Application of LBB to high energy pipings of a pressurized water reactor in Korea

Abstract

The application of the leak before break (LBB) technology to the newly constructed pressurized water reactors (PWRs) has been approved in Korea for several high energy systems that can meet rigorous acceptance criteria. The LBB application in Korea is based on the US Nuclear Regulatory Commision (USNRC) requirements. The purpose of the LBB evaluation is to eliminate the dynamic effects associated with the postulated double-ended guillotine break (DEGB) from design basis loads, as well as to eliminate pipe whip restraints and jet impingement barriers. There were several issues on the application of LBB to the primary coolant loop and the pressurizer surge line. Of concern were the material properties for the carbon steel for the primary coolant loop, estimation of the crack opening area at the pipe-to-nozzle interface considering the asymmetry, and the leakage crack size which barely meets the required margin of 2 for the surge line, etc. Some additional work was required by the safety authority to maintain the global safety of the plant at a sufficient level. This paper describes the regulatory application of LBB in Korea, and the issues encountered during the regulatory review.