Method and equipment for curbing the consequences of nuclear power plant accident

A method is proposed of restricting the consequences of a loss-of-coolant accident (including accidents due to rupture of the main piping of the primary coolant circuit) consisting in transporting the radioactive steam-air mixture through an air-filled open space to a valve assembly where the mixture is discharged. At least 20% of the overall air amount in the space is forced out. The through-flow coolant amount is determined from the amount of air forced out by the radioactive steam-air mixture provided pressure in the accident area is reduced below atmospheric pressure upon damage of the hermetic fuel element cladding sealing. A free space having a size corresponding to 20% of the overall free space volume is part of the accident area. It houses condensing equipment divided into sections; at least a part of the sections is connected to the ventilating system. (J.P.)