Small break LOCA analysis for RCP trip strategy for YGN 3 and 4 emergency procedure guidelines

A continued operation of RCPs during a certain small break LOCA may increase unnecessary inventory loss from the RCS causing a severe core uncovery which might lead to a fuel failure. After TMI-2 accident, the CEOG developed RCP trip strategy called 'Trip-Two/Leave-Two' (T2/L2) in response to NRC requests and incorporated it in the generic EPG for CE plants. The T2/L2 RCP trip strategy consists of tripping the first two RCPs on low RCS pressure and then tripping the remaining two RCPs if a LOCA has occurred. This analysis determines the RCP trip setpoint and demonstrates the safe operational aspects of RCP trip strategy during a small break LOCA for YGN 3 and 4. The trip setpoint of the first two RCPs for YGN 3 and 4 is calculated to be 1775 psia in pressurizer pressure based on the limiting small break LOCA with 0.15 ft2 break size in the hot leg. The analysis results show that YGN 3 and 4 can maintain the core coolability even if the operator fails to trip the second two RCPs or trips at worst time. Also, the YGN 3 and 4 RCP trip strategy demonstrates that both the 10 CFR 50.46 requirements on PCT and the ANSI standards 58.8 requirements on operator action time can be satisfied with enough margin. Therefore, it is concluded that the T2/L2 RCP trip strategy with a trip setpoint of 1775 psia for YGN 3 and 4 can provide improved operator guidance for the RCP operation during accidents. 11 figs., 4 tabs., 9 refs. (Author)