H2020 MYRTE CIRCE-HERO experimental campaign: Post-test activity and code validation

Diego Castelliti, Tewfik Hamidouche, Pierdomenico Lorusso, Mariano Tarantino

    Research output

    Abstract

    In the frame of H2020-MYRTE (MYRRHA Research and Transmutation Endeavour) project, the LBE CIRCE facility, at ENEA-Brasimone research center, has been reconfigured with the HERO (Heavy liquid mEtal pRessurized water cOoled tubes) test section, consisting in a seven double wall bayonet tube bundle heated by LBE on the shell side and by water on the tube side. Despite having been conceived for tests aimed to the assessment of the ALFRED reactor heat exchanger, the experimental campaign in the MYRTE project foresees the facility to be used to simulate the behavior of the MYRRHA Primary Heat Exchanger in its innovative double-walled bayonet tube configuration. The thermal-hydraulic parameters characterizing the system are modified to represent MYRRHA plant conditions in terms of temperatures, pressures, void fraction and flow regimes. Its main purpose consists in studying the heat transfer process in the bayonet tube to characterize the convective and the conductive heat transfer processes and in comparing the experimental data with calculation models, for validation purposes. A RELAP5-3D model of the CIRCE-HERO facility has been realized and then used for a series of steady state pre-tests, which have been then compared with the experimental results performed in the MYRTE campaign. A number of discrepancies have been identified and explained. Finally, the model has been updated through the experimental feedback and the simulation accuracy has notably increased in terms of energy and momentum balance; the RELAP5-3D model is then able to provide an accurate experimental data representation.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication18th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Reactor Thermal Hydraulics (NURETH-18)
    PublisherAmerican Nuclear Society
    Pages5029-5042
    Number of pages14
    ISBN (Print)9780894487675
    StatePublished - Aug 2019
    Event2019 - NURETH: 18th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Reactor Thermal Hydraulics - Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront, Portland
    Duration: 18 Aug 201923 Aug 2019
    http://epsr.ans.org/meeting/?m=285

    Conference

    Conference2019 - NURETH
    Abbreviated titleNURETH18
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityPortland
    Period2019-08-182019-08-23
    Internet address

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