Thermosyphoning model and experimental verification with RD-14 tests

This paper presents the work that has been undertaken in order to develop an understanding of the various phenomena that occur during thermosyphoning in a CANDU geometry. The test performed in the experimental loop RD-14 have been used to verify and further develop a computer code based on basic physical processes known to happen in the horizontal core, the feeders and the steam generators. The particular geometry of the loop has been used for verification purposes. It has been found that the location of the heat losses was of some importance in the timing of the phenomena. The major finding lies in the steam generator behaviour analysis where it has been concluded that the steam generator's parallel channels (U tubes) do have a series of independent patterns that affect the overall thermosyphoning flow of the loop. 6 refs., 10 figs