Critical investigations and model development on countercurrent flow of gas and liquid in horizontal and vertical channels

Countercurrent flow of steam and water occurs in the horizontal and vertical lines of a PWR in case of a LOCA. In order to predict the emergency core cooling behaviour in case of a large or small break LOCA it is important to calculate the volumetric flow rate of water which will get to the reactor core. Theoretical and experimental results of countercurrent flow in horizontal and vertical channels given by publication and reports are critically reviewed for the purpose of a more physical understanding of the flow phenomena. The influence of geometry, pressure and other boundary conditions are emphasized. The existing models which are developed to calculate the onset of flooding are based on experimental results of small test facilities. The applicability of these models to large geometries and high pressures as well as the consideration of condensation and entrainment are investigated. (orig./HP)