Nuclear Engineering and Technology

Korean Nuclear Society (한국원자력학회)
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Investigation of two-phase natural circulation with the SMART-ITL facility for an integral type reactor

  • Received : 2021.02.03
  • Accepted : 2021.09.08
  • Published : 2022.03.25
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Abstract

A two-phase natural circulation test using SMART integral test loop (SMART-ITL) was conducted to explore thermo-hydraulic phenomena of two-phase natural circulation in the SMART reactor. Specifically, the test examined the natural circulation in the primary loop under a stepwise coolant inventory loss while keeping the core power constant at 5% of the scaled full power. Based on the test results, three flow regimes were observed: single-phase natural circulation (SPNC), two-phase natural circulation (TPNC), and boiler-condenser natural circulation (BCNC). The flow rate remained steady in the SPNC, slightly increased in the TPNC, and dropped abruptly and maintained in the BCNC. Using a natural circulation flow map, the natural circulation characteristic in the SMART-ITL was compared with those in pressurized water reactor simulators. In the SMART-ITL, a BCNC regime appeared instead of siphon condensation and reflux condensation regimes because of the use of once-through steam generators.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by the SMART Standard Design Change Approval Project funded by KAERI, KHNP, and K.A. CARE.

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