Pressure Rise during Combustion and Explosion of Hydrogen-Containing Mixtures in Vertical Channels of a Reactor with Downward Coolant Flow

The results of experimental studies of the admissible hydrogen concentration in gas mixtures and dynamical actions during a hydraulic shock and explosion of hydrogen-containing vapor–gas mixtures in the channel of the CPS cooling loop in RBMK performed on the stands at NIKIET and VNIIPO are presented. The particulars of an increase in the pressure in the channel CPS cooling loop as a result of the combustion and explosion of radiolytic hydrogen are examined. The possibility of combustion and explosion of hydrogencontaining mixtures with a dangerous concentration under the conditions of the channels of the CPS cooling loop is analyzed. The measures taken during the operation of the cooling loop of the CPS in RBMK for preventing the accumulation of an explosive concentration are presented.