Heat and mass transfer models in LWR containment systems Original Research Article

This paper summarises the basic concepts and the weaknesses of the heat and mass transfer models used in LWR containment safety analysis, with particular attention to the link between thermal-hydraulics and aerosol behaviour, a fundamental step for a realistic source term evaluation during a severe accident. A state of the art review, together with a classification of the independent variables required for an acceptable energy and mass transfer model, was initially carried out. Comparisons among the most used models, comprising semi-empirical correlations and a model based on the analogy between the momentum and the heat and mass transfer, were carried out on the basis of the experimental data available from the SOPRE II, CVTR, HDR and PHEBUS FP experimental facilities. The most significant results from this and considerations about the possibility of transferring the acquired knowledge from experimental facilities to a full-scale plant are also reported and discussed.