Experimental investigations into flow conditions of Konrad exhaust air channel

The minesite Konrad is going to be converted into a final storage facility for solid or consolidated radioactive waste with negligible heat generation. To investigate the flow in the exhaust channel "chimney" a test facility with 1:5 scaled mockup was built. 2O-PIV measurement technology was used to analyze the flow at the envisaged sample taking point. The main purpose of the tests was to forecast if the different criteria for homogenous flow defined by DIN ISO 2889 could be met. Two test parameters have been examined: (total) air volume flow and particle size. Only one of three investigated criteria was passed for all particle sizes and volume flows. Further investigations into adaptions of the exhaust channel "chimney" are necessary to fulfill all requirements for homogenous flow at the sample taking spot for all particle sizes and all (normal) operation status.