Influence of liquid holdup in steam generator U-tubes on small break LOCA severity. [Semiscale Mod-2A]

The severity of small cold leg break loss-of-coolant accidents has been shown to be influenced by liquid holdup in steam generator U-tubes during pump suction loop seal formation in two experiments performed in the Semiscale Mod-2A facility. The core coolant level can be depressed lower than previously thought possible due to a positive hydrostatic head across the steam generators caused by delayed drainage of liquid from the upflow side of the U-tubes. The significance of a lower core coolant level depression is the potential for a more severe temperature excursion occurring during the coolant boiloff phase subsequent to loop seal clearing and prior to accumulator injection. Presented in this paper are the experimental data analysis and supporting computer code calculations that led to these conclusions.