HTGR Knowledge Base

Conference Article: Investigations of gas explosions in a nuclear coal gasification plant

Schulte, K. (Internationale Atomreaktorbau G.m.b.H. (INTERATOM), Bergisch Gladbach (Germany, F.R.))

Abstract

The safety research program on gas cloud explosions is performed in the context of the German project of the Prototype Plant Nuclear Process Heat. By the work within this project, it is tried to extend the use of nuclear energy to non-electric application. The programme comprises efforts in several scientific disciplines. The final goal is to provide a representative pressure-time-function or a set of such functions. These functions should be the basis for safe design and construction of the nuclear reactor system of a coal gasification plant. No result yet achieved contradicts the assumption that released process gas is only able to deflagrate. It should be possible to demonstrate that, if unfavourable configurations are avoided, a design pressure of 300 mbar is sufficient to withstand an explosion of process gas. This pressure should never be exceeded by process gas explosions irrespective of gas mass released and distance to release point, except possibly in relatively small areas.

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key words: detonators; diagrams; explosions; fires; gases; gasification; mathematical models; nuclear power plants; pressure dependence; process heat; reactor licensing; safety; simulation; fluids; information; licensing; nuclear facilities; power plants; thermal power plants
Reference:
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria). International Working Group on Gas-Cooled Reactors. Specialists meeting on gas-cooled reactor safety and licensing aspects, Lausanne, Switzerland, 1-3 September 1980. Summary report. Jan 1981
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria). International Working Group on High-Temperature Reactors.
IWGGCR--1, pp:233-253