ELSMOR European Project: Experimental Results on an Innovative Decay Heat Removal System Based on a Plate-Type Heat Exchanger

Abstract

This paper summarises the results of an experimental campaign carried out at SIET on the ELSMOR facility built in 2022 to validate a decay heat removal system for the E-SMR. Based on the passive mechanisms of natural circulation, the system aims to dissipate the reactor decay heat to a water pool, using two heat exchangers: a plate-type one coupling the primary side to the secondary side, and a vertical tube one coupling the secondary side to the water pool. Such a system is considered to be the most effective passive system, capable of safely managing the SMR accident and accidental situations, and achieving long-term decay heat removal without the need for electricity or external inputs. A description of the primary and secondary loops of the plant is given, together with the installed instrumentation and data acquisition system. In addition, the paper summarises the tests performed in terms of test procedures, test type and associated objectives, test matrix, test results, achievements, and open issues.