Simulated and Simultaneous Loss-of-Coolant Accident Testing of Protective Coatings for the Nuclear Industry

Abstract

An apparatus was designed and constructed to test the performance of coatings under conditions of high-pressure steam and radiation that might exist under a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA). Results from the ''simultaneous'' exposure of coatings to high-pressure steam and radiation are compared to results obtained from the conventional ''simulated'' test procedures. Coating systems were selected that had a history of performing well under simulated LOCA conditions and included zinc-based, epoxy, and phenolic primers with phenolic and modified phenolic topcoats. Coatings were exposed to $sup 60$Co radiation doses in the range of 10$sup 8$ to 10$sup 9$ rad. The study showed that the conventional simulated LOCA conditions were more severe on the coatings than those tested under the simultaneous exposure to high-pressure steam and $sup 60$Co radiation. It was concluded that coatings that satisfactorily passed the simulated LOCA tests will also pass the simultaneous LOCA tests.