A semiempirical prediction of the decay ratio for the boiling water reactors start-up process

During the start-up of a commercial boiling water reactor (BWR), the power and the coolant flow are continuously monitored. In order to prevent power instability events, the decay ratio (DR) could also be monitored. The process can be made safer if the operator could anticipate the DR too. DR depends on the power, the flow and many other quantities such as axial and radial neutron flux distribution, feed water temperature, void fraction, etc. A simple relationship for DR is derived. Three independent variables seem to be enough: the power, the flow and a single parameter standing for all other quantities which affect the DR. The relationship is validated with data from commercial BWR start-ups. A practical procedure for the start-up of a BWR is designed: it could help preventing instability events.