Thank you Hiddencamper for the explanation! I suspected it had to do with the melt through but having not been exposed to the BWR owners group did not know the correct definition of the term. The additional info was very welcome as well.
I missed something along the way. WHAT "hot debris ejection"?? Are you referring to the melt through of the fuel through the bottom of the reactor vessel or something else??
I too agree with Jim. IMHO part of the benefit of this forum is many view points and many "collectors" of information. The comments of those involved in the industry are very valuable but those not involved but with a "nose" for related information is also very valuable.
Plainly, please...
If I understand correctly then, the plant can be safely cooled for up to 2 days without seawater for UHS.
Is the required UHS cooling requirement then within the capabilities of, say fire trucks, or must larger pumps be rigged?
At the edge of the current subject:
What were the alternatives to the sea water pumps if all were destroyed or rendered inop? Were any still functional after the "wave?
Hiddencamper, thank you for that effort. Helps me better understand the water level issues of an ADS event. No doubt the Japanese did not start with a normal level in the RPV initially so would have had even more uncovery of the fuel. With a lower flow rate to refill, (very likely) they were...
Ah, the detail I wanted.
I assumed substantial water would be lost but did not fully understand the rest of it. At what pressure is below that required to drive turbine for HPCI?
How many gallons of water does 1 foot of level represent in the core then above active fuel where I assume...
What is the downside to flooding containment? Could it have been done simultaneous with trying to refill the RPV?
Would it have even been possible? Now water is pumped into the RPV (they think) leaks into the drywell and then into the basement. Clearly there are some major leaks, both out...
Hiddencamper, add me to the list of those who appreciate your perspective and "insider" knowledge of plant systems and design.
I am here to learn and understand, mostly from folks far more knowledgeable than myself, not to sort through anti-nuclear agendas. The media does a fine job of...
Would filtered venting made a lot of difference at Fukushima ? When the hydrogen explosions occurred the nasty stuff bypassed the venting system anyway.
You are mistaken. Nuclear and fossil fuel power plants DO recover the turbine exhaust and condense the steam, recycling the water. That water is super pure and a fair amount has been invested in processing it. The condensers are actually good enough to pull a vacuum on the turbine outlet...
oops! You are correct and I stand corrected that the 1st stage was kerosene and the uppers hydrogen fueled. The shuttle used hydrogen main engines and solid fuel exernal boosters.
My point remains the same - hydrogen and appropriate amount of air can make a big bang! The claims made early...
Hydrogen launched the Saturn 5.
Enough hydrogen, well mixed with exactly the right amount of air could release a LOT of energy!
Looking at the crud on top of the fuel assemblies in #3 makes me wonder something. If convective cooling of the fuel stops due to blocking the water flow with...