Source term assessment with ASTEC and associated uncertainty analysis using SUNSET tool

• Published in: Nuclear engineering and design Vol. 272; pp. 207 - 218
• Main Authors: Chevalier-Jabet, K., Cousin, F., Cantrel, L., Séropian, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.06.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Containment; Iodine; Mathematical analysis; Nuclear engineering; Nuclear reactor components; Physics; Sunset; Uncertainty
• ISSN: 0029-5493; 1872-759X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2013.06.042

Several accidental scenarios have been simulated using the ASTEC integral IRSN-GRS code for a French 1300MWe PWR, including several break sizes or locations, highlighting the effect of safety systems and of iodine chemistry in the reactor coolant system (RCS) and in the containment on iodine source term evaluations. Iodine chemistry in the RCS and in the containment is still subject to significant uncertainties and it is thus studied in on-going R&D programs. To assess the impact of uncertainties, ASTEC has been coupled to the IRSN uncertainty propagation and sensitivity analysis tool SUNSET. Focusing on a loss of feed-water of steam generator accident, ASTEC/SUNSET calculations have been performed to assess the effect of remaining uncertainties relative to iodine behaviour on the source term. Calculations show that the postulated lack of knowledge may impact the iodine source term in the environment by at least one decade, confirming the importance of the on-going R&D programs to improve the knowledge on iodine chemistry.