GSI-191: Integrated Debris-Transport Tests in Water Using Simulated Containment Floor Geometries(NUREG/CR-6773)

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Publication Information

Manuscript Completed: November 2002
Date Published: December 2002

Prepared by:
D. V. Rao, C. Shaffer,* B. C. Letellier,
A. K. Maji,** L. Bartlein

Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM 87545

Subcontractors:
*ARES Corporation
851 University Blvd. S.E.
Suite 100
Albuquerque, NM 87106

**University of New Mexico
Department of Civil Engineering
Albuquerque, NM 87110

B. P. Jain and M. L. Marshall, NRC Project Managers

Prepared for:
Division of Engineering Technology
Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001

NRC Job Code Y6041

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Abstract

This report documents the results of experiments conducted to examine insulation debris transport under flow and geometry configurations typical of those found in pressurized water reactors (PWRs). This work was part of a comprehensive research program to support the resolution of Generic Safety Issue (GSI)-1 91. GSI-191 addresses the potential for debris accumulation on PWR sump screens and consequent loss of the emergency core cooling system pump net positive suction head following a loss-of-coolant accident. Among the GSI-191 program research tasks is the development of a method to estimate debris transport in PWR containments and the quantity of debris that would accumulate on the sump screen for use in plant-specific evaluations. Predicting the transport of debris within the sump pool is an essential part of that methodology.

The analytical method proposed by the Los Alamos National Laboratory to predict debris transport within the pool is to use computational fluid dynamics combined with experimental debris transport data to predict debris transport and accumulation on the screen. The threedimensional tank tests were conducted to test debris transport under conditions that simulate flow regimes relevant to a typical PWR plant. These tests provided insights into the relative importance of the various debris-transport mechanisms and are directly applicable to creating or validating models capable of estimating debris transport within a PWR plant containment sump.