An experimental investigation of some further aspects of the buoyancy-driven exchange flow between carbon dioxide and air following a depressurization accident in a Magnox reactor

An experimental investigation of the purging flow requirements to prevent air ingress into the pressure vessel of a Magnox reactor following a depressurization accident is described. The cause of the accident is assumed to be a breach in one of the coolant ducts. The case of a horizontal duct was previously investigated: here purging flow requirements in inclined ducts are considered. A 1/12 scale simplified model using brine and water was used. The results are presented in non-dimensional form, and their application to the full-scale situation is discussed. (author)