Detectability limits of rapid inlet blockages in high powered subassemblies of the PEC reactor

The capability of the subassembly coolant outlet temperature monitoring system to detect a rapid inlet blockage formation in single subassemblies of the PEC reactor core has been analyzed with the BLOW-3A code parametrically. After detection reactor shut down is initiated. In worst cases the subassembly concerned will be partially destroyed at the time of detection but safe reactor shut down would be achieved in due time. A thermally induced propagation to neighbouring subassemblies is not expected to occur. (author)