Hydrogen ignition and recombination following postulated breeder reactor accidents

Understanding the inherent response of breeder reactors to hydrogen generated during a major accident is important to reactor safety analyses and in evaluating means of controlling hydrogen to safe levels. Experiments have been conducted at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory investigating the ignition, burning, and extinguishment of hydrogen jets under conditions similar to those of postulated reactor accidents. Two extensive series of small-scale tests and two large-scale tests have been performed which indicate the conditions necessary for hydrogen jet ignition and extinguishment. The results and conclusions of the test programs are included