Validation of the ECART code for the safety analysis of fusion reactors

Abstract

Realistic calculation of the radiotoxic substances transport within a fusion facility requires a coupling among thermal–hydraulic, chemistry and aerosol-vapour models. The paper introduces the methodology adopted for the simulation of these phenomena with ECART, a code developed by a pool of Italian institutions with the support of European Union and EDF. In the past, this tool was successfully validated against the major source term tests applied to Light Water Reactor (LWR) safety and it is now employed in investigations about advanced LWRs and non-nuclear risk studies. It also contains information about chemical compounds involved in fusion reactor safety and simulates the related oxidation reactions. With regard to its application on fusion, a large validation activity was performed, mainly based on the analyses of experimental programs promoted inside the EURATOM Fusion Technology Programme. The correct simulation of main phenomena occurring in ICE and STARDUST facilities demonstrates the applicability of ECART in performing a realistic prediction of the whole sequence (thermal–hydraulics and dust transport) inside fusion plants.