Title: Studies on steam condensation with non-condensable gases in a horizontal condenser tube for advanced nuclear reactors using RELAP5

Authors: L.A. Macedo, W.M. Torres

Addresses: Nuclear Engineering Center–CEN, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, IPEN–CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242-Cidade Universitaria, CEP 05508-000 Sao Paulo–SP, Brazil. ' Nuclear Engineering Center–CEN, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, IPEN–CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242-Cidade Universitaria, CEP 05508-000 Sao Paulo–SP, Brazil

Abstract: Horizontal heat exchangers are used in advanced light water nuclear reactors in their passive cooling systems, such as Residual Heat Removal System (RHRS) and Passive Containment Cooling System (PCCS). Horizontal condensation studies of steam with non-condensable gases mixtures in these heat exchangers are very important. This work presents a comparison between simulation results and experimental data in steady state conditions for some inlet pressure, steam and non-condensable gases (air) inlet mass fractions. The test section was modelled and the simulations were performed with the RELAP5 code. Experimental tests were carried out for 200–400 kPa inlet pressure and 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of inlet air mass fractions. Comparisons between experimental data and simulation results are presented for 200 kPa and 400 kPa pressure conditions and showed good agreement. New correlations for heat transfer coefficients in these steam-air conditions must be theoretically and experimentally studied and implemented in the RELAP5 code.

Keywords: steam condensation; non-condensable gases; RHRS; residual heat removal systems; PCCS; passive containment cooling systems; horizontal condenser tubes; heat exchangers; advanced reactors; ESBWR; RELAP5; nuclear reactors; nuclear power; nuclear energy; simulation; heat transfer coefficients.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2011.039251

International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology, 2011 Vol.6 No.1, pp.82 - 91

Published online: 14 Feb 2015 *

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