Experiments on the integral test facility 'Erlanger Wanne'

In 2003 AREVA NP Technical Center extended its Thermal Hydraulic Platform by the integral test facility 'Erlanger Wanne'. The facility is designed to investigate processes following a loss of coolant accident (LOCA) in the region of the reactor sump as well as downstream the sump strainers. The following parameters have been considered: The debris transport and sedimentation behavior in the reactor sump region; pressure loss caused by debris agglomeration on the sump strainer; the influence of strainer geometry and size of the strainer openings on the pressure loss; back-flushing ability of sump strainers; pressure loss caused by debris bypassing the sump strainer (downstream effect); the influence of erosion and corrosion processes on the pressure loss behavior. The experimental studies led to the development of an accepted procedure to handle a LOCA for KWU PWR plants. For the EPR trademark the efficiency of the debris retention concept in case of a LOCA was demonstrated. (orig.)