Potential Effects of Leak-Before-Break on Light Water Reactor Design.
Abstract
Detailed analyses and substantial structures are required in Light Water Reactor power plants, to protect against the damaging effects of pipe breaks. As an alternative, one might show that the growth of any crack in a particular pipe would lead to fluid leaks which would be detected long before such a crack would result in a pipe break. This principle is referred to as Leak-Before-Break. This thesis presents the results of a study which was conducted to assess the potential impact of Leak-Before-Break on the design of modern Light Water Reactors. It was determined that a majority of pipe rupture restraints could be eliminated in a typical plant, with a potential cost savings of tens of millions of dollars per plant. Assumptions about reactor operating conditions and leak detection capability are critical. Some recommendations made in this thesis are: safety margins to be used in leak-before-break determination should be based on actual risk; and requirements for leak detection sensitivity in nuclear plants should be based on specific needs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 26, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA160153
Entities
People
- P. E. Roege