Best Estimate SBLOCA Analysis of CANDU 9 Systems Part I: CATHENA Modelling

Abstract

To quantify the uncertainty and seek a better understanding of small break loss-of-coolant-accident (SBLOCA) as a design-basis accident (DBA) of the CANDU 9 reactor system, the best estimate analysis approach is proposed in this paper. After a general review of this approach, a particular best estimate methodology to study the SBLOCA is introduced. A combination CATHENA/WIMS/RFSP is selected to be the toolset for the analysis. A detailed thermal-hydraulic modeling with CATHENA as well as some preliminary steady state results are given. The possibility of using this model to generate a Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table (PIRT) is also briefly discussed as a part of the future work.