Major Achievements and Prospect of the ATLAS Integral Effect Tests

Abstract

A large-scale thermal-hydraulic integral effect test facility, ATLAS (Advanced Thermal-hydraulic Test Loop for Accident Simulation), has been operated by KAERI. The reference plant of ATLAS is the APR1400 (Advanced Power Reactor, 1400 MWe). Since 2007, an extensive series of experimental works were successfully carried out, including large break loss of coolant accident tests, small break loss of coolant accident tests at various break locations, steam generator tube rupture tests, feed line break tests, and steam line break tests. These tests contributed toward an understanding of the unique thermal-hydraulic behavior, resolving the safety-related concerns and providing validation data for evaluation of the safety analysis codes and methodology for the advanced pressurized water reactor, APR1400. Major discoveries and lessons found in the past integral effect tests are summarized in this paper. As the demand for integral effect tests is on the rise due to the active national nuclear R&D program in Korea, the future prospects of the application of the ATLAS facility are also discussed.

A SUMMARY OF 50thOECD/NEA/CSNI INTERNATIONAL STANDARD PROBLEM EXERCISE (ISP-50)

“…The ATLAS has been actively utilized to establish an integral effect data base which can be used to resolve safety issues, to investigate new safety concepts, and to validate and to improve the safety analysis codes. Detailed information on the ATLAS program and major design characteristics can be found in reference [6].…”