Structural integrity assessments of helium components in the primary cooling system during the safety demonstration test using the HTTR

Safety demonstration tests using the HTTR are now underway in order to verify the inherent safety features and to improve the safety design and evaluation technologies for HTGRs, as well as to contribute to research and development for the VHTR, which is one of the Generation IV reactor candidates. The coolant flow reduction test by running down gas circulators, which is one of the safety demonstration tests, is a simulation test of anticipated transients without scram. During the coolant flow reduction test, temperature of the high-temperature helium components and chemistry in the primary circuit are changed rapidly. This paper describes the structural integrity assessments of helium components, e.g. helium pipes, heat exchangers, during the coolant flow reduction test. From the result of this evaluation, it was found that the helium components were kept their structural integrity during temperature and chemistry transient condition in the coolant flow reduction test from the reactor power at 30%. It was also confirmed by this assessment that the coolant flow reduction test will be able to perform with its enough safety margins from the reactor power at 100%. (authors)