Background
During a severe accident or a beyond-design-basis accident (BDBA), the reaction of water with zirconium alloy fuel cladding, radiolysis of water, molten corium-concrete interaction (MCCI) and post-accident corrosion can generate hydrogen (H2). The total mass of H2 produced in-vessel depends on several factors. For most reactors, it is on the order of 1,000 kilograms. High peak rates for H2 release to the containment of up to several kg/s can result from discontinuous releases from the reactor pressure vessel. The detonation of H2 can result in damage to structures such as containment buildings or spent fuel buildings. In all reactor designs, H2 monitors can be utilized to monitor the risk of containment or spent fuel building damage due to H2 detonations.
Recent industry events highlighted the importance of understanding and monitoring the effects of H2 generation under accident conditions. The ability to monitor H2 generation in the containment and spent fuel buildings provides vital information to plant operators that can be used to assess the progression of an accident, as well as to assess the safety of these buildings.
Westinghouse has proven experience in H2 monitoring and offers an integrated solution for utilities that desire to simplify procurement of the hardware, design, analysis, procedures and installation. The Westinghouse H2 monitoring solution can be integrated with the Westinghouse H2 control solution.
Why Westinghouse?
The Westinghouse system allows an in situ arrangement, which does not require the sample lines, containment isolation valves and compressors/vacuum pumps associated with gas transport H2 monitors. An in situ arrangement reduces the cost and maintenance associated with installing this additional equipment and eliminates the need for containment penetration testing at the sample lines.
Description
H2 generation is a complex problem, and without optimization, the solution can be expensive and time consuming. Westinghouse provides streamlined technical solutions designed to fit plant-specific needs.
Perform Analysis of H2 Generation and Distribution
Define quantity and transport/distribution of H2. Identify locations requiring new/updated H2 monitoring hardware.
- Utilize global analysis tools to determine H2 generation source term:
- The basis for the analysis is a large number of simulations using a code such as the MELCOR code or the MAAP code, which are utilized to identify the accident scenarios posing the highest threat to the containment or spent fuel building.
- Utilize global analysis tools to define H2 distribution and transport:
- The next step consists of detailed calculations with a code such as the MAAP code, GASFLOW code or FATETM code, specialized codes used to characterize H2 distribution and transport.
- This analysis is used to determine the optimum configuration for the H2 monitoring sensors.
Design H2 Monitoring System
Example of an H2 sensor
Evaluate and select hardware options for increased H2 monitoring.
- Evaluation and selection of H2 monitoring options:
- Analysis to identify inadequacies in existing monitoring system, if the plant is upgrading
- Location of primary processing system
- Evaluation of computer interface options (e.g., stand-alone system, control room display, choice of annunciators)
- H2 monitoring can be integrated with the H2 control system design utilizing a single evaluation with the analysis tools described above:
- The first steps in developing an H2 monitoring system and an H2 control system are similar, so the same steps can be used for both system designs
Engineer and Install H2 Monitoring Hardware
Perform engineering, including design change package, licensing, procurement and installation of new/upgraded hardware solution.
The manufacture and installation of equipment for H2 monitoring is performed by Westinghouse in cooperation with experienced partners. Westinghouse offers a complete customer-specific package:
- Choice of a specific equipment configuration
- Licensing support
- Delivery and installation of the equipment
- Control room display and annunciator interface
- Implement procedure and guideline upgrades
- Evaluation of current procedures and guidelines for inclusion of the H2 monitoring system
- Identification and implementation of upgrades to existing procedures and guidelines (e.g., Emergency Operating Procedures, Severe Accident Management Guidelines or Emergency Response Guidelines)
Benefits
- Global technology resources to meet customer and regulatory needs on a local basis
- Graded approach using integrated solutions covering analysis, procedure and hardware options to provide cost savings
- The H2 monitors used in the system provide distinct advantages. Some features of the monitoring system include:
- No reagent or nitrogen zero gas flows are required for operation of the analyzers
- The analyzer operates at containment pressure requiring no pressure control or regulation
- H2 monitors will be placed in an in situ arrangement, which provides the following advantages over gas transport monitors:
- No sample line, containment isolation valves, compressor/vacuum pump or controls are required for transportation of the sample
- No sample line containment penetration is required, eliminating containment penetration testing
- H2 concentration is measured using multiple monitors capable of sensing concentrations in the range of zero to 20 percent by volume, with an accuracy of ±2 percent of scale
- H2 sensors require calibration only after each outage
- Manual adjustments are minimized
- No custom circuitry; all conditioning modules are standard designs
- Control assembly can be located remotely, allowing for the operation, monitoring and management of the sensors from outside of containment
- The programmable logic controller used within the remote control center is distributed worldwide for multiple industries, not just the nuclear power industry
- The system incorporates a state-of-the art human-machine interface (HMI) in the form of a touch screen display with all screens arranged in a logical, intuitive manner
- Maintenance costs are minimal, and operational reliability is maximized
- System is designed to be used during design basis accidents (DBAs) and BDBA
Experience
Westinghouse and its partners have proven experience in providing in situ H2 monitoring solutions for the following:
- Large dry containments
- New plant design (AP1000® pressurized water reactors)
Westinghouse has more than 20 years of experience in providing online monitoring systems and, thus, knows how to install and maintain online systems for optimal performance.
AP1000 and FATE are trademarks or registered trademarks of Westinghouse Electric Company LLC in the United States and may be registered in other countries throughout the world. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
