CA1136778A - Method and apparatus for boron addition to primary coolant of a water cooled nuclear reactor system - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for boron addition to primary coolant of a water cooled nuclear reactor systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1136778A CA1136778A CA000321961A CA321961A CA1136778A CA 1136778 A CA1136778 A CA 1136778A CA 000321961 A CA000321961 A CA 000321961A CA 321961 A CA321961 A CA 321961A CA 1136778 A CA1136778 A CA 1136778A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- boric acid
- primary coolant
- coolant
- vessel
- water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
- G21C7/00—Control of nuclear reaction
- G21C7/06—Control of nuclear reaction by application of neutron-absorbing material, i.e. material with absorption cross-section very much in excess of reflection cross-section
- G21C7/22—Control of nuclear reaction by application of neutron-absorbing material, i.e. material with absorption cross-section very much in excess of reflection cross-section by displacement of a fluid or fluent neutron-absorbing material, e.g. by adding neutron-absorbing material to the coolant
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
- Y02E30/30—Nuclear fission reactors
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
- Structure Of Emergency Protection For Nuclear Reactors (AREA)
- Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Pressurized boric acid is injected into the primary coolant of a water cooled nuclear reactor system to ensure sufficient shutdown reactivity in the event of an accident. The method comprises heating a molten boric acid and water solution in a storage vessel, thereby creating sufficient pressure from the steam cushion which is generated to inject the solution into the reactor coolant. When compared to known techniques for borating the primary coolant, this method has the advantage that a smaller storage vessel can be used for the solution and less power is consumed during injection.
Pressurized boric acid is injected into the primary coolant of a water cooled nuclear reactor system to ensure sufficient shutdown reactivity in the event of an accident. The method comprises heating a molten boric acid and water solution in a storage vessel, thereby creating sufficient pressure from the steam cushion which is generated to inject the solution into the reactor coolant. When compared to known techniques for borating the primary coolant, this method has the advantage that a smaller storage vessel can be used for the solution and less power is consumed during injection.
Description
~136~77~
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BORON ADDITION TO PRIMARY
COOLANT OF A ~ATER COOLED NUCLEAR REACTOR SYSTEM
The invention pertains to a method for borating the primary coolant of a water cooled nuclear reactor system, in particular to ensure sufficient shutdown reactivity in the event of an accident.
Till now boric acid is injected into the primary coolant piping in form of a more or less concentrated water solution ~max. 12~). The boric acid solution is stored in the (so called) boric acid storage tank which requires a larger volume inside the reactor containment building of the power plant.
During certain events, the boric acid is injected into the primary coolant cycle by means of pumps which operate on emergency network and use expensive power.
Another disadvantage i~ the large temperature difference between the injected boric acid solution and the primary coolant which causes dangerous stresses at the injection nozzle.
, . , : . , , . .... ,. : . ~: . : .
~3~778
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BORON ADDITION TO PRIMARY
COOLANT OF A ~ATER COOLED NUCLEAR REACTOR SYSTEM
The invention pertains to a method for borating the primary coolant of a water cooled nuclear reactor system, in particular to ensure sufficient shutdown reactivity in the event of an accident.
Till now boric acid is injected into the primary coolant piping in form of a more or less concentrated water solution ~max. 12~). The boric acid solution is stored in the (so called) boric acid storage tank which requires a larger volume inside the reactor containment building of the power plant.
During certain events, the boric acid is injected into the primary coolant cycle by means of pumps which operate on emergency network and use expensive power.
Another disadvantage i~ the large temperature difference between the injected boric acid solution and the primary coolant which causes dangerous stresses at the injection nozzle.
, . , : . , , . .... ,. : . ~: . : .
~3~778
- 2 - CASE 4275 The puxpose of the invention is, therefore, to provide a method of injecting a sufficient amount of boric acid into the primary coolant system at high pressure requiring low volume and low power consumption.
The problem is solved by storing concentrated boric acid in molten state in a vessel, the molten mass being heated and containing water where the ratio of boric acid to water is such that the steam cushion generated in the container produces enough pressure to inject the boric acid into the primary coolant.
This method has the advantage, that a relatively small container is sufficient and the expensive storage space inside of the containment vessel can be utilized for other uses.
The temperature of the molten mass is prefer-ably held above the temperature of the primary coolant.
Therefore, no excessive temperature transient can occur at the injection nozzle.
The container is designed as a pressurizer which is connected to the primary coolant piping with at least one connecting line. Preferably, the connection is heated and is provided with a check valve.
The container discharge is also provided with a valve.
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~L~3~8
The problem is solved by storing concentrated boric acid in molten state in a vessel, the molten mass being heated and containing water where the ratio of boric acid to water is such that the steam cushion generated in the container produces enough pressure to inject the boric acid into the primary coolant.
This method has the advantage, that a relatively small container is sufficient and the expensive storage space inside of the containment vessel can be utilized for other uses.
The temperature of the molten mass is prefer-ably held above the temperature of the primary coolant.
Therefore, no excessive temperature transient can occur at the injection nozzle.
The container is designed as a pressurizer which is connected to the primary coolant piping with at least one connecting line. Preferably, the connection is heated and is provided with a check valve.
The container discharge is also provided with a valve.
`: '' :, ,;: ' ` :' . : '~; .:, -~., , , . ~ , - :
~L~3~8
- 3 - CASE 4275 According to a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with heating of its outside shell and contains instrument connections to measure pressure, temperature and fill level.
For safety reasons, the container is provided with, at least one rupture disc.
The method according to the invention and the apparatus to perform the method are described by means of a schematic drawing.
The container is indicated by 1 and is de-signed as a pressurizer. It consists of a lower part 2 and an upper part 3 which are pressure tight and connected together at the flange 4. A rupture disc 5 is mounted on the upper part to prevent in-jury to the container when an excessive pressure is generated.
The container is filled to the level 7 with a highly concentrated molten boric acid and a small amount of water. The container is provided with heating means 6 which are preferably installed on the outside surface of the shell. The heater permits heating of the contents to the desired temperature.
The pressure, temperature and fill level of the vessel contents can be monitored by means of instrument 2S connections 8, 9, 10. The connecting line 11 connects the container with t~,~e primary coolant piping 12 of the nuclear power system (not shown). The container discharge 13 is provided preferably with a motor driven control valve 14 which can be in the form of a blow-off valve. The connecting line 11 contains a check - . : . : :: :: . :: . : : . , :
~3677~
For safety reasons, the container is provided with, at least one rupture disc.
The method according to the invention and the apparatus to perform the method are described by means of a schematic drawing.
The container is indicated by 1 and is de-signed as a pressurizer. It consists of a lower part 2 and an upper part 3 which are pressure tight and connected together at the flange 4. A rupture disc 5 is mounted on the upper part to prevent in-jury to the container when an excessive pressure is generated.
The container is filled to the level 7 with a highly concentrated molten boric acid and a small amount of water. The container is provided with heating means 6 which are preferably installed on the outside surface of the shell. The heater permits heating of the contents to the desired temperature.
The pressure, temperature and fill level of the vessel contents can be monitored by means of instrument 2S connections 8, 9, 10. The connecting line 11 connects the container with t~,~e primary coolant piping 12 of the nuclear power system (not shown). The container discharge 13 is provided preferably with a motor driven control valve 14 which can be in the form of a blow-off valve. The connecting line 11 contains a check - . : . : :: :: . :: . : : . , :
~3677~
-4- CASE 4275 valve 15. Heating means 16 are provided on the connecting line to maintain the temperature of the molten mass at the desired level till the inject-ion into the primary coolant. The container 1 andthe connection line 11 are equipped with insulation (not shown).
The inventive method operates as follows:
The molten boric acid stored in the container is held at a temperatuTe above the temperature of the primary coolant. Thus, because of the steam cushion and the heat content of the boric acid melt, the pressure in the container is held above the pressure in the primary coolant line.
When the injection of boric acid is required, e.g., due toanemergency event, the valve 14 is opened and the highly concentrated boric acid flows without external help into the primary system. This way, a muchfaster shutdown reactivity is obtained than in the known method.
.i,;,. , : , ,, ", , , . . .
The inventive method operates as follows:
The molten boric acid stored in the container is held at a temperatuTe above the temperature of the primary coolant. Thus, because of the steam cushion and the heat content of the boric acid melt, the pressure in the container is held above the pressure in the primary coolant line.
When the injection of boric acid is required, e.g., due toanemergency event, the valve 14 is opened and the highly concentrated boric acid flows without external help into the primary system. This way, a muchfaster shutdown reactivity is obtained than in the known method.
.i,;,. , : , ,, ", , , . . .
Claims (3)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. In a water-cooled nuclear reactor system, a method for borating the reactor coolant, to ensure sufficient shutdown reactivity in the event of an accident, comprising the steps of storing molten boric acid in a vessel, the molten mass being heated and containing water, establishing a steam cushion with the water in the vessel in order to produce a pressure capable of injecting the boric acid into the reactor coolant.
2. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the temperature of said molten mass is maintained at a higher value than the reactor coolant temperature.
3. Apparatus for injecting boric acid into a primary coolant of a water cooled nuclear reactor system comprising a vessel in flow communication with the coolant, the vessel containing concentrated boric acid, means for heating the contents of said vessel to pressurise the contents thereof above the primary coolant pressure, and means to admit the contents of the vessel into the primary coolant.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP2807974.5 | 1978-02-20 | ||
| DE2807974A DE2807974C2 (en) | 1978-02-24 | 1978-02-24 | Device for boronizing primary coolant in a water-cooled nuclear reactor plant |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1136778A true CA1136778A (en) | 1982-11-30 |
Family
ID=6032844
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000321961A Expired CA1136778A (en) | 1978-02-20 | 1979-02-20 | Method and apparatus for boron addition to primary coolant of a water cooled nuclear reactor system |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AT (1) | AT362471B (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1136778A (en) |
| CH (1) | CH637497A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2807974C2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015079075A1 (en) | 2013-11-26 | 2015-06-04 | Ingenieria Y Marketing, S.A. | Portable device for the boration of continuously flowing water |
| US20150187448A1 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2015-07-02 | Westinghouse Electric Company Llc | Mobile boration system |
| WO2023057660A1 (en) | 2021-10-05 | 2023-04-13 | Ingenieria Y Marketing, S.A. | Portable device for the boration of continuously flowing water |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19752668A1 (en) * | 1997-11-27 | 1999-06-02 | Siemens Ag | Device for feeding a neutron absorbing fluid into the primary circuit of a pressurized water reactor and method for increasing the neutron absorption in such a primary circuit |
-
1978
- 1978-02-24 DE DE2807974A patent/DE2807974C2/en not_active Expired
- 1978-11-29 CH CH1219678A patent/CH637497A5/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1979
- 1979-02-15 AT AT118479A patent/AT362471B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1979-02-20 CA CA000321961A patent/CA1136778A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20150187448A1 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2015-07-02 | Westinghouse Electric Company Llc | Mobile boration system |
| US9281087B2 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2016-03-08 | Westinghouse Electric Company Llc | Mobile boration system |
| WO2015079075A1 (en) | 2013-11-26 | 2015-06-04 | Ingenieria Y Marketing, S.A. | Portable device for the boration of continuously flowing water |
| US10210957B2 (en) | 2013-11-26 | 2019-02-19 | Ingenieria Y Marketing, S.A. | Portable apparatus for the boration of continuously flowing water |
| WO2023057660A1 (en) | 2021-10-05 | 2023-04-13 | Ingenieria Y Marketing, S.A. | Portable device for the boration of continuously flowing water |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AT362471B (en) | 1981-05-25 |
| ATA118479A (en) | 1980-10-15 |
| DE2807974C2 (en) | 1985-03-07 |
| DE2807974A1 (en) | 1979-08-30 |
| CH637497A5 (en) | 1983-07-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |