Leakage potential of LWR containment penetrations under severe accident conditions

Abstract

This paper is an overview of a Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque (SNLA) study of the performance of mechanical penetrations in light-water reactor (LWR) containment buildings that are subjected to severe accident environments. The study is concerned with modes of failure as well as the magnitude of leakage. The following tests have been completed, are under way, or are planned: (a) seals and gaskets have been tested to register the effects of radiation aging, thermal aging, seal geometry, and squeeze on seal and gasket materials in severe accident environments; (b) the performance of a full-scale airlock will be evaluated at severe accident temperature and pressure levels; (c) personnel airlock and equipment hatch tests were made on a 1 8 - scale model of a steel containment building; and (d) tests of mechanical penetrations are planned as part of a test on a 1 6 - scale model of a reinforced concrete building. This program is part of an overall US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) effort to evaluate the integrity of LWR containment buildings.