Within the frame of a severe nuclear accident research project funded by the Federal Ministry for Education, Science, Research and Technology (BMBF) the problem of heat and mass transfer in a debris bed is investigated theoretically and experimentally. Model-oriented single-effect experiments, both steady state but especially quenching experiments shall be carried out. First exploratory quenching tests were performed with small-scale (300 cm~3) inductively heated beds composed of carbon steel balls and contained in various types of crucibles. Initial bed temperatures ranged from 300 to 800 deg C, in particular cases the bed temperatures were raised up to 1300 deg C. Test results obtained so far demonstrate the complexity of the phenomena and the many influencing parameters, among others size of particles, bed temperature, and type of crucible. The integrity of an appropriate test vessel, both diamagnetic and of sufficiently high resistance against thermal stress, is a major problem.
展开▼
