Influence of Pipe Diameter on Advanced Nuclear Reactor Natural Circulation System
Amna Yasya Mubarok (a*), Sidik Permana (a), Dwi Irwanto (a), Asril Pramutadi Andi Mustari (a)

a) Nuclear Science and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology Jalan Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
*amnayasya[at]gmail.com

Abstract

4th gen reactors are focused on developing 4 aspects, highly economical, enhanced safety, minimal waste, and proliferation resistance. 4th gen reactor using natural circulation on coolant as an enhanced safety system. Natural circulation makes sure coolant is still flowing even without using a pump. In case of disaster and power outage the coolant still able to release heat since the coolant is still flowing. This research is done to study the natural circulation using COMSOL Multiphysics and experiment. Model used in this research is a reactor coolant that 100 cm in height and 50 cm in width. In this research the diameter of the pipe varied at 1/2, 3/4 and 1 inch to the difference of heat dissipation on each configuration. Simulation and experiment able to perform natural circulation. The result show changes in heat dissipation on each configuration. Bigger pipes have more water volume, meanwhile the heater and cooler give and take the same amount of the heat, the result is bigger pipes have higher difference on water lowest and highest temperature.

Keywords: Natural circulation- Pipe diameter- Reactors

Topic: Nuclear Science and Engineering