Methods and correlations for the prediction of quenching rates on hot surfaces

Abstract

A substantial quantity of experimental data on rewetting, much of which has not been previously reported, is analysed using the results of calculations of the two-dimensional conduction processes taking place in the walls of tubes, which have been used to simulate the cladding of nuclear fuel elements. Correlations giving the quenching heat-transfer coefficient and sputtering temperature are proposed as a result of the analysis. These correlations may be combined with the previously reported conduction analysis to predict rewetting rates under a wide range of conditions. The new data include falling film rewetting rates measured for a range of system pressures (1–15 bars), initial wall temperatures (200–650°C), coolant mass flowrates (3–50 g sec −1) and subcoolings (0–90°C). Measurements have also been made of rewetting rates by bottom flooding of both saturated and subcooled water at atmospheric pressure.