Experimental Investigation Into the Effects of Reactor Coolant Additives on Boiling Phenomena in Pressurized Water Reactors

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of coolant additives like boric acid on boiling phenomena in pressurized water reactors under conditions as realistic as possible. The effects covered range from subcooled boiling to critical boiling conditions (CHF). The focus of this project lies on flow boiling with up to 40 bar and 250C in order to generate a data basis for a possible extrapolation to reactor conditions. The results of the experiments are used to implement and validate new models into CFD- Codes in context to a nationwide German joint research project with the specific aim of improving CFD boiling-models.