[en] The core catcher for a new PWR is designed to cope with high pressure and low pressure core melt scenarios and achieves coolability by spreading and fragmentation of the ex-vessel core melt. Direct water contact converts the decay heat to steam where the reflux of the steam condensate from the containment establishes a self-circulating steam/water flow. Prototypic transient experiments demonstrated the feasibility of the coolant concept which achieved early quenching and coolability by flooding the melt with water from the bottom. (orig./HP)