008-01-01

With RodPilot, AREVA NP offers an innovative and cost-effective system for controlling control rods in Pressurized Water Reactors. RodPilot controls the three operating coils of the control rod drive mechanism (lift, moveable gripper and stationary gripper coil). The rods are inserted into or withdrawn from the core as required by the Reactor Control System. The system combines modern components, state-of-the-art logic and a proven electronic control rod drive control principle to provide enhanced reliability and lower maintenance costs. (author)

Integrated control rod monitoring device

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saito, Katsuhiro

1997-01-01

The present invention provides a device in which an entire control rod driving time measuring device and a control rod position support device in a reactor building and a central control chamber are integrated systematically to save hardwares such as a signal input/output device and signal cables between boards. Namely, (1) functions of the entire control rod driving time measuring device for monitoring control rods which control the reactor power and a control rod position indication device are integrated into one identical system. Then, the entire devices can be made compact by the integration of the functions. (2) The functions of the entire control rod driving time measuring device and the control rod position indication device are integrated in a central operation board and a board in the site. Then, the place for the installation of them can be used in common in any of the cases. (3) The functions of the entire control rod driving time measuring device and the control rod position indication device are integrated to one identical system to save hardware to be used. Then, signal input/output devices and drift branching panel boards in the site and the central operation board can be saved, and cables for connecting both of the boards is no more necessary. (I.S.)

Rod drive and latching mechanism

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Veronesi, L.; Sherwood, D.G.

1982-01-01

Hydraulic drive and latching mechanisms for driving reactivity control mechanisms in nuclear reactors are described. Preferably, the pressurized reactor coolant is utilized to raise the drive rod into contact with and to pivot the latching mechanism so as to allow the drive rod to pass the latching mechanism. The pressure in the housing may then be equalized which allows the drive rod to move downwardly into contact with the latching mechanism but to hold the shaft in a raised position with respect to the reactor core. Once again, the reactor coolant pressure may be utilized to raise the drive rod and thus pivot the latching mechanism so that the drive rod passes above the latching mechanism. Again, the mechanism pressure can be equalized which allows the drive rod to fall and pass by the latching mechanism so that the drive rod approaches the reactor core. (author)

Control rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koga, Isao; Masuoka, Ryuzo.

1979-01-01

Purpose: To prevent fuel element failures during power conditioning by removing liquid absorbents in poison tubes of control rods in a fast power up step and extracting control rods to slightly increase power in a medium power up step. Constitution: A plurality of poison tubes are disposed in a coaxial or plate-like arrangement and divided into a region capable of compensating the reactivity from the initial state at low temperature to 40% power operation and a region capable of compensating the reactivity in the power up above 40% power operation. Soluble poisons are used as absorbers in the poison tubes corresponding to above 40% power operation and they are adapted to be removed independently from the driving of control rods. The poison tubes filled with the soluble absorbers are responsible for the changes in the reactivity from the initial state at low temperature to the medium power region and the reactivity control is conducted by the elimination of liquid absorbers from the poison tubes. In the succeeding slight power up region above the medium power, power up is proceeding by extracting the control rods having remaining poison tubes filled with solid or liquid absorbers. (Seki, T.)

Simulation of nuclear fuel rods by using process computer-controlled power for indirect electrically heated rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Malang, S.

1975-11-01

An investigation was carried out to determine how the simulation of nuclear fuel rods with indirect electrically heated rods could be improved by use of a computer to control the electrical power during a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA). To aid in the experiment, a new version of the HETRAP code was developed which simulates a LOCA with heater rod power controlled by a computer that adjusts rod power during a blowdown to minimize the difference in heat flux of the fuel and heater rods. Results show that without computer control of heater rod power, only the part of a blowdown up to the time when the heat transfer mode changes from nucleate boiling to transition or film boiling can be simulated well and then only for short times. With computer control, the surface heat flux and temperature of an electrically heated rod can be made nearly identical to that of a reactor fuel rod with the same cooling conditions during much of the LOCA. A small process control computer can be used to achieve close simulation of a nuclear fuel rod with an indirect electrically heated rod

Ukrainian Nuclear Society International Conference 'Modernization of the NPP with VVER reactor' (abstracts)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bar'yakhtar, V.G.

1999-01-01

Abstracts of the papers presented at International conference of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society 'Modernization of the NPP with VVER reactor'. The following problems are considered: improving the NPP's safety and reliability; reactor modernization, the lifetime prolongation; increasing of the reactor operating characteristics; methods of capacity factor increasing: refueling control, maintenance control; technical and economical aspects of NPP modernization; modernization of the automated control system of the fuel process at the NPP's; technical features and methods for the continued radiation and technology control at the NPP's; training, increasing the staff qualification and NPP modernization

Fuel rod technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bezold, H.; Romeiser, H.J.

1979-07-01

By extensive mechanization and automation of the fuel rod production, also at increasing production numbers, an efficient production shall be secured, simultaneously corresponding to the high quality standard of the fuel rods. The works done up to now concentrated on the lay out of a rough concept for a mechanized production course. Detail-studies were made for the problems of fuel rod humidity, filling and resistance welding. Further promotion of this project and thus further report will be stopped, since the main point of these works is the production technique. (orig.) [de

Neutronic study of nanofluids application to VVER-1000

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hadad, K., E-mail: hadad@email.arizona.ed [School of Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz 7134554115 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 (United States); Hajizadeh, A.; Jafarpour, K. [School of Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz 7134554115 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Ganapol, B.D. [Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 (United States)

2010-11-15

The change in neutronic parameters of the VVER-1000 nuclear reactor core attributable to the use of nanoparticle/water (nanofluid) as coolant is presented in this paper. Optimization of type and volume fraction of nanoparticles in water that affect the safety enhancement of core primary parameters is intended in this study. Reactivity change, radial and axial local peaking factors (LPPF), and the consequence of nanoparticle deposition on fuel clad are investigated. We considered five nanoparticles which have been studied extensively for their heat transfer properties including Alumina, Aluminum, Copper oxide, Copper and Zirconia. The results of our study show that at low concentration (0.001 volume fraction) Alumina is optimum nanoparticle for normal operation. The maximum radial and axial LPPF were found to be invariant to the type of nanofluid at low volume fractions. With an increase in nanoparticle deposition thickness on fuel clad, a flux and K{sub eff} depression occurs and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} has the lowest rate of drop off.

Model of nuclear reactor type VVER-1000/V-320 built by computer code ATHLET-CD

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Georgiev, Yoto; Filipov, Kalin; Velev, Vladimir

2014-01-01

A model of nuclear reactor type VVER-1000 V-320 developed for computer code ATHLET-CD2.1A is presented. Validation of the has been made, in the analysis of the station blackout scenario with LOCA on fourth cold leg is shown. As the calculation has been completed, the results are checked through comparison with the results from the computer codes ATHLET-2.1A, ASTEC-2.1 and RELAP5mod3.2

Flexible or leaky attention in creative people? Distinct patterns of attention for different types of creative thinking.

Science.gov (United States)

Zabelina, Darya; Saporta, Arielle; Beeman, Mark

2016-04-01

Creativity has been putatively linked to distinct forms of attention, but which aspects of creativity and which components of attention remains unclear. Two experiments examined how divergent thinking and creative achievement relate to visual attention. In both experiments, participants identified target letters (S or H) within hierarchical stimuli (global letters made of local letters), after being cued to either the local or global level. In Experiment 1, participants identified the targets more quickly following valid cues (80% of trials) than following invalid cues. However, this smaller validity effect was associated with higher divergent thinking, suggesting that divergent thinking was related to quicker overcoming of invalid cues, and thus to flexible attention. Creative achievement was unrelated to the validity effect. Experiment 2 examined whether divergent thinking (or creative achievement) is related to "leaky attention," so that when cued to one level of a stimulus, some information is still processed, or leaks in, from the non-cued level. In this case, the cued stimulus level always contained a target, and the non-cued level was congruent, neutral, or incongruent with the target. Divergent thinking did not relate to stimulus congruency. In contrast, high creative achievement was related to quicker responses to the congruent than to the incongruent stimuli, suggesting that real-world creative achievement is indeed associated with leaky attention, whereas standard laboratory tests of divergent thinking are not. Together, these results elucidate distinct patterns of attention for different measures of creativity. Specifically, creative achievers may have leaky attention, as suggested by previous literature, whereas divergent thinkers have selective yet flexible attention.

Digital control rod blocking monitor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Funayama, Yoshio.

1996-01-01

The present invention system is used for monitoring of a power region of a reactor, and used for monitoring of simultaneous withdrawal of a plurality of control rods without increasing the size or complicating the system. Namely, the system processes signals from a neutron flux detectors at the periphery of control rods controlled for withdrawal. As a result of the processing, the digital monitoring system generates an alarm when the reactor power at the periphery of the control rods fluctuates exceeding an allowable range. In the system, a control rod information forming means prepares frame data comprising front data, positions of the control rods to be withdrawn, frame numbers and completion data. A serial data transmitting means transmits the frame data successively as repeating frame data rows. A control rod information receiving means takes up the frame data of each of control rods to be withdrawn from the transmitted frame data rows. Since the system of the present invention can monitor the withdrawal of a plurality of control rods simultaneously without increasing the size or complicating the system, cost can be saved and the maintenance can be improved. (I.S.)

The Gamma renewal process as an output of the diffusion leaky integrate-and-fire neuronal model

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Lánský, Petr; Sacerdote, L.; Zucca, C.

2016-01-01

Roč. 110, 2-3 (2016), s. 193-200 ISSN 0340-1200 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA15-08066S Institutional support: RVO:67985823 Keywords : first-passage-time problem * leaky integrate-and-fire * Stein's neuronal model Subject RIV: BD - Theory of Information Impact factor: 1.716, year: 2016

The BWR Hybrid 4 control rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gross, H.; Fuchs, H.P.; Lippert, H.J.; Dambietz, W.

1988-01-01

The service life of BWR control rods designed in the past has been unsatisfactory. The main reason was irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracking of B 4 C rods caused by external swelling of the B 4 C powder. By this reason KWU developed an improved BWR control rod (Hybrid 4 control rod) with extended service life and increased control rod worth. It also allows the procedure for replacing and rearranging fuel assemblies to be considerably simplified. A complete set of Hydbrid 4 control rods is expected to last throughout the service life of a plant (assumption: ca. 40 years) if an appropriate control rod reshuffling management program is used. (orig.)

Burnable poison rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Natsume, Tomohiro.

1988-01-01

Purpose: To decrease the effect of water elimination and the effect of burn-up residue boron, thereby reduce the effect of burnable poison rods as the neutron poisons at the final stage of reactor core lifetime. Constitution: In a burnable poison rod according to the present invention, a hollow burnable poison material is filled in an external fuel can, an inner fuel can mounted with a carbon rod is inserted to the hollow portion of the burnable poison material and helium gases are charged in the outer fuel can. In such a burnable poison rod, the reactivity worths after the burning are reduced to one-half as compared with the conventional case. Accordingly, since the effect of the burnable poison as the neutron poisons is reduced at the final stage of the reactor core of lifetime, the excess reactivity of the reactor core is increased. (Horiuchi, T.)

Entropic lattice Boltzmann model for charged leaky dielectric multiphase fluids in electrified jets.

Science.gov (United States)

Lauricella, Marco; Melchionna, Simone; Montessori, Andrea; Pisignano, Dario; Pontrelli, Giuseppe; Succi, Sauro

2018-03-01

We present a lattice Boltzmann model for charged leaky dielectric multiphase fluids in the context of electrified jet simulations, which are of interest for a number of production technologies including electrospinning. The role of nonlinear rheology on the dynamics of electrified jets is considered by exploiting the Carreau model for pseudoplastic fluids. We report exploratory simulations of charged droplets at rest and under a constant electric field, and we provide results for charged jet formation under electrospinning conditions.

Biomechanics of lumbar cortical screw-rod fixation versus pedicle screw-rod fixation with and without interbody support.

Science.gov (United States)

Perez-Orribo, Luis; Kalb, Samuel; Reyes, Phillip M; Chang, Steve W; Crawford, Neil R

2013-04-15

Seven different combinations of posterior screw fixation, with or without interbody support, were compared in vitro using nondestructive flexibility tests. To study the biomechanical behavior of a new cortical screw (CS) fixation construct relative to the traditional pedicle screw (PS) construct. The CS is an alternative to the PS for posterior fixation of the lumbar spine. The CS trajectory is more sagittally and cranially oriented than the PS, being anchored in the pars interarticularis. Like PS fixation, CS fixation uses interconnecting rods fastened with top-locking connectors. Stability after bilateral CS fixation was compared with stability after bilateral PS fixation in the setting of intact disc and with direct lateral interbody fixation (DLIF) or transforaminal lateral interbody fixation (TLIF) support. Standard nondestructive flexibility tests were performed in cadaveric lumbar specimens, allowing non-paired comparisons of specific conditions from 28 specimens (4 groups of 7) within a larger experiment of multiple hardware configurations. Condition tested and group from which results originated were as follows: (1) intact (all groups); (2) with L3-L4 bilateral PS-rods (group 1); (3) with bilateral CS-rods (group 2); (4) with DLIF (group 3); (5) with DLIF + CS-rods (group 4); (6) with DLIF + PS-rods (group 3); (7) with TLIF + CS-rods (group 2), and (8) with TLIF + PS-rods (group 2). To assess spinal stability, the mean range of motion, lax zone, and stiff zone at L3-L4 were compared during flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. With intact disc, stability was equivalent after PS-rod and CS-rod fixation, except that PS-rod fixation was stiffer during axial rotation. With DLIF support, there was no significant difference in stability between PS-rod and CS-rod fixation. With TLIF support, PS-rod fixation was stiffer than CS-rod fixation during lateral bending. Bilateral CS-rod fixation provided about the same stability in cadaveric specimens

Freely suspended rod fall dampener, especially for control rod of liquid-cooled nuclear reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Becvar, J.; Saroch, V.

1977-01-01

A shock absorber is described whose advantage is that the space required for the movement of the shock absorber in the operating travel of the system suspension rod-control rod bundle may be reduced. The design allows the automatic disconnection of the system and the removal of the suspension rod from the reactor without dismantling. The braking force reaction is transmitted to the structure above the core. The system fall energy is absorbed on the side of the suspension rod which has a bigger mass. (J.B.)

RodPilot{sup R} - The Innovative and Cost-Effective Digital Control Rod Drive Control System for PWRs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Baron, Clemens [AREVA NP GmbH, NLEE-G, Postfach 1199, 91001 Erlangen (Germany)

2008-07-01

With RodPilot, AREVA NP offers an innovative and cost-effective system for controlling control rods in Pressurized Water Reactors. RodPilot controls the three operating coils of the control rod drive mechanism (lift, moveable gripper and stationary gripper coil). The rods are inserted into or withdrawn from the core as required by the Reactor Control System. The system combines modern components, state-of-the-art logic and a proven electronic control rod drive control principle to provide enhanced reliability and lower maintenance costs. (author)

Plasma, a plant safety monitoring and assessment system for VVER-440 reactors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hornaes, A.; Hulsund, J. E. [Institutt for energiteknikk (IFE), OECD Halden Reactor Project, Halden (Norway); Lipcsei, S.; Major, Cs.; Racz, A.; Vegh, J. [KFKI, Atomic Energy Research Institute, Budapest (Hungary); Eiler, J. [Paks, Nuclear Power Plant Ltd, Paks (Hungary)

1999-05-15

The objective with the Plant Safety Monitoring and Assessment System (PLASMA) is to develop an operator support system to support the execution of new symptom-based Emergency Operating Procedures for application in VVER reactors, with the Paks NPP in Hungary as the target plant. Many of the VVER reactors are rewriting their EOPs to comply more with Western standards of symptom-based EOPs. In this connection it is desirable to improve the data validation, information integration and presentation for operators when executing the EOPs. The entry-point to a symptom-oriented procedure is defined by the occurrence of a well-defined reactor operation status, with all its symptoms. However, the application of the EOF benefits from an operator support system, which performs plant status and symptom identification reliably and accurately. The development of the PLASMA system is a joint venture between Institutt for energiteknikk (IFE) and KFKI with the NPP Paks as the target plant. The project has been initiated and partly funded by the Science and Technology Agency (STA), Japan through the OECD NEA assistance program. In Hungary, considerable effort has concentrated on the safety reassessment of the Paks NPP and new EOPs are being written, but no comprehensive Operator Support System (OSS) for plant safety assessment is installed. Some safety parameter display functions are incorporated into diverse operator support systems, but an online 'plant safety monitoring and assessment system' is still missing. The present project comprises designing, constructing, testing and installing such an OSS, which to a great extent could support plant operators in their safety assessment work (author) (ml)

High energy pipe line break postulations and their mitigation - examples for VVER nuclear power plants

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zdarek, J.; Pecinka, L.; Kadecka, P.; Dotrel, J. [Nuclear Res. Inst., Rez (Czech Republic)

1998-11-01

The concept and the proposals for the protection and reinforcement of equipment against the effects of postulated rupture of the high-energy piping, in VVER Plant, are presented. The most recent version of the US NRC Guidelines has been used. The development of the legislation, the basic approach and selection of criteria for the assessment of the rupture of high energy piping, provide the basis for the application of the separation concept in the overall safety philosophy. (orig.)

High energy pipe line break postulations and their mitigation - examples for VVER nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zdarek, J.; Pecinka, L.; Kadecka, P.; Dotrel, J.

1998-01-01

The concept and the proposals for the protection and reinforcement of equipment against the effects of postulated rupture of the high-energy piping, in VVER Plant, are presented. The most recent version of the US NRC Guidelines has been used. The development of the legislation, the basic approach and selection of criteria for the assessment of the rupture of high energy piping, provide the basis for the application of the separation concept in the overall safety philosophy. (orig.)

The effect of the volumetric heat source distribution of the fuel pellet on the minimum DNBR ratio

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hordosy, G.; Kereszturi, A.; Maroti, L.; Trosztel, I.

1995-01-01

The radial power distribution in a VVER-440 type fuel assembly is strongly non-uniform as a result of the water-gap between the shrouds and the moderator filled central tube. Consequently, it can be expected that the power density inside a single fuel rod is inhomogeneous, as well. In the paper the methodology and the results of coupled thermohydraulic and neutronic calculations are presented. The objective of the analysis was the investigation of the heat source distribution and the determination of the possible extent of the power non-uniformity in a corner rod which has always the highest peaking factor in a VVER-440 type assembly. The results of the analysis revealed that there can be a strong non-uniformity of power distribution inside a fuel pellet, and the effect depends first of all on the general assembly conditions, while the local subchannel parameters have only a slight influence on the pellet heat source distribution. (author)

Studies on the assessment and validation of reactor dynamics models used in Finland

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vanttola, T.

1993-10-01

Two reactor dynamics related computer codes of the calculation system at the Technical Research Centre of Finland have been assessed. The codes TRAB and SMATRA, have been examined from two points of view. First, models of some critical phenomena determining the worst fuel rod conditions during reactor transients have been evaluated on the basis of experimental information. Second, the the overall behaviour of the codes describing the dynamics of the reactor core and its cooling system has been studied on the basis of simulation of real transients and of performed safety analyses of selected accidents. The emphasis is on the VVER-440 reactors, but the generality of the methods has been demonstrated by showing that the key phenomena of the Chernobyl accident can be reproduced and analysed using the same calculation system. In the study the separate phenomena examined are single- and two-phase friction, post DNB heat transfer and critical heat flux in the VVER rod bundle. (60 refs., 11 figs., 4 tabs.)

Results of international standard problem No. 36 severe fuel damage experiment of a VVER fuel bundle

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Firnhaber, M. [Gesellschaft fuer Anlagen-und Reaktorsicherheit, Koeln (Germany); Yegorova, L. [Nuclear Safety Institute of Russian Research Center, Moscow (Russian Federation); Brockmeier, U. [Ruhr-Univ. of Bochum (Germany)] [and others

1995-09-01

International Standard Problems (ISP) organized by the OECD are defined as comparative exercises in which predictions with different computer codes for a given physical problem are compared with each other and with a carefully controlled experimental study. The main goal of ISP is to increase confidence in the validity and accuracy of analytical tools used in assessing the safety of nuclear installations. In addition, it enables the code user to gain experience and to improve his competence. This paper presents the results and assessment of ISP No. 36, which deals with the early core degradation phase during an unmitigated severe LWR accident in a Russian type VVER. Representatives of 17 organizations participated in the ISP using the codes ATHLET-CD, ICARE2, KESS-III, MELCOR, SCDAP/RELAP5 and RAPTA. Some participants performed several calculations with different codes. As experimental basis the severe fuel damage experiment CORA-W2 was selected. The main phenomena investigated are thermal behavior of fuel rods, onset of temperature escalation, material behavior and hydrogen generation. In general, the calculations give the right tendency of the experimental results for the thermal behavior, the hydrogen generation and, partly, for the material behavior. However, some calculations deviate in important quantities - e.g. some material behavior data - showing remarkable discrepancies between each other and from the experiments. The temperature history of the bundle up to the beginning of significant oxidation was calculated quite well. Deviations seem to be related to the overall heat balance. Since the material behavior of the bundle is to a great extent influenced by the cladding failure criteria a more realistic cladding failure model should be developed at least for the detailed, mechanistic codes. Regarding the material behavior and flow blockage some models for the material interaction as well as for relocation and refreezing requires further improvement.

Results of activities at the upgraded inspection and repair facility in Temelin NPP

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Samojlov, O.B.; Romanov, A.I.; Sholin, E.V.; Molchanov, V.L.

2010-01-01

Based on a contract signed between JSC TVEL and CEZ a.s., JSC TVEL provided additional equipment for the VVantage6 FA inspection and repair facility at the Temelin NPP to switch to TVSA-T inspection and repair. JSC TVEL analyzed the equipment (modules) of the Temelin NPP inspection and repair facility with focus on the compatibility of the current facility design and modules with the TVSA-T design. Based on the analysis, a set of modules and systems was identified, which were developed and manufactured or upgraded to ensure TVSA-T inspection and repair in the Temelin NPP facility. The set of modules and systems for TVSA-T inspection and repair included: (i) A guide to point the FA headpiece manipulator at the guide thimbles and to point the Cladding Integrity Monitoring (CIM) manipulator (which is part of the CIM System) at the upper end plugs; (ii) A guide grip to install the guide on the facility workstation table; (iii) An FA headpiece manipulator to detach, remove, install and attach the TVSA-T headpiece; (iv) A jig to point the upgraded fuel rod extraction tool at the upper end plug of the extracted fuel rod; (v) A colette and a locking tube to extract a fuel rod and install a displacer using the fuel rod extraction tool, which is part of the Temelin facility; (vi) A CIM system to detect leaky fuel rods. Pictures of the modules and of the fuel rod extraction tools are displayed, and the CIM system is described. The principle to detect leaky fuel rods is explained. In 2010, TVSA-T mockup repair tests were conducted in the Temelin NPP facility using earlier manufactured modules and systems. The following operations were performed during the tests: detaching and removal of the TVSA-T headpiece; detection of leaky fuel rod mockups; extraction of the fuel rod mockup and installation of the displacer in its place; installation and attaching of the TVSA-T headpiece. The installation of the following 2 TV systems is planned for 2011: a color non

Control-rod driving mechanism

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jodoi, Takashi.

1976-01-01

Purpose: To prevent falling of control rods due to malfunction. Constitution: The device of the present invention has a scram function in particular, and uses principally a fluid pressure as a scram accelerating means. The control rod is held by upper and lower holding devices, which are connected by a connecting mechanism. This connecting mechanism is designed to be detachable only at the lower limit of driving stroke of the control rod so that there occurs no erroneous scram resulting from careless disconnection of the connecting mechanism. Further, scramming operation due to own weight of the scram operating portion such as control rod driving shaft may be effected to increase freedom. (Kamimura, M.)

REACTOR CONTROL ROD OPERATING SYSTEM

Science.gov (United States)

Miller, G.

1961-12-12

A nuclear reactor control rod mechanism is designed which mechanically moves the control rods into and out of the core under normal conditions but rapidly forces the control rods into the core by catapultic action in the event of an emergency. (AEC)

Application of the thermal-hydraulic codes in VVER-440 steam generators modelling

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Matejovic, P.; Vranca, L.; Vaclav, E. [Nuclear Power Plant Research Inst. VUJE (Slovakia)

1995-12-31

Performances with the CATHARE2 V1.3U and RELAP5/MOD3.0 application to the VVER-440 SG modelling during normal conditions and during transient with secondary water lowering are described. Similar recirculation model was chosen for both codes. In the CATHARE calculation, no special measures were taken with the aim to optimize artificially flow rate distribution coefficients for the junction between SG riser and steam dome. Contrary to RELAP code, the CATHARE code is able to predict reasonable the secondary swell level in nominal conditions. Both codes are able to model properly natural phase separation on the SG water level. 6 refs.

Application of the thermal-hydraulic codes in VVER-440 steam generators modelling

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Matejovic, P; Vranca, L; Vaclav, E [Nuclear Power Plant Research Inst. VUJE (Slovakia)

1996-12-31

Performances with the CATHARE2 V1.3U and RELAP5/MOD3.0 application to the VVER-440 SG modelling during normal conditions and during transient with secondary water lowering are described. Similar recirculation model was chosen for both codes. In the CATHARE calculation, no special measures were taken with the aim to optimize artificially flow rate distribution coefficients for the junction between SG riser and steam dome. Contrary to RELAP code, the CATHARE code is able to predict reasonable the secondary swell level in nominal conditions. Both codes are able to model properly natural phase separation on the SG water level. 6 refs.

Non-leaky modes and bandgaps of surface acoustic waves in wrinkled stiff-film/compliant-substrate bilayers

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Guo-Yang; Xu, Guoqiang; Zheng, Yang; Cao, Yanping

2018-03-01

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices have found a wide variety of technical applications, including SAW filters, SAW resonators, microfluidic actuators, biosensors, flow measurement devices, and seismic wave shields. Stretchable/flexible electronic devices, such as sensory skins for robotics, structural health monitors, and wearable communication devices, have received considerable attention across different disciplines. Flexible SAW devices are essential building blocks for these applications, wherein piezoelectric films may need to be integrated with the compliant substrates. When piezoelectric films are much stiffer than soft substrates, SAWs are usually leaky and the devices incorporating them suffer from acoustic losses. In this study, the propagation of SAWs in a wrinkled bilayer system is investigated, and our analysis shows that non-leaky modes can be achieved by engineering stress patterns through surface wrinkles in the system. Our analysis also uncovers intriguing bandgaps (BGs) related to the SAWs in a wrinkled bilayer system; these are caused by periodic deformation patterns, which indicate that diverse wrinkling patterns could be used as metasurfaces for controlling the propagation of SAWs.

Leaky vaccines protect highly exposed recipients at a lower rate: implications for vaccine efficacy estimation and sieve analysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Edlefsen, Paul T

2014-01-01

"Leaky" vaccines are those for which vaccine-induced protection reduces infection rates on a per-exposure basis, as opposed to "all-or-none" vaccines, which reduce infection rates to zero for some fraction of subjects, independent of the number of exposures. Leaky vaccines therefore protect subjects with fewer exposures at a higher effective rate than subjects with more exposures. This simple observation has serious implications for analysis methodologies that rely on the assumption that the vaccine effect is homogeneous across subjects. We argue and show through examples that this heterogeneous vaccine effect leads to a violation of the proportional hazards assumption, to incomparability of infected cases across treatment groups, and to nonindependence of the distributions of the competing failure processes in a competing risks setting. We discuss implications for vaccine efficacy estimation, correlates of protection analysis, and mark-specific efficacy analysis (also known as sieve analysis).

Control rod velocity limiter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cearley, J.E.; Carruth, J.C.; Dixon, R.C.; Spencer, S.S.; Zuloaga, J.A. Jr.

1986-01-01

This patent describes a velocity control arrangement for a reciprocable, vertically oriented control rod for use in a nuclear reactor in a fluid medium, the control rod including a drive hub secured to and extending from one end therefrom. The control device comprises: a toroidally shaped control member spaced from and coaxially positioned around the hub and secured thereto by a plurality of spaced radial webs thereby providing an annular passage for fluid intermediate the hub and the toroidal member spaced therefrom in coaxial position. The side of the control member toward the control rod has a smooth generally conical surface. The side of the control member away from the control rod is formed with a concave surface constituting a single annular groove. The device also comprises inner and outer annular vanes radially spaced from one another and spaced from the side of the control member away from the control rod and positioned coaxially around and spaced from the hub and secured thereto by spaced radial webs thereby providing an annular passage for fluid intermediate the hub and the vanes. The vanes are angled toward the control member, the outer edge of the inner vane being closer to the control member and the inner edge of the outer vane being closer to the control member. When the control rod moves in the fluid in the direction toward the drive hub the vanes direct a flow of fluid turbulence which provides greater resistance to movement of the control rod in the direction toward the drive hub than in the other direction

Control rod position control device

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ubukata, Shinji.

1997-01-01

The present invention provides a control rod position control device which stores data such as of position signals and driving control rod instruction before and after occurrence of abnormality in control for the control rod position for controlling reactor power and utilized the data effectively for investigating the cause of abnormality. Namely, a plurality of individual control devices have an operation mismatching detection circuit for outputting signals when difference is caused between a driving instruction given to the control rod position control device and the control rod driving means and signals from a detection means for detecting an actual moving amount. A general control device collectively controls the individual control devices. In addition, there is also disposed a position storing circuit for storing position signals at least before and after the occurrence of the control rod operation mismatching. With such procedures, the cause of the abnormality can be determined based on the position signals before and after the occurrence of control rod mismatching operation stored in the position storing circuit. Accordingly, the abnormality cause can be determined to conduct restoration in an early stage. (I.S.)

Control rod selecting and driving device

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Isobe, Hideo.

1981-01-01

Purpose: To simultaneously drive a predetermined number of control rods in a predetermined mode by the control of addresses for predetermined number of control rods and read or write of driving codified data to and from the memory by way of a memory controller. Constitution: The system comprises a control rod information selection device for selecting predetermined control rods from a plurality of control rods disposed in a reactor and outputting information for driving them in a predetermined mode, a control rod information output device for codifying the information outputted from the above device and outputting the addresses to the predetermined control rods and driving mode coded data, and a driving device for driving said predetermined control rods in a predetermined mode in accordance with the codified data outputted from the above device, said control rod infromation output device comprising a memory device capable of storing a predetermined number of the codified data and a memory control device for storing the predetermined number of data into the above memory device at a predetermined timing while successively outputting the thus stored predetermined number of data at a predetermined timing. (Seki, T.)

NEUTRONIC REACTOR CONTROL ROD DRIVE APPARATUS

Science.gov (United States)

Oakes, L.C.; Walker, C.S.

1959-12-15

ABS>A suspension mechanism between a vertically movable nuclear reactor control rod and a rod extension, which also provides information for the operator or an automatic control signal, is described. A spring connects the rod extension to a drive shift. The extension of the spring indicates whether (1) the rod is at rest on the reactor, (2) the rod and extension are suspended, or (3) the extension alone is suspended, the spring controlling a 3-position electrical switch.

Proposal of criteria for evaluation of engineering safety factors of VVER core parameters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shishkov, L.; Tsyganov, S.; Dementiev, V.

2009-01-01

The paper states that the regulatory documentation, as a rule, do not give explicit recommendations on formation techniques of engineering safety factors for design limited parameters of normal operation (K eng ). The AER countries use different approaches to K eng evaluation (sometimes even one country in relation of various power units). The paper suggests the development of uniform rules to be used in calculation of engineering safety factor for all VVER reactors. The paper presents principal problems that must be solved in the course of the discussion, and in the form of an exercise suggests the way of their solution. (authors)

RODDRP - A FORTRAN program for use in control rod calibration by the rod drop method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wilson, W.E.

1972-01-01

The different methods to measure reactivity which are applicable to control rod calibration are discussed. They include: 1) the positive period method, 2) the rod drop method, 3) the source-jerk method, 4) the rod oscillation method, and 5) the pulsed neutron method. The instrument setup used at WSU for rod drop measurements is presented. To speed up the analysis of power fall-off trace, a FORTRAN IV program called RODDRP was written to simultaneously solve the in-hour equation and relative neutron flux. The procedure for calculating the worth of the rod that produced the power trace is given. The reactivity for each time relative flux point is obtained. Conclusions about the status of the equipment are made

Influence of geometrical parameters of the VVER-1000 reactor construction elements to internals irradiation conditions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

О. M. Pugach

2015-07-01

Full Text Available Investigations to determine the influences of geometrical parameters of the calculational VVER-1000 reactor model to the results of internal irradiation condition determination are carried out. It is shown that the values of appropriate sensitivity matrix elements are not dependent on a height coordinate for any core level, but there is their azimuthal dependence. Maximum possible relative biases of neutron fluence due to inexact knowledge of internal geometrical parameters are obtained for the baffle and the barrel.

Sequence of decommissioning of the main equipment in a central type VVER 440 V-230

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Andres, E.; Garcia Ruiz, R.

2014-01-01

IBERDROLA Ingenieria y Construccion S.A.U., leader of consortium with Empresarios Agrupados and INDRA, has developed the Basic Engineering for the decommissioning of contaminated systems and building of a VVER 440 V-230 Nuclear Power Plant, establishing the sequence and methodology for the main equipment fragmentation. For that, it has been designed dry and wet cutting zones to be set up in the area where steam generators, main cooling pumps and pressurizer are located; these components will be dismantled previously. (Author)

Simulation of vibration modes of the fuel rod damaged due to the grid-to-rod fretting wear

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Kyu Tae; Kim, Kyeong Koo; Jang, Young Ki; Lee, Kyou Seok

1997-01-01

The flow-induced fuel fretting wear observed in some PWRs mainly proceeds in the grid-to-rod contact positions. The grid-to-rod fretting wear in the PWR fuel assembly depends on grid-to-rod gap size, its axial profile and flow-induced vibration. This paper describes the GRIDFORCE program which generates the axially dependent grid-to-rod gap size as a function of burnup. The axially dependent grid-to-rod gap profiles are employed to predict the fuel rod vibration mode shapes by the ANSYS code. With the help of the Paidousis empirical formula, this paper also calculates the fuel rod vibration amplitudes under various supporting conditions, which indicates that the increase of the number of unsupported mid-grids will increase the fuel rod vibration amplitude. On the other hand, the comparison of the predicted vibration mode shapes and the observed mid-grid fretting wear pattern indicates that the 1st and 6th vibration mode shapes under the supporting inactive condition at the mid-grids can simulate the observed mid-grid fretting wear profile. This paper also proposes design guidelines against the grid-to-rod fretting wear. (author). 3 refs., 8 figs

A General Solution for Groundwater Flow in Estuarine Leaky Aquifer System with Considering Aquifer Anisotropy

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Po-Chia; Chuang, Mo-Hsiung; Tan, Yih-Chi

2014-05-01

In recent years the urban and industrial developments near the coastal area are rapid and therefore the associated population grows dramatically. More and more water demand for human activities, agriculture irrigation, and aquaculture relies on heavy pumping in coastal area. The decline of groundwater table may result in the problems of seawater intrusion and/or land subsidence. Since the 1950s, numerous studies focused on the effect of tidal fluctuation on the groundwater flow in the coastal area. Many studies concentrated on the developments of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) analytical solutions describing the tide-induced head fluctuations. For example, Jacob (1950) derived an analytical solution of 1D groundwater flow in a confined aquifer with a boundary condition subject to sinusoidal oscillation. Jiao and Tang (1999) derived a 1D analytical solution of a leaky confined aquifer by considered a constant groundwater head in the overlying unconfined aquifer. Jeng et al. (2002) studied the tidal propagation in a coupled unconfined and confined costal aquifer system. Sun (1997) presented a 2D solution for groundwater response to tidal loading in an estuary. Tang and Jiao (2001) derived a 2D analytical solution in a leaky confined aquifer system near open tidal water. This study aims at developing a general analytical solution describing the head fluctuations in a 2D estuarine aquifer system consisted of an unconfined aquifer, a confined aquifer, and an aquitard between them. Both the confined and unconfined aquifers are considered to be anisotropic. The predicted head fluctuations from this solution will compare with the simulation results from the MODFLOW program. In addition, the solutions mentioned above will be shown to be special cases of the present solution. Some hypothetical cases regarding the head fluctuation in costal aquifers will be made to investigate the dynamic effects of water table fluctuation, hydrogeological conditions, and

A Roadmap and Discussion of Issues for Physics Analyses Required to Support Plutonium Disposition in VVER-1000 Reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Primm, R.T.; Drischler, J.D.; Pavlovichev, A.M.; Styrine, Y.A.

2000-01-01

The purpose of this report is to document the physics analyses that must be performed to successfully disposition weapons-usable plutonium in VVER-1000 reactors in the Russian Federation. The report is a document to support programmatic and financial planning. It does not include documentation of the technical procedures by which physics analyses are performed, nor are the results of any analyses included

A Roadmap and Discussion of Issues for Physics Analyses Required to Support Plutonium Disposition in VVER-1000 Reactors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Primm, R.T.; Drischler, J.D.; Pavlovichev, A.M. Styrine, Y.A.

2000-06-01

The purpose of this report is to document the physics analyses that must be performed to successfully disposition weapons-usable plutonium in VVER-1000 reactors in the Russian Federation. The report is a document to support programmatic and financial planning. It does not include documentation of the technical procedures by which physics analyses are performed, nor are the results of any analyses included.

Automated nuclear fuel rod pattern loading system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lambert, D.V.; Nylund, T.W.; Byers, J.W.; Haley, D.E. Jr.; Cioffi, J.V.

1991-01-01

This patent describes a method for loading fuel rods in a desired pattern. It comprises providing a supply of fuel rods of known enrichments; providing a magazine defining a matrix of elongated slots open at their forward ends for receiving fuel rods; defining a fuel rod feed path; receiving successively one at a time along the feed path fuel rods selected from the supply thereof; verifying successively one at a time along the feed path the identity of the selected fuel rods, the verifying including blocking passage of each selected fuel rod along the feed path until the identity of each selected fuel rod is confirmed as correct; feeding to the magazine successively one at a time along the feed path the selective and verified fuel rods; and supporting and moving the magazine along X-Y axes to successively align one at a time selected ones of the slots with the feed path for loading in the magazine the successive fuel rods in a desired enrichment pattern

Control rod drives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ikakura, Hiroaki.

1986-01-01

Purpose: To enable to direct disconnection of control rods upon abnormal temperature rise in the reactor thereby improve the reliability for the disconnecting operation in control rod drives for FBR type reactors upon emergency. Constitution: A diaphragm is disposed to the upper opening of a sealing vessel inserted to the hollow portion of an electromagnet and a rod is secured to the central position of the upper surface. A spring contacts are attached by way of an insulator to the inner surface at the lower portion of an extension pipe and connected with cables for supplying electric power sources respectively to a magnet. If the temperature in the reactor abnormally rises, liquid metals in the sealing vessel are expanded tending to extend the bellows downwardly. However, since they are attracted by the electromagnet, the thermal expansion of the liquid metals exert on the diaphragm prior to the bellows. Thus, the switch between the spring contacts is made open to attain the deenergized state to thereby disconnect the control rod and shutdown the neclear reactor. (Horiuchi, T.)

Method for compacting spent nuclear reactor fuel rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wachter, W.J.

1988-01-01

In a nuclear reactor system which requires periodic physical manipulation of spent fuel rods, the method of compacting fuel rods from a fuel rod assembly is described. The method consists of: (1) removing the top end from the fuel rod assembly; (2) passing each of multiple fuel rod pulling elements in sequence through a fuel rod container and thence through respective consolidating passages in a fuel rod directing chamber; (3) engaging one of the pulling elements to the top end of each of the fuel rods; (4) drawing each of the pulling elements axially to draw the respective engaged fuel rods in one axial direction through the respective the passages in the chamber to thereby consolidate the fuel rods into a compacted configuration of a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area occupied thereby within the fuel rod assembly; and (5) drawing all of the engaged fuel rods concurrently and substantially parallel to one another in the one axial direction into the fuel rod container while maintaining the compacted configuration whereby the fuel rods are aligned within the container in a fuel rod density of the the fuel rod assembly

Control rod drives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Asano, Hiromitsu.

1979-01-01

Purpose: To drive control rods at an optimum safety speed corresponding to the reactor core output. Constitution: The reactor power is detected by a neutron detector and the output signal is applied to a process computer. The process computer issues a signal representing the reactor core output, which is converted through a function generator into a signal representing the safety speed of control rods. The converted signal is further supplied to a V/F converter and converted into a pulse signal. The pulse signal is inputted to a step motor driving circuit, which actuates a step motor to operate the control rods always at a safety speed corresponding to the reactor core power. (Furukawa, Y.)

Individual nuclear fuel rod weighing system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fogg, J. L.; Howell, C. A.; Smith, J. H.; Vining, G. E.

1985-01-01

An individual nuclear fuel rod weighing system for rods carried on a tray which moves along a materials handling conveyor. At a first tray position on the conveyor, a lifting device raises the rods off the tray and places them on an overhead ramp. A loading mechanism conveys the rods singly from the overhead ramp onto an overhead scale for individual weighing. When the tray is at a second position on the conveyor, a transfer apparatus transports each weighed rod from the scale back onto the tray

Measuring device for control rod driving time

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tanaka, Kazuhiko; Hanabusa, Masatoshi.

1993-01-01

The present invention concerns a measuring device for control driving time having a function capable of measuring a selected control rod driving time and measuring an entire control rod driving time simultaneously. A calculation means and a store means for the selected rod control rod driving time, and a calculation means and a store means for the entire control rod driving time are disposed individually. Each of them measures the driving time and stores the data independent of each other based on a selected control rod insert ion signal and an entire control rod insertion signal. Even if insertion of selected and entire control rods overlaps, each of the control rod driving times can be measured reliably to provide an advantageous effect capable of more accurately conducting safety evaluation for the nuclear reactor based on the result of the measurement. (N.H.)

Growth and Morphology of Rod Eutectics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jing Teng; Shan Liu; R. Trivedi

2008-03-17

The formation of rod eutectic microstructure is investigated systematically in a succinonitrile-camphor alloy of eutectic composition by using the directional solidification technique. A new rod eutectic configuration is observed in which the rods form with elliptical cylindrical shape. Two different orientations of the ellipse are observed that differ by a 90{sup o} rotation such that the major and the minor axes are interchanged. Critical experiments in thin samples, where a single layer of rods forms, show that the spacing and orientation of the elliptic rods are governed by the growth rate and the sample thickness. In thicker samples, multi layers of rods form with circular cross-section and the scaling law between the spacing and velocity predicted by the Jackson and Hunt model is validated. A theoretical model is developed for a two-dimensional array of elliptical rods that are arranged in a hexagonal or a square array, and the results are shown to be consistent with the experimental observations. The model of elliptic rods is also shown to reduce to that for the circular rod eutectic when the lengths of the two axes are equal, and to the lamellar eutectic model when one of the axes is much larger than the other one.

Status of rod consolidation, 1988

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bailey, W.J.

1989-01-01

It is estimated that the spent fuel storage pools at some domestic light-water reactors will run out of space before 2003, the year that the US Department of Energy currently predicts it will have a repository available. Of the methods being studied to alleviate the problem, rod consolidation is one of the leading candidates for achieving more efficient use of existing space in spent fuel storage pools. Rod consolidation involves mechanically removing all the fuel rods from the fuel assembly hardware (i.e., the structural components) and placing the fuel rods in a close-packed array in a canister without space grids. A typical goal of rod consolidation systems is to insert the fuel rods from two fuel assemblies into a canister that has the same exterior dimensions as one standard fuel assembly (i.e., to achieve a consolidation or compaction ratio of 2:1) and to compact the nonfuel-bearing structural components from those two fuel assemblies by a factor of 10 to 20. This report provides an overview of the current status of rod consolidation in the United States and a small amount of information on related activities in other countries. 85 refs., 36 figs., 5 tabs

Inspecting method for fuel rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Watanabe, Masaaki; Kogure, Sumio.

1976-01-01

Purpose: To precisely detect the response of flaw in clad tube and submerged fuel pellets from a relationship between the surface of fuel rod and internal signal. Constitution: Ultrasonic reflected waves from the surface of fuel rods and the interior are detected and either one of fuel rod or ultrasonic flaw detecting contact is rotated to thereby precisely detect the response of the flaw of clad tube and submerged fuel pellets from a relationship between said surface and the interior. It will be noted that the ultrasonic flaw detecting contact used is of the line-focus type, the incident angle of ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic flaw detecting contact relative to the fuel rod is the angle of skew, that is, the ultrasonic flaw detecting contact is not perpendicular to a center axis of the fuel rod but is slightly displace. That is, the use of the aforesaid contact may facilitate discrimination between the surface flaw of the fuel rod and the response of submergence, and in addition, the employment of the aforesaid incident angle makes it hard to receive reflected waves from the surface of the fuel rod which is great in terms of energy to facilitate discrimination of waves responsive to submergence. (Kawakami, Y.)

Control rod position detection device

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Akita, Haruo; Ogiwara, Sakae.

1996-01-01

The device of the present invention is used in a back-up shut down system of an LMFBR type reactor which is easy for maintenance, has high reliability and can recognize the position of control rods accurately. Namely, a permanent magnet is disposed to a control rod extension tube connected to the lower portion of the control rod. The detector guide tube is disposed in the vicinity of the control rod extension tube. A detector having a detection coil is inserted into a detector tube. With such constitution, the control rod can be detected at one position using the following method. (1) the movement of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet is detected by the detection coil. (2) a plurality of grooves are formed on the control rod extension tube, and the movement of the grooves is detected. In addition, the detection coil is inserted into the detector guide tube, and the signals from the detection coil are inputted to a signal processing circuit disposed at the outside of the reactor vessel using an MI cable to enable the maintenance of the detector. Further, if the detector comprises a detection coil and an excitation coil, the position of a dropped control rod can be recognized at a plurality of points. (I.S.)

Rope wind-up type control rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsuji, Teruaki; Watanabe, Shigeru.

1979-01-01

Purpose: To hold a control rod at a certain position even if the sealed cover of the rod drive mechanism should fail. Constitution: A plurality of friction plates, engaging wheels and a threaded shaft are provided to the wind-up drum for winding up a rope which moves the control rod up and down. While the control rod is adapted to drop by its own weight upon insertion, it is adapted to stop at a predetermined position exactly with no shocks by gradually increasing braking force by the sliding friction caused from the friction plates or the like. A ratch mechanism is provided to the upper portion of the control rod so that the top of the ratch piece may automatically engage the guide passage wall of the control rod upon uncontrolled running of the control rod to prevent further uncontrolled running thereof. (Ikeda, J.)

Component vibration of VVER-reactors - diagnostics and modelling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Altstadt, E.; Scheffler, M.; Weiss, F.-P.

1995-01-01

Flow induced vibrations of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) internals (control element and core barrel motions) at VVER-440 reactors have led to the development of dedicated methods for on-line monitoring. These methods need a certain developed stage of the faults to be detected. To achieve a real sensitive early detection of mechanical faults of RPV internals, a theoretical vibration model was developed based on finite elements. The model comprises the whole primary circuit including the steam generators (SG). By means of that model all eigenfrequencies up to 30 Hz and the corresponding mode shapes were calculated for the normal vibration behaviour. Moreover the shift of eigenfrequencies and of amplitudes due to the degradation or to the failure of internal clamping and spring elements could be investigated, showing that a recognition of such degradations even inside the RPV is possible by pure excore vibration measurements. A true diagnostic, that is the identification of the failed component, might become possible because different faults influence different and well separated eigenfrequencies. (author)

ELECTROMAGNETIC APPARATUS FOR MOVING A ROD

Science.gov (United States)

Young, J.N.

1958-04-22

An electromagnetic apparatus for moving a rod-like member in small steps in either direction is described. The invention has particular application in the reactor field where the reactor control rods must be moved only a small distance and where the use of mechanical couplings is impractical due to the high- pressure seals required. A neutron-absorbing rod is mounted in a housing with gripping uaits that engage the rod, and coils for magnetizing the gripping units to make them grip, shift, and release the rod are located outside the housing.

Individual nuclear fuel rod weighing system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fogg, J.L.; Smith, J.H.; Vining, G.E.; Howell, C.A.

1985-01-01

An individual nuclear fuel rod weighing system for rods carried on a tray which moves along a materials handling conveyor is discussed. At a first tray position on the conveyor, a lifting device raises the rods off the tray and places them on an overhead ramp. A loading mechanism conveys the rods singly from the overhead ramp onto an overhead scale for individual weighing. When the tray is at a second position on the conveyor, a transfer apparatus transports each weighed rod from the scale back onto the tray

Control rods in LMFBRs: a physics assessment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McFarlane, H.F.; Collins, P.J.

1982-08-01

This physics assessment is based on roughly 300 control rod worth measurements in ZPPR from 1972 to 1981. All ZPPR assemblies simulated mixed-oxide LMFBRs, representing sizes of 350, 700, and 900 MWe. Control rod worth measurements included single rods, various combinations of rods, and Ta and Eu rods. Additional measurements studied variations in B 4 C enrichment, rod interaction effects, variations in rod geometry, neutron streaming in sodium-filled channels, and axial worth profiles. Analyses were done with design-equivalent methods, using ENDF/B Version IV data. Some computations for the sensitivities to approximations in the methods have been included. Comparisons of these analyses with the experiments have allowed the status of control rod physics in the US to be clearly defined

Application of Integral Ex-Core and Differential In-Core Neutron Measurements for Adjustment of Fuel Burn-Up Distributions in VVER-1000

Science.gov (United States)

Borodkin, Pavel G.; Borodkin, Gennady I.; Khrennikov, Nikolay N.

2010-10-01

The paper deals with calculational and semi-analytical evaluations of VVER-1000 reactor core neutron source distributions and their influence on measurements and calculations of the integral through-vessel neutron leakage. Time-integrated neutron source distributions used for DORT calculations were prepared by two different approaches based on a) calculated fuel burn-up (standard routine procedure) and b) in-core measurements by means of SPD & TC (new approach). Taking into account that fuel burn-up distributions in operating VVER may be evaluated now by analytical methods (calculations) only it is needed to develop new approaches for testing and correction of calculational evaluations. Results presented in this paper allow to consider a reverse task of alternative estimation of fuel burn-up distributions. The approach proposed is based on adjustment (fitting) of time-integrated neutron source distributions, and hence fuel burn-up patterns in some part of reactor core, on the base of ex-core neutron leakage measurement, neutron-physical calculation and in-core SPD & TC measurement data.

Development of a new chemical technology for cleanup of VVER steam generators

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smykov, V.B.; Yermolaev, N.P.; Ivanov, V.N.

2002-01-01

As shows the maintenance experience of SG's, the long-time maintenance them without chemical cleanup on secondary-side results in accumulation of considerable amounts of depositions of oxides of iron with a high content of copper on outside of tubes. The deposit accumulation creates conditions for concentrating of salts which promote corrosion and, then, the loosing of inter-contour tightness. Therefore the experts do not have any doubts in necessity of chemical cleanups and the chemical cleanups were carried out at some NPP's with VVER during last years. However it is possible to say, that these cleanups were carried out not by the best mode - the same main reagents had been used in order to dissolve the copper and iron oxides. For example, all cleanups at Balakovo NPP in 1996-1997 years had the common deficiency - even during 5. final stage of process the copper prolongs to be washed. By our opinion, the reasons of it are the poor scientific and technical justification of this process. Therefore at various NPP's with VVER cleanups realize by various techniques. The process of chemical cleanup, close to offered in the present work, was repeated many times utilized at BN-600 Belojarsk NPP and at BN-350 Shevtchenko NPP. The purposes of the present work are: 1. Research the behaviours of physicochemical processes during dissolution of components of depositions and their mixtures with use of the various formulas; 2. Analysis of the carried out chemical cleanups of PGV-1000M at an example of Balakovo NPP; 3. Development of a new process of SG's cleanup on the base of experimental researches and analysis; 4. Check of this process on the samples of full-scale depositions from SG Balakovo NPP. (authors)

Some benchmark calculations for VVER-1000 assemblies by WIMS-7B code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sultanov, N.V.

2001-01-01

Our aim in this report is to compare of calculation results, obtained with the use of different libraries, which are in the variant of the WIMS7B code. We had the three libraries: the 1986 library is based on the UKNDL files, the two 1996 libraries are based on the JEF-2.2 files, the one having the 69 group approximation, the other having the 172 group approximation. We wanted also to have some acquaintance with the new option of WIMS-7B - CACTUS. The variant of WIMS-7B was placed at our disposal by the code authors for a temporal use for 9 months. It was natural to make at comparisons with analogous values of TVS-M, MCU, Apollo-2, Casmo-4, Conkemo, MCNP, HELIOS codes, where the other different libraries were used. In accordance with our aims the calculations of unprofiled and profiled assemblies of the VVER-1000 reactor have been carried out by the option CACTUS. This option provides calculations by the characteristics method. The calculation results have been compared with the K ∞ values obtained by other codes in work. The conclusion from this analysis is such: the methodical parts of errors of these codes have nearly the same values. Spacing for K eff values can be explained of the library microsections differences mainly. Nevertheless, the more detailed analysis of the results obtained is required. In conclusion the calculation of a depletion of VVER-1000 cell has been carried out. The comparison of the dependency of the multiply factor from the depletion obtained by WIMS-7B with different libraries and by the TVS-M, MCU, HELIOS and WIMS-ABBN codes in work has been performed. (orig.)

Adoption of in-vessel retention concept for VVER-440/V213 reactors in Central European Countries

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Matejovic, Peter, E-mail: peter.matejovic@ivstt.sk [Inzinierska Vypoctova Spolocnost (IVS), Jana Holleho 5, 91701 Trnava (Slovakia); Barnak, Miroslav; Bachraty, Milan; Vranka, Lubomir [Inzinierska Vypoctova Spolocnost (IVS), Jana Holleho 5, 91701 Trnava (Slovakia); Berky, Robert [Integrita a Bezpecnost Ocelovych Konstrukcii, Rybnicna 40, 831 07 Bratislava (Slovakia)

2017-04-01

Highlights: • Design of in-vessel retention concept for VVER-440/V213 reactors. • Thermal loads acting on the inner reactor surface. • Structural response of reactor pressure vessel. • External reactor vessel cooling. - Abstract: An in-vessel retention (IVR) concept was proposed for standard VVER-440/V213 reactors equipped with confinement made of reinforced concrete and bubbler condenser pressure suppression system. This IVR concept is based on simple modifications of existing plant technology and thus it was attractive for plant operators in Central European Countries. Contrary to the solution that was adopted before at Loviisa NPP in Finland (two units of VVER-440/V213 reactor with steel confinement equipped with ice condenser), the coolant access to the reactor pressure vessel from flooded cavity is enabled via closable hole installed in the centre of thermal shield of the reactor lower head instead of lowering this massive structure in the case of severe accident. As a consequence, the crucial point of this IVR concept is narrow gap between torispherical lower head and thermal and biological shield. Here the highest thermal flux is expected in the case of severe accident. Thus, realistic estimation of thermal load and corresponding deformations of reactor wall and their impact on gap width for coolant flow are of primarily importance. In this contribution the attention is paid especially to the analytical support with emphasis to the following points: 1) {sup ∗}Estimation of thermal loads acting on the inner reactor surface; 2) {sup ∗}Estimation of structural response of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) with emphasis on the deformation of outer reactor surface and its impact on the annular gap between RPV wall and thermal/biological shield; 3) {sup ∗}Analysis of external reactor vessel cooling. For this purpose the ASTEC code was used for performing analysis of core degradation scenarios, the ANSYS code for structural analysis of reactor vessel

Measurements of Burnout Conditions for Flow of Boiling Water in Vertical 3-Rod and 7-Rod Clusters

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Becker, Kurt M; Hernborg, G; Flinta, J E

1964-08-15

The present report deals with measurements of burnout conditions for flow of boiling water in vertical 3-rod and 7-rod clusters. Data were obtained,in respect of heating the rods only, as well as for simultaneous uniform and non-uniform heating of the rods and the shroud. Totally, 520 runs were performed. In the case of equal heat fluxes on all surfaces of the channels, burnout always occurred on the rods, and the data were low by a factor of about 1.3 compared with round duct data. When only the rods were heated, the data showed very low burnout values in comparison with the results for total uniform heating and round ducts. This disagreement was explained by considering the climbing film flow model and the fact that only a fraction of the channel perimeter was heated. For simultaneous and non-uniform heating of the rods and the shroud it was found that the shroud could be overloaded up to 50 per cent without reducing the margin of safety in respect of burnout for the rod cluster. Finally, a correlation for predicting burnout conditions in round ducts, annuli and rod clusters has been presented. This correlation predicts the burnout heat fluxes for the present measurements and previously obtained annuli measurements within {+-} 5 per cent.

Development of a control rod drive

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1991-01-01

In the period under review, the computer codes required for transients calculation have been completed, as well as the programs for modelling and testing the hot-gas temperature control by means of combined core rod and reflector rod operation. The specification of requirements to be fulfilled by the rod drive computer and the neutron flux measuring system has been done relying essentially on the data obtained by the transients calculations performed and the resulting informations on operating conditions. The work for optimization of the core rod drive with regard to rod driving speeds and the 'three-point switch' with hysteresis for controlled, automatic core rod operation has been concentrating on the case of specified, normal operation of the reactor. (orig./DG) [de

Self-Assembly of Rod-Coil Block Copolymers

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Jenekhe, S

1999-01-01

... the self-assembly of new rod-coil diblock, rod- coil-rod triblock, and coil-rod-coil triblock copolymers from solution and the resulting discrete and periodic mesostmctares with sizes in the 100...

Ejected control rod and rods drop measurements during Mochovce startup physical tests

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Minarcin, Miroslav; Elko, Marek

1998-01-01

Paper deals with measurements of asymmetric reactivity insertion into the reactor core that were carried out during physical startup tests of Mochovce Unit 1 in June 1998. Control rods worth measurements with one and two rods s tucked in upper limit and worth measurement of one control rod from group 6 'ejected' from the reactor core are discussed. During the experiments neutron flux was measured by four ionisation chambers (three of them were placed symmetrically around the reactor core). Results of measurements and influence of asymmetric reactivity influence on ionisation chambers response are presented in the paper. (Authors)

Quivers For Special Fuel Rods-Disposal Of Special Fuel Rods In CASTOR V Casks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bannani, Amin; Cebula, Wojciech; Buchmuller, Olga; Huggenberg, Roland; Helmut Kuhl

2015-01-01

While GNS casks of the CASTOR family are a suitable means to transfer fuel assemblies (FA) from the NPP to an interim dry storage site, Germanys phase-out of nuclear energy has triggered the demand for an additional solution to dispose of special fuel rods (SFR), normally remaining in the fuel pond until the final shutdown of the NPP. SFR are fuel rods that had to be removed from fuel assemblies mainly due to their special condition, e. g. damages in the cladding of the fuel rods which may have occurred during reactor operations. SFR are usually stored in the spent fuel pond after they are removed from the FA. The quiver for special fuel rods features a robust yet simple design, with a high mechanical stability, a reliable leak-tightness and large safety margins for future requirements on safety analysis. The quiver for special fuel rods can be easily adapted to a large variety of different damaged fuel rods and tailored to the specific need of the customer. The quiver for special fuel rods is adaptable e.g. in length and diameter for use in other types of transport and storage casks and is applicable in other countries as well. The overall concept presented here is a first of its kind solution for the disposal of SFRs via Castor V-casks. This provides an important precondition in achieving the status 'free from nuclear fuel' of the shut down German NPPs

Quivers For Special Fuel Rods-Disposal Of Special Fuel Rods In CASTOR V Casks

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bannani, Amin; Cebula, Wojciech; Buchmuller, Olga; Huggenberg, Roland [GNS, Essen (Germany); Helmut Kuhl [WTI, Julich (Germany)

2015-05-15

While GNS casks of the CASTOR family are a suitable means to transfer fuel assemblies (FA) from the NPP to an interim dry storage site, Germanys phase-out of nuclear energy has triggered the demand for an additional solution to dispose of special fuel rods (SFR), normally remaining in the fuel pond until the final shutdown of the NPP. SFR are fuel rods that had to be removed from fuel assemblies mainly due to their special condition, e. g. damages in the cladding of the fuel rods which may have occurred during reactor operations. SFR are usually stored in the spent fuel pond after they are removed from the FA. The quiver for special fuel rods features a robust yet simple design, with a high mechanical stability, a reliable leak-tightness and large safety margins for future requirements on safety analysis. The quiver for special fuel rods can be easily adapted to a large variety of different damaged fuel rods and tailored to the specific need of the customer. The quiver for special fuel rods is adaptable e.g. in length and diameter for use in other types of transport and storage casks and is applicable in other countries as well. The overall concept presented here is a first of its kind solution for the disposal of SFRs via Castor V-casks. This provides an important precondition in achieving the status 'free from nuclear fuel' of the shut down German NPPs.

Monitoring device for withdrawing control rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Higashigawa, Yuichi.

1985-01-01

Purpose: To improve the sensitivity and the responsivity to an equivalent extent to those in the case where local power range monitors are densely arranged near each of the control rods, with no actual but pseudo increase of the number of local power range monitors. Constitution: The monitor arrangement is patterned by utilizing the symmetricity of the reactor core and stored in a monitor designating device. The symmetricity of control rods to be selected and withdrawn by an operator is judged by a control rod symmetry monitoring device, while the symmetricity of the withdrawn control rods is judged by a control rod withdrawal state monitoring device. Then, only when both of the devices judge the symmetricity, the control rods are subjected to gang driving by the control rod drive mechanisms. In this way, monitoring at a high sensitivity and responsivity is enabled with no increase for the number of monitors. (Yoshino, Y.)

Nondestructive assay of HTGR fuel rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Menlove, H.O.

1974-01-01

Performance characteristics of three different radioactive source NDA systems are compared for the assay of HTGR fuel rods and stacks of rods. These systems include the fast neutron Sb-Be assay system, the 252 Cf ''Shuffler,'' and the thermal neutron PAPAS assay system. Studies have been made to determinethe perturbation on the measurements from particle size, kernel Th/U ratio, thorium content, and hydrogen content. In addition to the total 235 U determination, the pellet-to-pellet or rod-to-rod uniformity of HTGR fuel rod stacks has been measured by counting the delayed gamma rays with a NaI through-hole in the PAPAS system. These measurements showed that rod substitutions can be detected easily in a fuel stack, and that detailed information is available on the loading variations in a uniform stack. Using a 1.0 mg 252 Cf source, assay rates of 2 to 4 rods/s are possible, thus facilitating measurement of 100 percent of a plant's throughput. (U.S.)

Fuel Cycle of VVER-1000: technical and economic aspects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kosourov, E.; Pavlov, V.; Pavlovichev, A.

2009-01-01

The paper contains estimations of dependences of technical and economic characteristics of VVER-1000 fuel cycle on number of charged FAs and their enrichment. In the study following restrictions were used: minimum quantity of loaded fresh FAs is equal 36 FAs, a maximum one - 78 (79) FAs and fuel enrichment is limited by value 4,95 %. The following technical and economic characteristics are discussed: cycle length, average burnup of spent fuel, specific consumption of natural uranium, specific quantity of separative work, annual production of thermal energy, fuel component of electrical energy cost, electricity generation cost. Results of estimations are presented as dependences of researched characteristics on cycle length, quantity of loaded FAs and their enrichments. The presented information allows to show tendencies and ranges of technical and economic characteristics at change of fuel cycle parameters. This information can be useful for definition of the fuel cycle parameters which satisfy the requirements of power system and exploiting organizations. (authors)

Inspection system for Zircaloy clad fuel rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yancey, M.E.; Porter, E.H.; Hansen, H.R.

1975-10-01

A description is presented of the design, development, and performance of a remote scanning system for nondestructive examination of fuel rods. Characteristics that are examined include microcracking of fuel rod cladding, fuel-cladding interaction, cladding thickness, fuel rod diameter variation, and fuel rod bowing. Microcracking of both the inner and outer fuel rod surfaces and variations in wall thickness are detected by using a pulsed eddy current technique developed by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). Fuel rod diameter variation and fuel rod bowing are detected by using two linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) and a signal conditioning system. The system's mechanical features include variable scanning speeds, a precision indexing system, and a servomechanism to maintain proper probe alignment. Initial results indicate that the system is a very useful mechanism for characterizing irradiated fuel rods

Experience in modernization of safety I and C in VVER 440 nuclear power plants Bohunice V1 and Paks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martin, M.

2000-01-01

For nuclear power plants which have been in operation for more than 15 years, backfitting or even complete replacement of the instrumentation and control (I and C) equipment becomes an increasingly attractive option, motivated not only by the objective to reduce the cost of I and C system maintenance and repair but also to prolong or at least to safeguard the plant life-time: optimized spare-part management through use of standard equipment; reduction of number and variety of different items of equipment by implementing functions stepwise in application software; adding new functionality in the application software which was not possible in the old technology due to lack of space; safeguarding of long-term After-Sales-Service. Some years ago Bohunice V1 NPP, Slovak Republic and Paks NPP, Hungary intended to replace parts of their Safety I and C, mainly the Reactor Trip System, the Reactor Limitation System and the Neutron Flux Excore Instrumentation and Monitoring Systems. After a Basic Engineering Phase in Bohunice V1 and a Feasibility Study in Paks both plants decided to use the Siemens' Digital Safety I and C System TELEPERM XS to modernize their plants. Both Bohunice, Unit 2 and Paks, Unit 1 have been back on line for over six months with the new Digital Safety I and C. At the present time Bohunice, Unit 1 and within the next few months Paks, Unit 2 will be replaced. Trouble-free start-ups and no major problems under operation in the first two plants were based on: thorough understanding of the VVER 440 technology; comprehensive planning together with the plant operators and authorities; the possibility to adapt TELEPERM XS to every plant type; the execution of extensive pre-operational tests. Regarding these modernization measures Siemens, as well as the above Operators, have gained considerable experience in the field of I and C Modernization in VVER 440 NPPs. Important aspects of this experience are: how to transfer the VVER technology to TELEPERM XS; how to

Seismic scrammability of HTTR control rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nishiguchi, I.; Iyoku, T.; Ito, N.; Watanabe, Y.; Araki, T.; Katagiri, S.

1990-01-01

Scrammability tests on HTTR (High-Temperature Engineering Test Reactor) control rods under seismic conditions have been carried out and seismic conditions influences on scram time as well as functional integrity were examined. A control rod drive located in a stand-pipe at the top of a reactor vessel, raises and lowers a pair of control rods by suspension cables. Each flexible control rod consists of 10 neutron absorber sections held together by a metal spine passing through the center. It falls into a hole in graphite blocks due to gravity at scram. In the tests, a full scale control rod drive and a pair of control rods were employed with a column of graphite blocks in which holes for rods were formed. Blocks misalignment and contact with the hole surface during earthquakes were considered as major causes of disturbance in scram time. Therefore, the following parameters were set up in the tests: excitation direction, combination or horizontal and vertical excitation, acceleration, frequency and block to block gaps. Main results obtained from tests are as follow. 1) Every scram time obtained under the design conditions was within 6 seconds. On the contrary, the scram times were 5.2 seconds when there were no vibration. Therefore, it was concluded that the seismic effects on scram time were not significant. 2) Scram time became longer with increase in both acceleration and horizontal excitation frequency, and control rods fell very smoothly without any jerkiness. This suggests that collision between control rods and hole surface is the main disturbing factor of falling motion. 3) Mechanical and functional integrity of control rod drive mechanism, control rods and graphite blocks was confirmed after 140 seismic scrammability tests. (author). 10 figs, 1 tab

United States Department of Energy's reactor core protection evaluation methodology for fires at RBMK and VVER nuclear power plants. Revision 1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1997-06-01

This document provides operators of Soviet-designed RBMK (graphite moderated light water boiling water reactor) and VVER (pressurized light water reactor) nuclear power plants with a systematic Methodology to qualitatively evaluate plant response to fires and to identify remedies to protect the reactor core from fire-initiated damage

Control rod testing apparatus

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gaunt, R.R.; Ashman, C.M.

1987-01-01

A control rod testing apparatus is described comprising: a first guide means having a vertical cylindrical opening for grossly guiding a control rod; a second guide means having a vertical cylindrical opening for grossly guiding a control rod. The first and second guide means are supported at axially spaced locations with the openings coaxial; and a substantially cylindrical subassembly having a vertical cylindrical opening therethrough. The subassembly is trapped coaxial with and between the first and second guide means, and the subassembly radially floats with respect to the first and second guide means

The calculational VVER burnup Credit Benchmark No.3 results with the ENDF/B-VI rev.5 (1999)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rodriguez Gual, Maritza [Centro de Tecnologia Nuclear, La Habana (Cuba). E-mail: mrgual@ctn.isctn.edu.cu

2000-07-01

The purpose of this papers to present the results of CB3 phase of the VVER calculational benchmark with the recent evaluated nuclear data library ENDF/B-VI Rev.5 (1999). This results are compared with the obtained from the other participants in the calculations (Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Slovaquia, Spain and the United Kingdom). The phase (CB3) of the VVER calculation benchmark is similar to the Phase II-A of the OECD/NEA/INSC BUC Working Group benchmark for PWR. The cases without burnup profile (BP) were performed with the WIMS/D-4 code. The rest of the cases have been carried with DOTIII discrete ordinates code. The neutron library used was the ENDF/B-VI rev. 5 (1999). The WIMS/D-4 (69 groups) is used to collapse cross sections from the ENDF/B-VI Rev. 5 (1999) to 36 groups working library for 2-D calculations. This work also comprises the results of CB1 (obtained with ENDF/B-VI rev. 5 (1999), too) and CB3 for cases with Burnup of 30 MWd/TU and cooling time of 1 and 5 years and for case with Burnup of 40 MWd/TU and cooling time of 1 year. (author)

Development of the automatic control rod operation system for JOYO. Verification of automatic control rod operation guide system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Terakado, Tsuguo; Suzuki, Shinya; Kawai, Masashi; Aoki, Hiroshi; Ohkubo, Toshiyuki

1999-10-01

The automatic control rod operation system was developed to control the JOYO reactor power automatically in all operation modes(critical approach, cooling system heat up, power ascent, power descent), development began in 1989. Prior to applying the system, verification tests of the automatic control rod operation guide system was conducted during 32nd duty cycles of JOYO' from Dec. 1997 to Feb. 1998. The automatic control rod operation guide system consists of the control rod operation guide function and the plant operation guide function. The control rod operation guide function provides information on control rod movement and position, while the plant operation guide function provide guidance for plant operations corresponding to reactor power changes(power ascent or power descent). Control rod insertion or withdrawing are predicted by fuzzy algorithms. (J.P.N.)

Control rod drive shaft latch

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thorp, A.G. II.

1976-01-01

A latch mechanism is operated by differential pressure on a piston to engage the drive shaft for a control rod in a nuclear reactor, thereby preventing the control rod from being ejected from the reactor in case of failure of the control rod drive mechanism housing which is subjected to the internal pressure in the reactor vessel. 6 claims, 4 drawing figures

Measurements of Burnout Conditions for Flow of Boiling Water in Vertical 3-Rod and 7-Rod Clusters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Becker, Kurt M.; Hernborg, G.; Flinta, J.E.

1964-08-01

The present report deals with measurements of burnout conditions for flow of boiling water in vertical 3-rod and 7-rod clusters. Data were obtained,in respect of heating the rods only, as well as for simultaneous uniform and non-uniform heating of the rods and the shroud. Totally, 520 runs were performed. In the case of equal heat fluxes on all surfaces of the channels, burnout always occurred on the rods, and the data were low by a factor of about 1.3 compared with round duct data. When only the rods were heated, the data showed very low burnout values in comparison with the results for total uniform heating and round ducts. This disagreement was explained by considering the climbing film flow model and the fact that only a fraction of the channel perimeter was heated. For simultaneous and non-uniform heating of the rods and the shroud it was found that the shroud could be overloaded up to 50 per cent without reducing the margin of safety in respect of burnout for the rod cluster. Finally, a correlation for predicting burnout conditions in round ducts, annuli and rod clusters has been presented. This correlation predicts the burnout heat fluxes for the present measurements and previously obtained annuli measurements within ± 5 per cent

A two-dimensional analytical model for groundwater flow in a leaky aquifer extending finite distance under the estuary

Science.gov (United States)

Chuang, Mo-Hsiung; Hung, Chi-Tung; -Yen Lin, Wen; Ma, Kuo-chen

2017-04-01

In recent years, cities and industries in the vicinity of the estuarine region have developed rapidly, resulting in a sharp increase in the population concerned. The increasing demand for human activities, agriculture irrigation, and aquaculture relies on massive pumping of water in estuarine area. Since the 1950s, numerous studies have focused on the effects of tidal fluctuations on groundwater flow in the estuarine area. Tide-induced head fluctuation in a two-dimensional estuarine aquifer system is complicated and rather important in dealing with many groundwater management or remediation problems. The conceptual model of the aquifer system considered is multi-layered with estuarine bank and the leaky aquifer extend finite distance under the estuary. The solution of the model describing the groundwater head distribution in such an estuarine aquifer system and subject to the tidal fluctuation effects from estuarine river is developed based on the method of separation of variables along with river boundary. The solutions by Sun (Sun H. A two-dimensional analytical solution of groundwater response to tidal loading in an estuary, Water Resour. Res. 1997; 33:1429-35) as well as Tang and Jiao (Tang Z. and J. J. Jiao, A two-dimensional analytical solution for groundwater flow in a leaky confined aquifer system near open tidal water, Hydrological Processes, 2001; 15: 573-585) can be shown to be special cases of the present solution. On the basis of the analytical solution, the groundwater head distribution in response to estuarine boundary is examined and the influences of leakage, hydraulic parameters, and loading effect on the groundwater head fluctuation due to tide are investigated and discussed. KEYWORDS: analytical model, estuarine river, groundwater fluctuation, leaky aquifer.

Mechanisms of radiation embrittlement of VVER-1000 RPV steel at irradiation temperatures of (50–400)°C

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kuleshova, E.A., E-mail: evgenia-orm@yandex.ru [National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Kurchatov Sq. 1, Moscow 123182 (Russian Federation); National Research Nuclear University “MEPhI” (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), Kashirskoe Highway 31, Moscow 115409 (Russian Federation); Gurovich, B.A.; Bukina, Z.V.; Frolov, A.S.; Maltsev, D.A.; Krikun, E.V.; Zhurko, D.A.; Zhuchkov, G.M. [National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Kurchatov Sq. 1, Moscow 123182 (Russian Federation)

2017-07-15

This work summarizes and analyzes our recent research results on the effect of irradiation temperature within the range of (50–400)°C on microstructure and properties of 15Kh2NMFAA class 1 steel (VVER-1000 reactor pressure vessel (RPV) base metal). The paper considers the influence of accelerated irradiation with different temperature up to different fluences on the carbide and irradiation-induced phases, radiation defects, yield strength changes and critical brittleness temperature shift (ΔT{sub K}) as well as on changes of the fraction of brittle intergranular fracture and segregation processes in the steel. Low temperature irradiation resulted solely in formation of radiation defects – dislocation loops of high number density, the latter increased with increase in irradiation temperature while their size decreased. In this regard high embrittlement rate observed at low temperature irradiation is only due to the hardening mechanism of radiation embrittlement. Accelerated irradiation at VVER-1000 RPV operating temperature (∼300 °C) caused formation of radiation-induced precipitates and dislocation loops, as well as some increase in phosphorus grain boundary segregation. The observed ΔT{sub K} shift being within the regulatory curve for VVER-1000 RPV base metal is due to both hardening and non-hardening mechanisms of radiation embrittlement. Irradiation at elevated temperature caused more intense phosphorus grain boundary segregation, but no formation of radiation-induced precipitates or dislocation loops in contrast to irradiation at 300 °C. Carbide transformations observed only after irradiation at 400 °C caused increase in yield strength and, along with a contribution of the non-hardening mechanism, resulted in the lowest ΔT{sub K} shift in the studied range of irradiation temperature and fluence. - Highlights: •Structural elements in RPV steel are studied at different irradiation temperatures. •Highest number density dislocation loops are

Microalbuminuria reflects a generalized transvascular albumin leakiness in clinically healthy subjects

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jensen, J S; Borch-Johnsen, K; Jensen, G

1995-01-01

1. In epidemiological studies microalbuminuria, i.e. slightly elevated urinary albumin excretion rate, predicts increased atherosclerotic vascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that microalbuminuria in clinically healthy subjects is associated with a systemic...... transvascular albumin leakiness. In animal experiments the outflux of albumin and lipids to the arterial wall are highly correlated, and both are elevated in atherosclerosis. 2. All participants were recruited at random from a population-based epidemiological study, where the upper decile of urinary albumin...... excretion rate was 6.6 micrograms/min. Twenty-seven patients with persistent microalbuminuria (urinary albumin excretion rate 6.6-150 micrograms/min), and 56 age- and sex-matched control subjects with persistent normoalbuminuria (UAER

The strength of the reactor cavity of VVER-1000 NPP against steam explosion

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Varpasuo, P.

1995-01-01

The reactor cavity of VVER-1000 NPP is a thick-walled, cylindrical reinforced concrete structure. In case of molten core-water reaction during the severe accident the load carrying capacity of the cavity structure is of interest against the short impulse type loading caused by the steam explosion phenomenon. The assumed size of the impulse was 20 kPa-s and the duration was 10 ms. The static analysis of the structure used the ABAQUS/STANDARD and ANSYS codes. The material properties in both runs were specified to be elasto-plastic, and the cracking of concrete was taken into account. (author). 2 refs., 5 figs

Development of expanded type plugging technique for leaky tubes of steam generators of Indian PHWRs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Das, Nirupam; Samuel, K.A.; Joemon, V.; Rupani, B.B.

2006-01-01

Steam generators are very important component of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), as they are part of Primary Heat Transport (PHT) system of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). A nuclear power plant of 220 MWe capacity has four mushroom type steam generators, each consisting of 1830 U-tubes (16 mm outside diameter and 1 mm wall thickness) made of Incoloy-800 material. The tubes of 'tube and shell type steam generator' act as the pressure boundary of PHT System. Any structural failure of these tubes may lead to release of radioactivity along with plant outage and significant economic loss. Hence, it is necessary to plug the leaky tubes for continued and safe operation of a steam generator. An expanded type plugging technique has been developed at Reactor Engineering Division to plug the leaky tubes. This plugging technique is selected because of low residual stress imparted in the adjacent 'tube to tube-sheet' joints. This plug meets the various codal requirements of steam generator. A number of qualification trials have been carried out with such plugs in the mock up facility. The expanded plugs meet the design requirements for pull out strength and leak-tightness. This paper describes the design concept of the plug, developmental aspects and qualification of the plugging technique. (author)

Conditions for the spectrum associated with an asymptotically straight leaky wire to comprise the interval (-∞, ∞)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brown, B M; Eastham, M S P; Wood, I G

2009-01-01

We consider a quantum (or leaky) wire in the plane, and the wire supports a singular attraction which becomes large at distant points on the wire. An analogous regular potential arises from the motion of a hydrogen atom in an electric field. We prove that, as in the regular case, the spectrum is the whole of (-∞, ∞)

Conditions for the spectrum associated with an asymptotically straight leaky wire to comprise the interval (-{infinity}, {infinity})

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Brown, B M; Eastham, M S P [Department of Computer Science, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 3XF (United Kingdom); Wood, I G [Institute of Mathematics and Physics, Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BZ (United Kingdom)], E-mail: malcolm@cs.cf.ac.uk, E-mail: mandh@chesilhay.fsnet.co.uk, E-mail: iww@aber.ac.uk

2009-02-06

We consider a quantum (or leaky) wire in the plane, and the wire supports a singular attraction which becomes large at distant points on the wire. An analogous regular potential arises from the motion of a hydrogen atom in an electric field. We prove that, as in the regular case, the spectrum is the whole of (-{infinity}, {infinity})

Reconstitutable control rod spider assembly

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shallenberger, J.M.; Ferian, S.J.

1990-01-01

A reconstitutable control rod/spider assembly includes a hollow connecting finger of the spider having a pair of opposing flat segments formed on the interior thereof and engaging a pair of opposing flat sectors formed on the exterior of a stem extending form the upper end of control rod. The stem also has an externally-threaded portion engaging a nut and a pilot aligning portion for the nut. The nut has a radially flexible and expandable thread-defining element captured in its bore. The segments and sectors allow the rod to be removed and reattached after turning through 180 0 to allow more even wear on the rod. (author)

Estimation of irradiated control rod worth

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Varvayanni, M.; Catsaros, N.; Antonopoulos-Domis, M.

2009-01-01

When depleted control rods are planned to be used in new core configurations, their worth has to be accurately predicted in order to deduce key design and safety parameters such as the available shutdown margin. In this work a methodology is suggested for the derivation of the distributed absorbing capacity of a depleted rod, useful in the case that the level of detail that is known about the irradiation history of the control rod does not allow an accurate calculation of the absorber's burnup. The suggested methodology is based on measurements of the rod's worth carried out in the former core configuration and on corresponding calculations based on the original (before first irradiation) absorber concentration. The methodology is formulated for the general case of the multi-group theory; it is successfully tested for the one-group approximation, for a depleted control rod of the Greek Research Reactor, containing five neutron absorbers. The computations reproduce satisfactorily the irradiated rod worth measurements, practically eliminating the discrepancy of the total rod worth, compared to the computations based on the nominal absorber densities.

Development of a cross-section methodology and a real-time core model for VVER-1000 simulator application

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Georgieva, Emiliya Lyudmilova

2016-06-06

The novel academic contributions are summarized as follows. A) A cross-section modelling methodology and a cycle-specific cross-section update procedure are developed to meet fidelity requirements applicable to a cycle-specific reactor core simulation, as well as particular customer needs and practices supporting VVER-1000 operation and safety. B) A real-time version of the Nodal Expansion Method code is developed and implemented into Kozloduy 6 full-scope replica control room simulator.

Rod cluster having improved vane configuration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shockling, L.A.; Francis, T.A.

1989-01-01

This patent describes a pressurized water reactor vessel, the vessel defining a predetermined axial direction of the flow of coolant therewithin and having plural spider assemblies supporting, for vertical movement within the vessel, respective clusters of rods in spaced, parallel axial relationship, parallel to the predetermined axial direction of coolant flow, and a rod guide for each spider assembly and respective cluster of rods. The rod guide having horizontally oriented support plates therewithin, each plate having an interior opening for accommodating axial movement therethrough of the spider assembly and respective cluster of rods. The opening defining plural radially extending channels and corresponding parallel interior wall surfaces of the support plate

Sucker rod motor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Radzalov, N N; Radzhabov, N A

1983-01-01

The motor consists of rollers mounted on the wellmouth and connected by a flexible rink. Reciprocating mechanism is in the form of a horizontal non-mobile single-side operation cylinder, inside which a plunger and rod are mounted. The working housing of the hydrocylinder is connected to a gas-hydr aulic batter, and when running is connected via plunger to the high pressure source; running in reverse it is connected with a safety valve and automatic control unit. The unit is equipped with a reducer and a mechanical transformer consisting of screw and nut, and which is shutoff with a single-side lining. The plunger rod consists of an auger-like unit. The high pressure source is provided by the injection line of the sucker rod that has been equipped with a reverse valve.

Duke Power Company's control rod wear program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Culp, D.C.; Kitlan, M.S. Jr.

1990-01-01

Recent examinations performed at several foreign and domestic pressurized water reactors have identified significant control rod cladding wear, leading to the conclusion that previously believed control rod lifetimes are not attainable. To monitor control rod performance and reduce safety concerns associated with wear, Duke Power Company has developed a comprehensive control rod wear program for Ag-In-Cd and boron carbide (B 4 C) rods at the McGuire and Catawba nuclear stations. Duke Power currently uses the Westinghouse 17 x 17 Ag-In-Cd control rod design at McGuire Unit 1 and the Westinghouse 17 x 17 hybrid B 4 C control rod design with a Ag-In-Cd tip at McGuire Unit 2 and Catawba Units 1 and 2. The designs are similar, with the exception of the absorber material and clad thickness. There are 53 control rods per unit

Fuel rod pellet loading head

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Howell, T.E.

1975-01-01

An assembly for loading nuclear fuel pellets into a fuel rod comprising a loading head for feeding pellets into the open end of the rod is described. The pellets rest in a perforated substantially V-shaped seat through which air may be drawn for removal of chips and dust. The rod is held in place in an adjustable notched locator which permits alignment with the pellets

Rod displacement measurements by x-ray CT and its impact on thermal-hydraulics in tight-lattice rod bundle (Joint research)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mitsutake, Toru; Misawa, Takeharu; Kureta, Masatoshi; Akimoto, Hajime

2005-06-01

In tight-lattice simulated rod bundles with about 1 mm gap between rods, a rod displacement might affect thermal-hydraulic characteristics since the displacement has a strong impact on the flow area change along the heated section. It should be important to estimate how large the rod position displacement could quantitatively affect critical power for the tight-lattice rod bundle from the point of improvement of prediction capability of subchannel analysis. In the present study, the inside-structure observation of the simulated seven-rod bundle of Reduced Moderation Water Reactor (RMWR) was made through the whole length of the test assembly. Based on the measured rod position data, the relation between the rod position displacement and the heat transfer characteristics was investigated experimentally and through the two kinds of subchannel analysis, the nominal rod position case and the measured rod position case, the effect on the predicted critical power was estimated. The high-energy X-ray computer tomograph (CT) of Fuels Monitoring Facilities (FMF) at the O-arai Engineering Center in Japan Nuclear Cycle Institute (JNC) was applied for the inside-structure observation of the test assembly. The CT view of the cross sections within the test assembly assured the hexagonal rod position arrangement was almost the same as expected by design. The measured data with the X-ray CT facility showed that all rod displacements were small, 0.5 millimeters at maximum and 0.2 millimeters in average. In the heat transfer experiments for the seven-rod bundle, the boiling transition (BT) position and the rod surface temperature behavior was measured. All thermocouples on the center rod downstream from the BT-onset axial height showed almost simultaneous temperature increase due to BT. And the thermocouples located on the same axial heights showed quite similar time-variation behaviors in the vapor cooling heat transfer regime. These results demonstrated the effect of the

Issues and remedies for secondary system of PWR/VVER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nordmann, Francis; Odar, Suat; Rochester, Dewey

2012-09-01

Secondary side degradation of steam generators (SG) and Flow Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) in the secondary system have been for a long time important issues in PWR and VVER types of Nuclear Power Plants. With the evolution of the design, the most important issues are progressively moving from secondary side corrosion of Alloy 600 SG tubing, which is being replaced, to a larger variety of risks associated with potential inadequate chemistries. As far as FAC of carbon steel is concerned, the evolution of treatment selection for minimizing corrosion products transport toward the SG, as well as progressive replacement of components in the feedwater train, decreases the risk of dramatic failures which have occurred in the past. After having briefly explained the reason for the past problems encountered in the secondary system of PWR and VVER, this paper evaluates the risk associated with various impurities or contaminants that may be present in the secondary system and how to mitigate them in the most appropriate, efficient, economical and environmental friendly way. The covered species are sodium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulfate and sulfur compounds, fluorides, organic compounds, silica, oxygen, lead, ion exchange resins. This paper also proposes the best remedies for mitigating the new issues that may be encountered in operating plants or units under construction. These are mainly: - Selecting a steam water treatment able to minimize the quantity of corrosion products transported toward the SG; - Mitigating the risk of Flow Induced Vibration by a proper control of deposits in sensitive areas; - Minimizing the risk of concentration of impurities in local areas where they may induce corrosion; - Avoiding the presence of abnormal quantities of some species in SG, such as the detrimental presence of lead and ion exchange resin debris or the controversial presence of organic compounds; - Optimizing costs of maintenance activities (SG mechanical, chemical cleaning

Dynamic rod worth measurements (''Rod Insertion''). Final report for the period 01 December 1994 - 30 November 1996

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bogdan, G.

1996-12-01

Reload startup physics tests are performed for pressurized water reactors (PWR power plant) following a refuelling or other significant core alteration for which nuclear design calculations are required. Part of the reload startup physics tests are control rod group worths measurements. for this purpose a new so-called method ''Rod-Insertion'' was developed. It can also be used as an additional measuring instrument on the research reactor for education purposes. The principle of the rod-insertion method is to start from a critical reactor operating at low power and to measure the time-dependent reactivity change while a control rod is inserted into the core. Unlike in the rod-drop method, the measured control rod is inserted with the drive mechanism at normal speed. By analyzing the flux trace using point-kinetics, not only the total rod worth but also the differential and the integral rod worth curves are obtained. A high-quality electrometer is required for monitoring the neutron flux. The analysis is performed by transferring the data to an IBM PC compatible with some additional standard electronic board and the associated software. The new reactivity meter has been validated on the TRIGA Mark II reactors in Ljubljana and Vienna and at the Krsko Nuclear Power Plant during physics startup tests after reload. The results proved the high performance of the reactivity meter in the standard applications according to the existing procedures, as well as in the new rod-insertion technique of measuring the control rod group worths. This method drastically differs from others such as absence of any chemical control of reactivity (like boron exchange method), and minimizing a testing time and waste coolant production

On detection of the possible use of VVERs for unreported production of plutonium. Final report for the period July 1988 - December 1989

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Simov, R.; Nelov, N.; Stoyanova, I.; Kovachev, N.; Yonchev, P.

1989-01-01

The study includes an analysis of the feasibility of unreported production of plutonium-239 in VVER-440 reactors. It is shown that for VVER-440 reactors 36 natural uranium oxide fuel assemblies in the peripheral region of the core need to be loaded to produce 8 kg of extra plutonium in one cycle. Substituting the peripheral fuel assemblies with natural uranium oxide fuel assemblies, the changes in the power peaking are negligible and do not affect reactor safety. Unreported production outside the core is not practical due to physical and mechanical constraints, low flux level, etc. The feasibility of unreported removal of irradiated material in spent fuel cask has been also assessed. After about a month cooling time, still within the refueling period, the irradiated natural uranium fuel assemblies could be removed off-site without significant health hazard to the workers. To improve the effectiveness of the safeguards objectives, additional inspection activities are suggested. 10 figs

Control rod ejection analysis during a depressurization accident and the development of a rod-ejection-preventing device

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mitake, S.; Itoh, K.; Fukushima, H.; Inoue, T.

1982-01-01

The control rods used for the experimental VHTR are suspended in the core by means of flexible steel cables and it is conceivable that an accidental rod ejection could occur due to a depressurization accident. The computer code AFLADE was developed in order to analyze the possibility of accidental rod ejection, and several studies were performed. The parametric study results showed that the adopted design condition for the VHTR core will not cause a rod ejection accident. In parallel with these accident analyses, a rod-ejection-preventing device was developed in preparation for a hypothetical accident, and its function was verified by the component tests

Investigation of control rod worth and nuclear end of life of BWR control rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Magnusson, Per

2008-01-01

This work has investigated the Control Rod Worth (CRW) and Nuclear End of Life (NEOL) values for BWR control rods. A study of how different parameters affect NEOL was performed with the transport code PHOENIX4. It was found that NEOL, expressed in terms of 10 B depletion, can be generalized beyond the conditions for which the rod is depleted, such as different power densities and void fractions, the corresponding variation in the NEOL will be about 0.2-0.4% 10 B. It was also found that NEOL results for different fuel types and different fuel enrichments have a variation of about 2-3% in 10 B depletion. A comparative study on NHOL and CRW was made between PHOENIX4 and the stochastic Monte Carlo code MCNP. It was found that there is a significant difference, both due to differences in the codes and to limitations in the geometrical modeling in PHOENIX4. Since MCNP is considered more physically correct, a methodology was developed to calculate the nuclear end of life of BWR control rods with MCNP. The advantages of the methodology are that it does not require other codes to perform the depletion of the absorber material, it can describe control rods of any design and it can deplete the control rod absorber material without burning the fuel. The disadvantage of the method is that is it time-consuming

Current problems of VVER-1000 reactor core operation in Ukraine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bykov, A.

2000-01-01

Planned control rod drop time registration was passed two times a year per reactor unit. In 1992-1993 some control rods at almost all WWER-1000 units exceed the prescribed 4 second time limit. More than 7000 individual control rod time tests were made from the main correction measures. The following conclusions have been made from the current statistics data: (a) The main role of the vibration factor is proven in the fuel assembly (FA) bowing process. The greatest drop times and maximum of bowing values are concentrated at the vibration zone (2-4 FA rows from the reactor partition). The first FA row seems to be stable due to the interaction with the reactor partition; (b) Bowing relaxation will proceed during several fuel cycles (estimated value is 4-6), and depends on previous FA use history. It seems to be proven that previously bowed FAs effect the new FA, so previously bowed FAs are straightened until the middle of the fuel cycle. At some reactor units small drop time reduction is observed up to half of the fuel cycle from the start time values; (c) Control rod drop medium time (t) has almost linear dependence on operation time (τ) (t=k x τ + b]. Estimated by the method of least squares, values of k and b differ from unit to unit and from cycle to cycle. Values of k and b are in following ranges: b=2.0 - 2.6 seconds, k=5-50x10 -4 seconds per effective operation day; (d) Control rod drop time distribution changes through operation time. The position of maximum starts to shift after 240 effective days, and the form of the distribution start to change at the same time. Before 240 effective days, the distribution essentially does not change. To guarantee that the control rod system reliability is now within prescribed limits, we should continue testing. Additional analysis is needed. Test frequency can be reduced to avoid additional unreasonable transients. (authors)

Preliminary nuclear design for test MOX Fuel rods

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Joo, Hyung Kook; Kim, Taek Kyum; Jeong, Hyung Guk; Noh, Jae Man; Cho, Jin Young; Kim, Young Il; Kim, Young Jin; Sohn, Dong Seong

1997-10-01

As a part of activity for future fuel development project, test MOX fuel rods are going to be loaded and irradiated in Halden reactor core as a KAERI`s joint international program with Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). PSI will fabricate test MOX rods with attrition mill device which was developed by KAERI. The test fuel assembly rig contains three MOX rods and three inert matrix rods. One of three MOX rods will be fabricated by BNFL, the other two MOX fuel rods will be manufacturing jointly by KAERI and PSI. Three inert matrix fuel rods will be fabricated with Zr-Y-Er-Pu oxide. Neutronic evaluation was preliminarily performed for test fuel assembly suggested by PSI. The power distribution of test fuel rod in test fuel assembly was analyzed for various fuel rods position in assembly and the depletion characteristic curve for test fuel was also determined. The fuel rods position in test fuel assembly does not effect the rod power distribution, and the proposal for test fuel rods suggested by PSI is proved to be feasible. (author). 2 refs., 13 tabs., 16 figs.

Single-phase convective heat transfer in rod bundles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Holloway, Mary V.; Beasley, Donald E.; Conner, Michael E.

2008-01-01

The convective heat transfer for turbulent flow through rod bundles representative of nuclear fuel rods used in pressurized water reactors is examined. The rod bundles consist of a square array of parallel rods that are held on a constant pitch by support grids spaced axially along the rod bundle. Split-vane pair support grids, which create swirling flow in the rod bundle, as well as disc and standard support grids are investigated. Single-phase convective heat transfer coefficients are measured for flow downstream of support grids in a rod bundle. The rods are heated using direct resistance heating, and a bulk axial flow of air is used to cool the rods in the rod bundle. Air is used as the working fluid instead of water to reduce the power required to heat the rod bundle. Results indicate heat transfer enhancement for up to 10 hydraulic diameters downstream of the support grids. A general correlation is developed to predict the heat transfer development downstream of support grids. In addition, circumferential variations in heat transfer coefficients result in hot streaks that develop on the rods downstream of split-vane pair support grids

Single-phase convective heat transfer in rod bundles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Holloway, Mary V. [Mechanical Engineering Department, United States Naval Academy, 590 Holloway Rd., Annapolis, MD 21402 (United States)], E-mail: holloway@usna.edu; Beasley, Donald E. [Mechanical Engineering Department, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634 (United States); Conner, Michael E. [Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel, 5801 Bluff Road, Columbia, SC 29250 (United States)

2008-04-15

The convective heat transfer for turbulent flow through rod bundles representative of nuclear fuel rods used in pressurized water reactors is examined. The rod bundles consist of a square array of parallel rods that are held on a constant pitch by support grids spaced axially along the rod bundle. Split-vane pair support grids, which create swirling flow in the rod bundle, as well as disc and standard support grids are investigated. Single-phase convective heat transfer coefficients are measured for flow downstream of support grids in a rod bundle. The rods are heated using direct resistance heating, and a bulk axial flow of air is used to cool the rods in the rod bundle. Air is used as the working fluid instead of water to reduce the power required to heat the rod bundle. Results indicate heat transfer enhancement for up to 10 hydraulic diameters downstream of the support grids. A general correlation is developed to predict the heat transfer development downstream of support grids. In addition, circumferential variations in heat transfer coefficients result in hot streaks that develop on the rods downstream of split-vane pair support grids.

Accident management strategies for VVER-1000 reactors. Part 1: text

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sdouz, G.; Sonneck, G.; Pachole, M.

1994-10-01

This report describes the effect of different accident management strategies on the onset, development and end of the core-concrete-interaction as well as on the containment integrity for a TMLB'-type sequence in a Pressurized Water Reactor of the type VVER- 1000. Using the computer code MARCH3 the following strategies were investigated: (1) One or more Spray and LP ECC Systems available with and without coolers after 10 hours (2) Inclusion of the reactor pressure vessel testing facility room to the cavity (3) Containment venting (4) External water supply and (5) Different electric power restoration times. The results show that some of these accident management measures will maintain the containment integrity and reduce the source term drastically, others will reduce the source term rate. For some measures final conclusions can only be given after complete source term calculations have been performed. (authors)

Method of the characteristics for calculation of VVER without homogenization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Suslov, I.R.; Komlev, O.G.; Novikova, N.N.; Zemskov, E.A.; Tormyshev, I.V.; Melnikov, K.G.; Sidorov, E.B. [Institute of Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk (Russian Federation)

2005-07-01

The first stage of the development of characteristics code MCCG3D for calculation of the VVER-type reactor without homogenization is presented. The parallel version of the code for MPI was developed and tested on cluster PC with LINUX-OS. Further development of the MCCG3D code for design-level calculations with full-scale space-distributed feedbacks is discussed. For validation of the MCCG3D code we use the critical assembly VENUS-2. The geometrical models with and without homogenization have been used. With both models the MCCG3D results agree well with the experimental power distribution and with results generated by the other codes, but model without homogenization provides better results. The perturbation theory for MCCG3D code is developed and implemented in the module KEFSFGG. The calculations with KEFSFGG are in good agreement with direct calculations. (authors)

Fabrication of internally instrumented reactor fuel rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schmutz, J.D.; Meservey, R.H.

1975-01-01

Procedures are outlined for fabricating internally instrumented reactor fuel rods while maintaining the original quality assurance level of the rods. Instrumented fuel rods described contain fuel centerline thermocouples, ultrasonic thermometers, and pressure tubes for internal rod gas pressure measurements. Descriptions of the thermocouples and ultrasonic thermometers are also contained

Vortex Noise from Rotating Cylindrical Rods

Science.gov (United States)

Stowell, E Z; Deming, A F

1935-01-01

A series of round rods of the some diameter were rotated individually about the mid-point of each rod. Vortices are shed from the rods when in motion, giving rise to the emission of sound. With the rotating system placed in the open air, the distribution of sound in space, the acoustical power output, and the spectral distribution have been studied. The frequency of emission of vortices from any point on the rod is given by the formula von Karman. From the spectrum estimates are made of the distribution of acoustical power along the rod, the amount of air concerned in sound production, the "equivalent size" of the vortices, and the acoustical energy content for each vortex.

Vibrational characteristics and wear of fuel rods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schmugar, K.L.

1977-01-01

Fuel rod wear, due to vibration, is a continuing concern in the design of liquid-cooled reactors. In my report, the methodology and models that are used to predict fuel rod vibrational response and vibratory wear, in a light water reactor environment, are discussed. This methodology is being followed at present in the design of Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel. Fuel rod vibrations are expressed as the normal bending modes, and sources of rod vibration are examined with special emphasis on flow-induced mechanisms in the stable flow region. In a typical Westinghouse PWR fuel assembly design, each fuel rod is supported at multiple locations along the rod axis by a square-shaped 'grid cell'. For a fuel rod /grid support system, the development of small oscillatory motions, due to fluid flow at the rod/grid interface, results in material wear. A theoretical wear mode is developed using the Archard Theory of Adhesive Wear as the basis. Without question certainty, fretting wear becomes a serious problem if it progresses to the stage where the fuel cladding is penetrated and fuel is exposed to the coolant. Westinghouse fuel is designed to minimize fretting wear by limiting the relative motion between the fuel rod and its supports. The wear producing motion between the fuel rod and its supports occurs when the vibration amplitude exceeds the slippage threshold amplitude

Drive-in device for long thin rods into narrow cavitations, especially for control-shutdown rods e.g. of nuclear reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Flessner, H.; Paeserack, U.

1974-01-01

The auxiliary device serves as holder for long and thin rods, e.g. control rods, transported hanging in bundles, when these are lowered into narrow cavities. It is constructed as a rod grab vertically movable at the end of a guide tube. A comb-shaped trap in connection with a guide rod serves for lateral support of the lower ends of the rods hanging on the grab. This guide rod can be moved in vertical direction by means of two pairs of convex rollers resting on the inner guide tube. In addition, the guide rod has a prolongation carrying a traverse by means of an abutment on the lower end. With these auxiliaries amongst others, the trap can be brought into a horizontal position by turning around an axis with the control rods meshing with the teeth of the trap while the parallelism of the rods is kept up during transport. (DG) [de

Control rod excess withdrawal prevention device

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takayama, Yoshihito.

1992-01-01

Excess withdrawal of a control rod of a BWR type reactor is prevented. That is, the device comprises (1) a speed detector for detecting the driving speed of a control rod, (2) a judging circuit for outputting an abnormal signal if the driving speed is greater than a predetermined level and (3) a direction control valve compulsory closing circuit for controlling the driving direction of inserting and withdrawing a control rod based on an abnormal signal. With such a constitution, when the with drawing speed of a control rod is greater than a predetermined level, it is detected by the speed detector and the judging circuit. Then, all of the direction control valve are closed by way of the direction control valve compulsory closing circuit. As a result, the operation of the control rod is stopped compulsorily and the withdrawing speed of the control rod can be lowered to a speed corresponding to that upon gravitational withdrawal. Accordingly, excess withdrawal can be prevented. (I.S)

Uranium oxide fuel cycle analysis in VVER-1000 with VISTA simulation code

Science.gov (United States)

Mirekhtiary, Seyedeh Fatemeh; Abbasi, Akbar

2018-02-01

The VVER-1000 Nuclear power plant generates about 20-25 tons of spent fuel per year. In this research, the fuel transmutation of Uranium Oxide (UOX) fuel was calculated by using of nuclear fuel cycle simulation system (VISTA) code. In this simulation, we evaluated the back end components fuel cycle. The back end component calculations are Spent Fuel (SF), Actinide Inventory (AI) and Fission Product (FP) radioisotopes. The SF, AI and FP values were obtained 23.792178 ton/y, 22.811139 ton/y, 0.981039 ton/y, respectively. The obtained value of spent fuel, major actinide, and minor actinide and fission products were 23.8 ton/year, 22.795 ton/year, 0.024 ton/year and 0.981 ton/year, respectively.

Economical Feedback of Increasing Fuel Enrichment on Electricity Cost for VVER-1000

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohammed Saad Dwiddar

2015-08-01

Full Text Available A methodology of evaluating the economics of the front-end nuclear fuel cycle with a price change sensitivity analysis for a VVER-1000 reactor core as a case study is presented. The effect of increasing the fuel enrichment and its corresponding reactor cycle length on the energy cost is investigated. The enrichment component was found to represent the highly expenses dynamic component affecting the economics of the front-end fuel cycle. Nevertheless, the increase of the fuel enrichment will increase the reactor cycle length, which will have a positive feedback on the electricity generation cost (cent/KWh. A long reactor operation time with a cheaper energy cost set the nuclear energy as a competitive alternative when compared with other energy sources.

Hollow rods for the oil producing industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Khalimova, L M; Elyasheva, M A

1970-01-01

Hollow sucker rods have several advantages over conventional ones. The hollow rods actuate the well pump and at the same time conduct produced fluids to surface. When paraffin deposition occurs, it can be minimized by injecting steam, hot oil or hot water into the hollow rod. Other chemicals, such as demulsifiers, scale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, etc., can also be placed in the well through the hollow rods. This reduces cost of preventive treatments, reduces number of workovers, increases oil production, and reduces cost of oil. Because the internal area of the rod is small, the passing liquids have a high velocity and thereby carry sand and dirt out of the well. This reduces pump wear between the piston and the plunger. Specifications of hollow rods, their operating characteristics, and results obtained with such rods under various circumstances are described.

Communication with extraterrestrial intelligences - Possibilities, chances, and perspectives with special attention given to the leaky-embargo hypothesis

Science.gov (United States)

Fiebag, Johannes

1989-12-01

Present SETI projects are described, emphasizing search methods alternative to investigations in the radio range. The possibility that the human race is being studied by alien presences within the solar system is addressed in the context of the 'zoo hypothesis' and the 'leaky embargo' hypothesis. In the former, the aliens prevent any contact with humans, while in the latter occasional contact is permitted.

ELECTRIC FIELD MEASUREMENT IN ROD-DISCONTINUED ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

2014-06-30

Jun 30, 2014 ... the electrogeometrical model using a laboratory experimental rod-plane air gap arrangement with a lightning conductor (Franklin rod or horizontal conductor). The stepped leader could be represented by the rod electrode under a negative lightning impulse voltage having a level leading to breakdown with ...

Method of inspecting control rod drive mechanism

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sato, Tomomi; Tatemichi, Shin-ichiro; Hasegawa, Hidenobu.

1988-01-01

Purpose: To conduct inspection for control rod drives and fuel handling operations in parallel without taking out the entire fuel, while maintaining the reactor in a subcritical state. Method: Control rod drives are inspected through the release of connection between control rods and control rod drives, detachment and dismantling of control rod drives, etc. In this case, structural materials having neutron absorbing power equal to or greater than the control rods are inserted into the gap after taking out fuels. Since the structural materials have neutron absorbing portion, subcriticality is maintained by the neutron absorbing effect. Accordingly, there is no requirement for taking out all of the fuels, thereby enabling to check the control rod drives and conduct handling for the fuels in parallel. As a result, the number of days required for the inspection can be shortened and it is possible to improve the working efficiency for the decomposition, inspection, etc. of the control rod drives and, thus, improve the operation efficiency of the nuclear power plant thereby attaining the predetermined purpose. (Kawakami, Y.)

Comparisons with measured data of the simulated local core parameters by the coupled code ATHLET-BIPR-VVER applying a new enhanced model of the reactor pressure vessel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nikonov, S.; Pasichnyk, I.; Velkov, K.; Pautz, A.

2011-01-01

The paper describes the performed comparisons of measured and simulated local core data based on the OECD/NEA Benchmark on Kalinin-3 NPP: 'Switching off of one of the four operating main circulation pumps at nominal reactor power'. The local measurements of in core self-powered neutron detectors (SPND) in 64 fuel assemblies on 7 axial levels are used for the comparisons of the assemblies axial power distributions and the thermocouples readings at 93 fuel assembly heads are applied for the fuel assembly coolant temperature comparisons. The analyses are done on the base of benchmark transient calculations performed with the coupled system code ATHLET/BIPR-VVER. In order to describe more realistically the fluid mixing phenomena in a reactor pressure vessel a new enhanced nodalization scheme is being developed. It could take into account asymmetric flow behaviour in the reactor pressure vessel structures like downcomer, reactor core inlet and outlet, control rods' guided tubes, support grids etc. For this purpose details of the core geometry are modelled. About 58000 control volumes and junctions are applied. Cross connection are used to describe the interaction between the fluid objects. The performed comparisons are of great interest because they show some advantages by performing coupled code production pseudo-3D analysis of NPPs applying the parallel thermo-hydraulic channel methodology (or 1D thermo-hydraulic system code modeling). (Authors)

VVER 1000-NPP Temelin safety upgrading

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fleischhans, J.; Ubra, O.

1995-01-01

A modernisation program upgrading Temelin plant to meet internationally adopted standard has been implemented during plant design and construction phases. The initial Czech-Russian design (primary system was of Russian design, secondary system was of Czech design) has been extensively modified and adapted to present western safety criteria and operational requirements. The goals are to achieve a high level of safety, reliability, availability and load-following ability. The load-following ability and response to grid frequency changes are very important for the Czech Republic, since the nuclear capacity represents a high proportion of the overall electrical system there. On the basis of IAEA OSART missions and Halliburton NUS audit results and in compliance with recommendations of The State Office for Nuclear Safety, Czech Power Company and Czech scientists and researchers a modernisation program project for Temelin has been carried out. It includes three main groups of VVER1000 MW unit innovations: - Modernization and upgrading of the safety and control systems. - Fuel replacement and modification of the reactor core. - Innovation of some components of the primary and secondary systems. The tenders for instrumentation and control system, nuclear fuel, diagnostic system and radiation monitoring system were issued to the world-well known suppliers. The US company Westinghouse Electric >Corporation (WEC) was selected to submit contract for the delivery of instrumentation and control system primary side diagnostic system and for the delivery of nuclear fuel. The contract was signed in 1993

Control rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takeda, Toshikazu; Inoue, Kotaro.

1979-01-01

Purpose: To flatten the power distribution in the reactor core without impairing neutron economy by disposing pins containing elements of lower atomic number in the central region of a shroud and loading pins containing depleted uranium in the periphery region thereof. Constitution: The shroud has a layer of pins containing depleted uranium in the peripheral region and a layer of pins containing elements of lower atomic number such as beryllium in the central region. Heat removal from those pins containing depleted uranium and elements of lower atomic number (neutron moderator) is effected by sodium flow outside of the cladding material. The control rod operation is conducted by inserting or extracting the central portion (pins containing elements of lower atomic number such as beryllium) inside of the stainless pipe. Upon extraction of the control rod, the moderator in the central region is removed whereby high speed neutrons are no more deccelerated and the absorption rate to the depleted uranium is decreased. This can flatten the power distribution in the reactore core with the disposition of a plurality of control rods at a better neutron economy as compared with the use of neutron absorber such as boron. (Seki, T.)

Control rod

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fukumoto, Takashi; Hirakawa, Hiromasa; Kawashima, Norio; Goto, Yasuyuki.

1994-01-01

Neutron absorbers are contained in a tubular member comprising, integrally a tubular portion and four corners disposed at the outer circumference of the tubular portion at every 90deg, to provide a neutron absorbing tube. A plurality of neutron absorbing tubes are arranged in parallel in the lateral direction, and adjacent corners are joined, into a blade to constitute a control rod. Such a control rod has a great structural strength, simple in the structure and relatively light in weight and can contain a great amount of neutron absorbers. Upon formation of the control rod by arranging the blades in a cross-like shape, at least a portion thereof is constituted with short neutron absorbing tubes shorter than the entire length of the blade, and gaps are formed at positions in adjacent in the axial direction. With such a constitution, there is no worry that a wing end of the blade collides against or be abraded with a fuel channel box or a fuel support. Even if fuel channels are vibrated upon scram of the reactor, such as occurrence of earthquakes, it can be inserted to the reactor easily. (N.H.)

The Plinius/Colima CA-U3 test on fission-product aerosol release over a VVER-type corium pool

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Journeau, Ch.; Piluso, P.; Correggio, P.; Godin-Jacqmin, L.

2007-01-01

In a hypothetical case of severe accident in a PWR type VVER-440, a complex corium pool could be formed and fission products could be released. In order to study aerosols release in terms of mechanisms, kinetics, nature or quantity, and to better precise the source term of VVER-440, a series of experiments have been performed in the Colima facility and the test Colima CA-U3 has been successfully performed thanks to technological modifications to melt a prototypical corium at 2760 C degrees. Specific instrumentation has allowed us to follow the evolution of the corium melt and the release, transport and deposition of the fission products. The main conclusions are: -) there is a large release of Cr, Te, Sr, Pr and Rh (>95%w), -) there is a significant release of Fe (50%w), -) there is a small release of Ba, Ce, La, Nb, Nd and Y (<90%w), -) there is a very small release of U in proportion (<5%w) but it is one of the major released species in mass, and -) there is no release of Zr. The Colima experimental results are consistent with previous experiments on irradiated fuels except for Ba, Fe and U releases. (A.C.)

Experimental determination of temperature fields in sodium-cooled rod bundles with hexagonal rod arrangement and grid spacers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moeller, R.; Tschoeke, H.; Kolodziej, M.

1977-01-01

Three-dimensional temperature fields in the claddings of sodium cooled rods were determined experimentally under representative nominal operating conditions for a SNR typical 19-rod bundle model provided with spark-eroded spacers. These experiments are required to verify thermohydraulic computer programs which will provide the output data for strength calculations of the high loaded cladding tubes. In this work the essentials are reported of the measured circumferential distributions of wall temperatures of peripheral rods. In addition the sub-channel temperatures measured over the bundle cross section are indicated, they are required to sustain codes for the global thermohydraulic design of core elements. The most important results are: 1) The whole fuel element is located within the thermal entrance length. 2) High azimuthal temperature differences were measured in the claddings of peripheral rods, which are strongly influenced by the distance between the rod and the shroud, especially for the corner rod. 3) With decreasing Pe-number ( [de

Control rod housing alignment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dixon, R.C.; Deaver, G.A.; Punches, J.R.; Singleton, G.E.; Erbes, J.G.; Offer, H.P.

1990-01-01

This patent describes a process for measuring the vertical alignment between a hole in a core plate and the top of a corresponding control rod drive housing within a boiling water reactor. It comprises: providing an alignment apparatus. The alignment apparatus including a lower end for fitting to the top of the control rod drive housing; an upper end for fitting to the aperture in the core plate, and a leveling means attached to the alignment apparatus to read out the difference in angularity with respect to gravity, and alignment pin registering means for registering to the alignment pin on the core plate; lowering the alignment device on a depending support through a lattice position in the top guide through the hole in the core plate down into registered contact with the top of the control rod drive housing; registering the upper end to the sides of the hole in the core plate; registering the alignment pin registering means to an alignment pin on the core plate to impart to the alignment device the required angularity; and reading out the angle of the control rod drive housing with respect to the hole in the core plate through the leveling devices whereby the angularity of the top of the control rod drive housing with respect to the hole in the core plate can be determined

Suppression of leaky expression of adenovirus genes by insertion of microRNA-targeted sequences in the replication-incompetent adenovirus vector genome

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kahori Shimizu

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Leaky expression of adenovirus (Ad genes occurs following transduction with a conventional replication-incompetent Ad vector, leading to an induction of cellular immunity against Ad proteins and Ad protein-induced toxicity, especially in the late phase following administration. To suppress the leaky expression of Ad genes, we developed novel Ad vectors by incorporating four tandem copies of sequences with perfect complementarity to miR-122a or miR-142-3p into the 3′-untranslated region (UTR of the E2A, E4, or pIX gene, which were mainly expressed from the Ad vector genome after transduction. These Ad vectors easily grew to high titers comparable to those of a conventional Ad vector in conventional 293 cells. The leaky expression of these Ad genes in mouse organs was significantly suppressed by 2- to 100-fold, compared with a conventional Ad vector, by insertion of the miRNA-targeted sequences. Notably, the Ad vector carrying the miR-122a–targeted sequences into the 3′-UTR of the E4 gene expressed higher and longer-term transgene expression and more than 20-fold lower levels of all the Ad early and late genes examined in the liver than a conventional Ad vector. miR-122a–mediated suppression of the E4 gene expression in the liver significantly reduced the hepatotoxicity which an Ad vector causes via both adaptive and non-adaptive immune responses.