Published November 2011 | Version v1
Journal article

Design and preliminary analysis of in-vessel core catcher made of high-temperature ceramics material in PWR

  • 1. State Nuclear Power Technology R and D Center, Beijing (China)
  • 2. Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing (China)

Description

In order to protect the interior wall of pressure vessel from melting, as an additional way to external reactor vessel cooling (ERVC), a kind of in-vessel core catcher (IVCC) made of high-temperature ceramics material was designed. Through the high-temperature and thermal-resistance characteristic of IVCC, the distributing of heat flux was optimized. The results show that the downward average heat flux from melt in ceramic layer reduces obviously and the interior wall of pressure vessel doesn't melt, keeping its integrity perfectly. Increasing of upward heat flux from metallic layer makes the upper plenum structure's temperature ascend, but the temperature doesn't exceed its melting point. In conclusion, the results indicate the potential feasibility of IVCC made of high-temperature ceramics material. (authors)

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Atomic Energy Science and Technology
Journal Volume
45
Journal Issue
11
Journal Page Range
p. 1334-1339
ISSN
1000-6931

Optional Information

Notes
4 figs., 2 tabs., 8 refs.