Graphite dust resuspension in a depressurization accident of HTR

Graphite dust has a significant effect on the safety of high temperature gas-cooled reactors. The present study experimentally analyzes the resuspension of graphite dust in a depressurization accident. A series of aerodynamic verification tests in an experimental system with gas flow at the sound speed at the orifice agree well with theoretical results. The results showed that the friction velocity decreases with time during the depressurization while the resuspension fraction increases when augmenting the initial pressure. The experiment results show good agreement with the predictions of the revised Rock ‘n’ Roll model by Biasi et al., indicating that this model accurately predicts the resuspension of graphite dust in a HTR depressurization accident.