A scheme for passive isolation of the containment of a reactor

Abstract

Release of radioactivity to the environment in the event of an accident in a reactor can be limited if the containment maintains structural integrity and the isolation system functions properly. A passive isolation scheme will reduce the risk further. This article proposes a passive isolation scheme for an Indian pressurized heavy-water reactor. The scheme works by creating water seals in the ventilation duct when the pressure in the containment rises after an accident. Formation of the seals is studied by solving the one-dimensional hydrodynamic equations. Results are presented for various assumed geometrical and hydraulic parameters and pressure transients in the containment.