Pressurized Water Reactors


Book Description

Pressurized Water Reactors, Volume Three in the JSME Series on Thermal and Nuclear Power Generation, compiles the latest research on Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) into a very comprehensive reference, beginning with its history. The reader is then guided through optimum design processes for PWRs, considering safety throughout. The authors then discuss thermal-hydraulic aspects within the PWR system and inside the reactor core, making this a valuable resource for nuclear and thermal engineers and researchers. Combining their wealth of experience, the book presents in-depth knowledge on the advancement and improvement of fuel rods that is gleaned from decades of experience and lessons learned. The inclusion of analysis codes for the design and safety elements ensure makes this a unique reference which will provide the reader with a solid understanding which they can transfer to their own professional and research settings. Future prospects for next generation PWR and Small Modular Reactors are also discussed, giving the reader a basis for further research of their own. Contains contributions from the leaders and pioneers in nuclear research at the Japanese Society of Mechanical Engineers and draws upon their combined wealth of knowledge and experience Includes analysis codes, such as RELAP5, for the design and safety improvement of pressurized water reactors (PWRs) Presents history, examples, and case studies from Japan and other key regions, such as the United States and Europe




Controlling Hydrogen Behavior in Light Water Reactors


Book Description

In the aftermath of the incident at Three Mile Island Unit 2 (TMI-2), a new and different treatment of the Light Water Reactor (LWR) risks is needed for public safety because of the specific events involving hydrogen generation, transport, and behavior following the core damage. Hydrogen behavior in closed environments such as the TMI-2 containment building is a complex phenomenon that is not fully understood. Hence, an engineering approach is presented for prevention of loss of life, equipment, and environment in case of a large hydrogen generation in an LWR. A six-level defense strategy is described that minimizes the possibility of ignition of released hydrogen gas and otherwise mitigates the consequences of hydrogen release. Guidance is given to reactor manufacturers, utility companies, regulatory agencies, and research organizations committed to reducing risk factors and insuring safety of life, equipment, and environment.







Hydrogen Considerations in Light-water Power Reactons


Book Description

A critical review of the literature now available on hydrogen considerations in light-water power reactors (LWRs) and a bibliography of that literature are presented. The subject matter includes mechanisms for the generation of hydrogen-oxygen mixtures, a description of the fundamental properties of such mixtures, and their spontaneous ignition in both static and dynamic systems. The limits for hydrogen flammability and flame propagation are examined in terms of the effects of pressure, temperature, and additives; the emphasis is on the effects of steam and water vapor. The containment systems for pressurized-water reactors (PWRs) and boiling-water reactors (BWRs) are compared, and methods to control hydrogen and oxygen under the conditions of both normal operation and postulated accidents are reviewed. It is concluded that hydrogen can be controlled so that serious complications from the production of hydrogen will not occur. The bibliography contains abstracts from the computerized files of the Nuclear Safety Information Center. Key-word, author, and permuted-title indexes are provided. The bibliography includes responses to questions asked by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) which relate to hydrogen, as well as information on normal operations and postulated accidents including generation of hydrogen from core sprays. Other topics included in the ten sections of the bibliography are metal-water reactions, containment atmosphere, radiolytic gas, and recombiners.