Development of a technology for explosive closing of pipes in severe reactor accidents

Exploitable results

A method will be developed for emergency closing of pipes in case of a severe nuclear reactor accident. The aim is to design and test an explosive welding technique for typical pipes in nuclear reactor plants, which can be applied fast and easily in severe accident environments. The method would enable a flexible and fast response to so-called containment by-pass accidents when the containment structure remains intact but radioactive substances are released via pipes which belong to reactor subsystems and penetrate the containment. No technical solution currently exists for this type of accident situation. First pre-tests showed encouraging results. The method to be developed is applicable to all present and future reactors in east and west Europe. The work will consist of two phases. The first phase will concern strong, thick-walled pipes which have a design pressure of about 200 bar. The second phase will concern thin-walled pipes with design pressures below 50 bar. Typical tube dimensions for German pressurized water reactors have been collected. Different media inside the tubes will be tested (air, water, saturated steam) at different temperatures and pressures which are relevant for severe reactor accidents. Russian type stainless steel comparable to the German specifications 1.4550 will be used. After successful development of an explosive welding technology experiments will be performed with German steel for confirmation. The main experimental variables which have to be optimized are charge size and shape location, the number of detonators, and the type and shape of a damper to tailor the applied load.

Exploitable results

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