Thermal-hydraulic phenomena during reflux condensation cooling in steam generator tubes

The transitions of cooling mechanism in steam generator tubes during reflux condensation are studied. It is found that the transitions are closely related to the occurrence of flooding or counter-current flow limitation phenomena in steam generator tubes. As shown in the previous studies of other researchers, the transition from filmwise reflux condensation into total reflux condensation occurs when the flooding criterion suggested by Wallis is met. In this study, it is suggested that the transition from total reflux condensation to complete carry-over occurs depending on the tube height and cooling conditions. It is also shown that the flooding at SG tubes occurs before the flooding at hot leg when a reflux condensation mode is existing in steam generator. Though the thermal-hydraulic conditions during reflux condensation after a small-break loss-of-coolant accident have enough margin to the transition into carry-over, considerations for the prevention of primary coolant relocation should be provided.