The prediction of direct containment heating Original Research Article

A simple analytical model is proposed and shown to capture the essence of the direct containment heating phenomenon. The model is based on assuming thermal/chemical equilibrium in the melt dispersal (flow) process, and separation of the melt out of this ‘equilibrium steam’ in the intermediate compartment. The model reveals a natural scale (hence named the ‘DCH scale’) for the DCH phenomenon, and the results are in very good agreement with the Integral Effects Tests series. On this basis, reactor predictions can be made quite simply, provided that the DCH scale for the particular condition of interest is known. This prediction of DCH scale is also addressed by a scaling approach that is shown to be consistent with the experimental data. Finally, reactor predictions (of DCH loads) are also included in generalized terms convenient for use under a wide variety of conditions. In general, the results appear to be well within the structural capability of large dry containments.