SBIR-STTR Award

The accident at TMI demonstrated that large quantities of hydrogen can be generated as a result of zirconium-steam oxidation reaction, which poses a hydrogen burn threat in LWR containments. The rates at which the core heats up and which hydrogen is Generated depends upon the zirconium-steam reaction rate, which in turn is influenced by local steam starvation and hydrogen blanketing effects. The purpose if this project is to perform a synthesized analysis of recent PBF, NRU, and ACRR best data in terms of hydrogen generation and its blanketing effect on the reaction process. Such work is in support of Nuclear Regulatory Research to advance analysis methodology on fuel assembly behavior for severe accidents, and assess the need for and design limits of containment hydrogen control systems for present and future power plants.Anticipated Results/Implication of the Approach (both Phase I andII/Potential Commercial application of Research :The anticipated results are an in-depth analysis and syntheses of the PBF, NRU, and ACRR hydrogen generation data, and qualification of present steam-zircaloy reaction morrelations considering a hydrogen blanketing effect. Results will be directed at qualification of a predictive capability for the steam-zircaloy reaction for severe accident analysis codes, such as SCDAP (NRC) and MAAP (IDCOR).Technology, Research Thrust and/or Potential Commercial Application:(Limit to 10 words) Hydrogen Control System Design/Regulatory Support for LWR Containment Assessment

No Phase II Abstract available