Analysis and Simulation of the DOEL-2 Steam Generator Tube Rupture Event

Severe plant transients, following a steam generator tube rupture (SGTR), have a relatively high probability of occurrence and may entrain a certain risk to the population and the plant (class IV accident). The SGTR event which occurred at the DOEL-2 plant in June 1979, presents many interesting phenomena which are analysed based on the on-site data recordings on one hand, and a detailed numerical simulation, using the RELAP-5 code, on the other hand. This event stimulated a revision of the emergency procedures, led to considerable improvements in the operator control over safeguard systems and highlights the importance of operator training. The numerical results do enhance the understanding of the observed phenomena and complement the plant recorded data. The RELAP-5 code is capable of simulating such transient.