Objective
The stabilization of molten corium is recognised as essential if a safe and stable state is to be reached following a severe accident. Among the possible options, In-Vessel Melt Retention (IVMR) appears as an attractive solution that would minimize the risks of containment failure (less Hydrogen produced, no corium-concrete interaction), if it can be proved to be feasible.
The strategy is already adopted for the VVER 440 type 213 based on thorough research work for the Finnish Loviisa NPP and Hungarian Paks NPP. It is also included in the design of some new Gen.III reactors like AP-1000, APR 1400 and Chinese CPR-1000. It has also been studied in the past for other reactor concepts like KERENA (BWR) or VVER-640.
Current approaches for reactors with relatively small power, such as VVER 440 or AP600, use conservative assumptions. However, for higher power reactors (around 1000 MWe), it is necessary to evaluate the IVMR strategy with best-estimate methods in order to address the uncertainties associated with the involved phenomena. Additional R&D is needed to ensure and demonstrate adequate safety margins, including identification of efficient technical solutions for the external cooling of the vessel and performing best-estimate evaluation of relevant scenarios. Among other provisions, the possibility of cooling the corium inside the vessel by direct injection of water into the degraded core, may be considered because it is likely to remove a significant part of the residual power.
The goal of the project is an analysis of the applicability and technical feasibility of the IVMR strategy to high power reactors, both for existing ones (e.g. VVER 1000 type 320 units) as well as for future reactors of different types (PWR or BWR). The main outcomes of the project will be elevant assumptions and scenarios to estimate the maximum heat load on the vessel wall, improved numerical tools for the analysis of IVMR issues and a harmonized methodology on the IVMR.
Programme(s)
- H2020-Euratom - Euratom Main Programme
- H2020-Euratom-1.8. - Ensure availability and use of research infrastructures of pan_european relevance
- H2020-Euratom-1.3. - Support the development and sustainability of nuclear competences at Union level
- H2020-Euratom-1.1. - Support safe operation of nuclear systems
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
92260 Fontenay Aux Roses
France
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Participants (23)
250 68 Husinec Rez
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1049 Bruxelles / Brussel
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75015 PARIS 15
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100 44 Stockholm
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76131 Karlsruhe
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Participation ended
92400 Courbevoie
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75008 Paris
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50667 Koln
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01328 Dresden
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02150 Espoo
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
02150 Espoo
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1121 Budapest
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1121 Budapest
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
917 01 Trnava
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
00196 Roma
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LT-44403 Kaunas
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1000 BRUXELLES
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SW7 2AZ LONDON
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1755 LE Petten
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1784 Sofia
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250 68 Husinec-Rez
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05 400 Otwock
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92400 Courbevoie
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