ML20217K180
| ML20217K180 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 07/31/1997 |
| From: | Callan L NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| SECY-97-175, SECY-97-175-01, SECY-97-175-1, SECY-97-175-R, NUDOCS 9708150161 | |
| Download: ML20217K180 (31) | |
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POLICY ISSUE (Information)
Julv31.1997 SECY-97-175 EQB: The Commissioners EBOM- L. Joseph Callan Executive Director for Operations
SUBJECT:
NRC PARTICIPATION IN THE OECD/NEA SPONSORED RASPLAV PHASE ll PROJECT AT THE RUSSIAN RESEARCH CENTER (1.V. KURCHATOV I INSTITUTE)
PURPOSE:
To inform the Commission of plans to participdte in the follow on RASPLAV Phase 11 Project at the Russian Research Center (1,V. Kurchatov institutep '
BACKGROUND d
o d-E In SECY 97 027, dated February 3.1997, the Comm@ ion s informed of the status and accomplishments of Phase I of th RASPLAV ProjectRhe etives of Phase ll of the project and our intent to participate in P ase 11 of the project,3yovi a draft agreement was prepared by OECD/NEA and agreed to by c 3 other project participa The staff committed to keep the Commission informed of the status of Phase 11 af t the Aprib'1997 RASPLAV Management Board meeting.
Contact:
NOTE: TO BE MADE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE IN 5 Thornas L. King, RES WORKING DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS 415 5700 PAPER ,
9708150161 970731 PDR SECY 97-175 R PDR
0 9 The Commissioners 2 The RASPLAV Project is an OECD/NEA sponsored project involving 17 countr es with the experimental work being conducted at the Russian Research Center (l.V. Kurciatov Institute) in Moscow, Russia. The key objectives of the project are to puform experiments with prototypic materials (i.e., reactor materials under very high temperature), to measure the heat loads to the reactor' pressure vessel (RPV) under severe accident conditions (molten pool natural < -
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convection), and to assess the effects of materials interactions under these conditions. This information is critical to the issues associated with the retention of a molten core inside the RPV cooled from outside. The project consists of small scale experiments to measure the properties of molten core materials (e.g., thermal conductivity) of various compositions, separate effects tests to look at phenomena such as molten core material stratification and interactions with reactor vessel steel, small scale (12 and 40 kg of UO,/Zro,/Zr) and large scale (200 kg of UO/Zr0/Zr) integral experiments to simulate in vessel molten core conditions.and integral experiments using molten salts simulating molten core material to extend the molten core material results to reactor vessel scale. Phase I of the project begarron July 1,1994, and ended on June 30,1997. During Phase I of the project the properties of two compositions of molten core materials were measured, numerous separate effects tests were run, two small integral and two large scale integral tests were performed and 20 tests with molten salt material were conducted. The conduct of the tests with molten core material also involved the development of innovative and unique heating, measurement and confinement techniques to retain molten core material at approximately 2700*C for up to four hours. The total cost of i Phase I was $6.9 million of which NRC paid $932,000 over the three year period.
DISCUSSION:
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The Phase I tests used a molten core material composition representative of a BWR aryd indicated that natural convection occurs quickly in a pool of molten core material and also that the Zr0, and Zr stratify quickly and float on top of the molten pool. (The long term impact and extent of this stratification is one of the items to be investigated in Phase 11). At the heat fluxes observed in the two large scale integral tests (average 100 kw/m' and 200 kw/m' through the simulated RPV wall in the first and second tests, respectively) there was no attack on the steel wall (i.e., a protective crust of core material prevented direct contact between molten core material and the RPV wall). Also, at the heat fluxes observed, their distribution along the RPV wall compared well with prediction and extemal cooling of the RPV wall was able to maintain its integrity.
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Based upon the success and results of the Phase I program, RASPLAV Project participants discussed the benefits of extending the project into Phase ll to further investigate the phenomena of stratification (between molten UO, and Zr0,/Zr) observed in the Phase I tests, conduct tests with different molten core material compositions and boundary conditions, continue the salt test program to enable extension of the molten core material tests to reactor scale and to further explore the potential of molten core materialinteractions with reactor pressure vessel material. Such information is directly relevant to severe accident management approhches being considered in the U.S. and intemationally and is the only experimental program of its kind working with real materials under prototypic conditions. OECD/NEA
The Commissioners 3 1
prepared a draft agreement for Phase ll and presented it to the RASPt.AV Management Board l st their April 1997 meeting. The proposed Phace ll program consists of three additionallarge scale tests with molten core material, several separate effects tests on materials interaction, addrtional material properties measurements and up to 30 additional tests with molten salt. All participating countries agreed to a Phase ll program beginning July 1,1997, and ending)une l 30,2000. The total cost of Phase ll Is to be $5.0 million with NRC's share $678,000 over that period. Recently, OECD/NEA provided for signature the proposed agreement for Phase 11 (copy attached).
As discussed in SECY 97-027, The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) was interested in joining the project in Phase 11. Terms and conditions were discussed with DOE representatives and OECD/NEA drafted an agreement for their participation ire the project as an associate member (NRC would be the official U.S. representative on the Management Board, but DOE could attend all meetings and have access to all project results) at a total cost of $500,000. To date l
DOE has not been able to commit to joining the project, and the attached agreement does not include their participation. If, in the future they elect to join the project under these terms and conditions, the $500,000 DOE contribution would be used to conduct additional tests.
RESOURCES:
The resources required for NRC to participate in Phase 11 ($678,000 over 3 years) were lower than those estimated in SECY-97 027 ($800,000 over a 2.5 year period). Currently, RES has
$140,000 of FY 1997 funds available for Phase 11 along with $320,000 in its FY 1998 budget and $340,000 in its FY 1999 request. The funds needed are $140,000 in FY 1997, $250,000 in FY 1998 and $282,000 in FY 1999. The excess funds in FY 1998 and FY 1999 will be reprogrammed to other research activities on an as needed basis.
COORDINATION:
This paper has been coordinated with the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the CFO has no objections to the resource estimates. This paper has also been coordinated with the Office of the General Counsel, and they have no legal objection.
CONCLUSION: *
- Since the proposed Phase 11 project will provide information directly relevant to severe accident management and confirmatory information related to in-vessel retention in AP-600, it is in the best interest of nuclear safety in the U.S. for the NRC to participate in the RASPLAV-Phase 11 4
The Commissioners 4 f
project, I intend to sign the RASPLAV Phase ll Agreement (attachment) with t ye express understanding that it is subject to the availability of appropriated funds and provide notification to the OECD/NEA.
L Callan Ex ive Director for Operations
Attachment:
Agreement on the Second Phase
- of the OECD RASPLAV Project DISTRIBUTION:
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AEN AGENCE DE L'OCDE POUR L'tNERGIE NUCLCAIRE OECD NUCLEAR ENERGY AGENCY NEA
- l Mr. %omas L. KINO _
Deputy director Division of Systems Technology .
Nucler,r Regulatory Research .
U.S. NRC Mail Stop T 10 E 37 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 UNITED STATES !
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Ref: EN/S/5536 issy les Moulincaux, 23 June,1997 LETTER TO Tile RASPLAV MANAGEMENT BOARD AGREEMENT ON THE SECOND PHASE OF THE OECD RASPLAV PROJECT A PROJECT TO INVESTIGATE THERMAL LOADINGS IMPOSED BY A CONVECTIVE CORIUM POOL IN THE LOWER HEAD OF AN LWR VESSEL, DURING THE PROGRESSION OF A SEVERE ACCIDENT I am pleased to enclose the Agreement on the Second Phase of the OECD Rasplav Project for your es ' ion.
a usual procedure for signing NEA Sponsored Project Agreements is that the original'of the Agreement is sent to each participating Country or Organisation in tum, so that it may be signed by the duly authorised persons.
However, in the present case, since the Agreement will enter into force on ist July 1997 and since there are a large number of Signatones, I am concemed that this procedure might take an inordir. ate amount of time, which could be detrimental to the execution of the Project. .
I therefore propose that only om copy of the Agreement be signed by the authorised representative (s) of the participating Organisation(s) for your Country before it is retumed to the NEA Secretariat.
When we have collected all of the signed copies of the Agreement which will be kept at <
NEA Headquarters as onginals - the Secretariat will produce a consolidated version of the Agreement showing all signatures, a copy of which will be sent to you.
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It is acceptable for Signatories to introduce, aboveihea signature, a hand-written sentence .
specifying that this Agreement is subieet to financial appropiations by Parhament, Congress or'other appropriate Govemment institutions.. .
L I art of your disposal for any other information or assistance >cu may require.
l Thank you in advance for your ccroperation in having this Agreement signed and returned to us bv courier service. '
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Yours sincerely,
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, Patrick eyners Head, legal Affairs g -
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i AGREEMENT f
i ON THE SECOND PHASE OF THE OECD RASPLAV PROJECT A PROJECT TO INVESTIGATE THERMAL LOADINGS IMPOSED BY A CONVECTIVE CORIUM POOL IN THE LOWER HEAD OF AN LWR VESSEL, DURING THE PROGRESSION OF A SEVERE ACCIDENT
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- AGREEMENT l
ON THE SECOND PHASE OF THE OECD RASPLAY PROJECT - , .
A PROJECT TO INVESTIGATE THERMAL LOADINGS IMPOSED BY A CONVECTIVE CORIUM POOL IN THE LOWER HEAD OF AN LWR VESSEL i DURING THE PROGRESSION OF A SEVERE ACCIDENT The' Russian Federation Ministry of Atomic Energy, jointly with the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Federal Nuclear and Radiation Safety A'uthority of Russia and th Russian Research Center "Kurchatov Institute" the AIB Vingotte Nuclear jointly with Tractebel S. A., Belgium, the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, the Nuclear Research Institute of the Cz
! . Republic, the IVO Power Engineering Ltd, jointly with Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus and Sateilyturvakeskus, Finland, the Commissariat & l'Energie Atomique/Institut de Protection et de Sarete Nucleaire, France, the Gesellschaft filr Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit (GRS) m with Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Germany, KFKI Atomic Eaergy Research Institute, the Agenzia Nazionale per la Protezione dell'Ambiente, jointly with the Ente per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e l'Ambiente, Italy, the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, join the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety, the Netherlands Energy Research Foundation, the de Seguridad Nuclear, Spain, the Statens Karnkraftinspektion of Sweden, the Paul Scherrer Institute of Switzerland, the Health and Safety Executive of the United Kingdom, the United State Nuclear Regulatory Commission, being Governments or bodies designated by their respecti Govemments (thereinafter referred to as "the Signatories");
CONSIDERING that the Russian Research Centre "Kurchatov institute" (RRC set up an international programme called the "RASPLAV PROJECT", to conduct experiments using prototypical materials (along with several supporting small-scale experimental facilities simulating severe accident conditions and has gained considerable experience and knowledg ares; e
CONSIDERING that the experiments which have been conducted since July 1994 within a first phase of this Project have produced highly valuable results; CONSIDERING that there remain. uncertainties related to safety decisions about the possibility of chemical and thermal damage to the lower head of the reactor pressure vessel which may be reduced by a new series of experiments; i
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CONSIDERING that the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA) is entrusted with promoting the creation ofinternational co-opera'. ion projects between its Memxr countries in the field of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, I CONSIDERING that the RRC K1 has proposed to OECD/NEA Member countries that they p'articipate in a second series of molten fuel-lower head interaction experiments to be, -
conducted in the RASPLAV experimental facility in Moscow; ,
CONSIDERING that this proposal is of interest to the Signatories and that they are willing to_ provide financial and other support to such a joint project for an additional period of-three years; CONSIDERINO that the development, construction and operation of the RASPLAV facility will be carried out under the RRC KI's responsibility and in,accordance with all relevant laws and agreements; AGREE to participate in an OECD-RRC KI Consortium Programme to investigate molten- fuel-lower head interaction on the second phase of the RASPLAV Experimental Programme (hereinafter referred to as "the Project"), on the terms and conditions stated herein:
Article 1 OBIECTIVES The Signatories, in accordance with this Agreement, shall jointly with RRC KI define an experimental test matrix, experimental conditions, and parameters to be investigated-in the RASPLAV- Experimental Programme, and RRC KI shall carry out:a. series of experiments, according to the Programme described in Appendix A hereto to provide data derived from integral tests on the convective molten pool of prototypic. core melt materials, in order to assess the possibility of retaining the melt within the vessel To achieve this basic objective, supporting experiments and analyses to guide the integral test and develop the methodology to describe the phenomena ofinterest, and to produce a consistent interpretation and understanding of the,results
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L and to develop computer models, describing the phenomena, will be performed.
Article 2 MANAGEMENT BOARD .
(a) Control of th'e Project shall be vested.in a Management Board constituted under this Article.
(b)_ The Management Board shall consist of one member designated by each Signatory, provided that, in the case of Signatories participating jointly in the Project, the members of the
Management Board designated by them shall be considered as a single member for the purp the execution of this Agreement. Signatories shall also designate alternate members to repre them in the event of members being unable to do so. Signatories shall notify to the NEA the members designated to represent them on the Management Board, (c) The Management Board shall: I (1) ap' prove each year the annual programme of work and budget, including the allocation of tasks amongst Signatories, in accordance with the outline of the -
Programme set down in Appendix A hereto; (2) approve each year the financial report covering the previous year; (3) make such mies of procedure, directives and regulations, consistent with the objectives and provisions of this Agreement, as may be required for the sound management of the Project; (4) consider any matters brought before it by the Programme Review Group, the Operating Agent or any Signatory; i
(5) carry out the other functions conferred upon i' ;y this Agreement.
(d)
The Management Board shall elect each year a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman from amongst its members. It shall meet at least once a year and shall be convened by its Chairman. A special meeting shall be convened by the Chairman within a reasonable time aller recei written request from members of the Board repa majority resenting # of the voting strength or from the RRC KI acting as the Operating Agent. A representative of the OECD/NEA may attend t meetings of the Management Board in an advisory capacity.
(e)
The Management Board shall operate and reach its decisions to the greatest extent possible on a mutually agreed basis. However, when formal voting is requested, decisions of the Management Board shall be taken by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, unless una expressly required by this Agreement. Unanimity requires the agreement of each member v All members of the Management Board shall cach have one vote. Notwithstanding the above, agree wnt of the RRC K1 shall be requi:
4 for duisions which might alTect the safety of tests, operations and personnel, or concerning insurance The quorum for transaction of business in
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meetings of the Management Board shall be two-thirds of the voting strength.
(f)
If necessary, decisions of the Management Board may also be reached by mail, telefax, telex or cable communication in which case unanimity shall be required. The Chairman shall be responsible for ensuring that all members are informed of each decision made pursuant to this paragraph.
(g)
At least thirty days before each regular meeting, notice of the time, place and agenda of the meeting the meeting.
shall be given by the Chairman to each member and to other persons entitled to attend 5
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l (h) The Management Board Chairman shall, after each meeting, send to all the members of the Management Board and the Operating Agent a letter that contains the Minutes of the including any decisions of the Management Board. !
(i)
The Management Board shall conduct its business in the English language. Reports and other documents English.
to be submitted to the Management Board under this Agreemerit shall also be in Article 3 PROGRAMME REVIEW GROUP (a) There shall be a Programme Review Group (hereinafter referred to as "the Review Group"), which shall act as a technical adviser to the Management Board.
(b)
The Review Group shall consist of one member designated by each Signatory.
Signatories shall notify to the NEA the members designated to represent them on the Program
- Review Group. Members may be accompanied by advisors provided the NEA and the Chairman of the Review Group are notified at least two weeks in advance.
(c) The Review Group shall:
(1) advise the Management Board concerning the annual programme of work and budget; (2) provide technical advice and recommendations to the RRC 10 acting as Operating Agent concerning the carrying out of the programme of work; (3) review the technical reports of the Project, assess the results of experiments performed and provide guidance for future work.
(d)
The Review Group shall elect each year a Chairman and Vice-Chairman. It shall meet as it deems necessary, and shall be convened by its Chairman. A representative of the OECD/NEA may attend the meetings of the Review Group in an advisory capacity. At least thirty days before each meeting, notice of the time, place and agenda of the meeting shall be given by the Chairman to each member and to other persons entitled to attend. Special meetings shall be convened by the Chairman upon receiving a written request from members representing a majority of the Management Board voting strength or from the Operating Agent.
(e)
If necessary, recommendations of the Review Group may be reached by mail, telefax, telex or cable communication. The Chairman shall be responsible for ensuring that all members are informed of each recommendation made pursuant to this paragraph.
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(f) The Review Group Chairman shall, after each meeting, send to all the members of the Review Group, the Management Board and the Operating Agent a letter that contains the Minutes of the meeting, including any advice and recommendations of the Review Group.
i (g) l The Review Group shall conduct its business in the English language. Reports and i
other documents to be submitted to the Review Group under this Agreement shall also be in !
English.
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Anicle 4 .
OPERATING AGENT (a) The Project shall be operated by the Russian Research Center "Kurchatov Institute" as '
the Operating Agent. The Operating Agent shall be responsible for tiling all v.eps and performing all legal acts required to operate the Project in accordance with this Agreement, the laws of the Russian Federation and the decisions of the Management Bovd.
(b) The Operating Agent shallin particular:
(1) ensure that the Project is administered in accordance with the outline of the Programme and within the limits of funds as set forth in Appendices A and B hereto; (2) secure the maximum protection and safety of the RASPLAV facility and related staff and ensure that the program;ne of work is carripd out according to acceptable standards of quality, budget r.nd schedule; (3) ensure that the scientific and administrative staff necessary to perform the Programme as outlined in Appendix A hereto is made available to the Project; (4) prepare, in accordance with a format agreed by the Management Board, the draft annual programme of work and budget not later than three months before the beginning of the financial year in question as defined in Article 6; (5) submit reports on the progress of the Project to the Management Board twice a * -
year or at such other intervals as the Management Board shall determine.
(c) The Operating Agent shall have the power to enter into contracts for the procurement of equipment and materials in the iriterest of the Project provided that such contracts are allowed for'in an approved budget, by the provisions of this Agreement or by authorisation of the Management Board.
(d) An RRC KI employee shall be designated by the Operating Agent as Programme Manager with the approval of the Management Board. He shall attend meetings of the Management Board in an advisory capacity and shall also take part in meetings of the Review 4
l.. 7 Group, lie shall supply all infonnation which is requested of him concerning the carrying out of the-Project Article $
l LIAISON OFFICER
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(a) A Liaison Officer shall be designated by the Management Board upon time proposal _.of the Programme Review Group to assist in the implernentation of arrangements and procedures necessary for an effective supervision of the execution of the Project and exchange ofinformation under this Agreement.
(b)-_ The duties of the Liaison Officer, to be defined by the-Management Board, may include:
L i) - observing the establishment of the RASPLAV facility and the execution of the experimental programme by RRC KI, including associated analyses; ii) reporting to the Programme Review Group by attending its meetings in an advisory capacity.
(c) The Operating Agent shall endeavour to facilitate the work of the Liaison Officer by giving him access to all relevant information and facilities.
(d) Provision of the services of a k.iaison Officer by a Signatory may'be allowed as credit against its contribution to the Project, subject to agreement by the Management Board.
Anicle 6 FINANCE (a) _ Each Signatory hereby agrees to commit to the Project the amount set forth in
_- Appendix B. hereto. The schedule for payment of contributions shall be determined by the ,,, _ .
Management Board on the' basis of a proposal by the Operating Agent Contributions'from Signatories due under the schedule shall be paid in full, on the dates specified, in United States
. dollars to an account designated by the Operating Agent.
'(b) _ _ The Management Board shall approve the annual budget not later than thirty days before the beginning of the financial year in question. The financial year shall be from 1 January to 31 December, The Management Board shall approve the first budget at its first trwting.
(c)' i A financial report covering the previous year shall be submitted by the Operating Agent to the Management Board in i format agreed by the latter, not later than two months after the end of each' financial year, i
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(d)
- The system of accounts employed by the Operating Agent shall be in accord accounting principles generally accepted in the Russian Federation and consis basis by the Operating Agent. The financial record account for all funds of the Project. These records shall be kept by the Operating years from the date of termination of the Project.
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(c) services and the infrastructure for management and a Operating contribution due Agent by RRC KI.in agreement with the Management Board, shall be allowed a
- l (f) costs funded by the budget of the Project.Each Signatoly shall bear all c (g)
The Operating Agent shall pay all taxes and similar obligations imposed by na local governments of the Russian Federation and incurred by it in connection expenditure incurred in the operation of the Project, within the budget. The Oper endeavour to obtain all possible exemptions from such taxes.
(h) furnish copies of all original records relative to the acc shall be provided to the Signatory.
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Article 7
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INFORMATION AND INTELLECTUAL PRbPERTY .
(a) handling, protection and ownership ofinformation and from the Project. Additional rules and procedures related thereto, where necessa adopted by the Management Board acting by unanimity and in conformity with this (b)
Subject to prior approval by the Management Board and to restrictions app patents and copyrights, the Signatories .hal' have the right to publish information arisin Project and information provided to the Project, except proprietary+-information.
Board will review technical reports ofindividual participants prior to their publication.
(c)
For the purposes of this Article, proprietary information shall mean information acquired prior to or outside the Project of a confidential nature such as trade secrets (for example, computer programs, design procedures and techniques, chemical c materials provided or manufacturing methods, processes or treatments) which is appropri such information:
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- . +.x (1) - is not generally known or publicly available from other sources;
- (2) has not previously been made available by the owner to others without obligation -
concerning its confidentiality; and Mthout obligation (3)- is not already in the possession of the recipient Signatory concerning its con 6dentiality.
The Operating Agent and the other Signatories shall take all necessary measures in accordance yvith , -.
this Article, the laws of their respective countries and international law to protect- proprietary
'information provided to the Project it shall be the responsibility of the Signatory supplying' proprietary.information to identify the information as such and to ensure that it is appropriately l
marked.
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.(d)- The Signatories shall notify the Operating Agent of, and' contribute to the Project, all
- pre-existing information and information developed independently of the Project which is or may-potentially be relevant to the Project and the transfer of which is not, subject to any contractual or legal-limitation; To the extent that the provision of such information entails costs of any significance, the Managa=ad Board acting by unanimity shall determine whether and on what
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terms to acquire the information.
(e) The Management Board will be responsible for the production and publication of-
--periodic reports and a final report on this Project, All reports of work performed under this I
. Agreement and the results thereof, including studies, assessments, analyses, evaluations, and other documentation shall be produced -and compiled in the manner and format _ decided by the f
Management Board. Such reports shall be. provided by the , Operating Agent to the other Signatories.
- (f) _ The Signatories agree with respect to the inventions made or conceived in the course of or under the Project that each Signatory shall, in its own country, own such inventions, subject to a -
non-exclusive, assignable, royalty-free licence for the other Signatories with the right to grant.
sub-licences in such inventions. In determining ownership of such inventions in third countries, the -
Management Board shall, acting by unanimity, equitably apportion the rights to the Signatories
. takint i nto account the obligations, contributions, and rights and benefits of all the Signatories..
(g)- All material generated under the Project may be copyrighted in the name. of the #
- Operating Agent for the benefit of the Signatories in proportion to their respective contributions to the Project; provided that each Signatory shall be free to reproduce and distribute such material.
The Management Board will decide on the transfer of know-how from the Project to Signatories.
(h) '
Each Signatory shall,- without prejudice to any rights of authors and inventors under its -
' national laws, take the necessary steps to secure such co-operation or assignment of rights as are--
required to implement the provisions of this Article. Each Signatory shall assume the responsibility to pay awards or compensation required to be paid to its employees according to the laws ofits country.;
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- 9. 9 Article 8 ASSIGNMENTS OF PERSONNEL AND VISITS
,(a) _ Any Signatory may, subject to the approval of the Operating 4 gent, send technical
_ experts for participation in the Project. The person to be delegated and the purpose and term of such delegation shall be agreed in writing by the Operating Agent and the Signatory sending the expert, in advance of each delegation of personnel; In addition, these parties shall sign a separate _
personnel assignment agreement. The personnel shall be integrated into the scientific'and tedhnical work of the Project. In this context, and to the extent permitted by such separate personnel assignment agreements,- the assigned personnel shall_ have appropriate access to information -
conc.cde e6e Project and to participation in technical discussions. A Signatory sending an expen is responsible for di associated salary, transportation, living, communication, insurance and other costs. The Operating Agem Aall provide suitable office space and computer access for approved tasks.-
4 (b) Similar arrangements may also be made between Signatories in relation to any work L .
under the Project carried out by the Signatories themselves.
(c) It is further .igreed that, to the extent reasonable, visits of a Signatory's experts to the ,
facilities where work is being performed for the Project shall be facilitated. Such visits shall be arranged with the consent of the Operating Agent or relevant Signatory, as the case may be, following receipt of adequate notice given by the Signatory requesting the visit.
Anicle 9 .
OECD NUCLEAR ENERGY AGENCY (a)~ In accordance with its Statute, the OECD/NEA shall' encourage the broadest possible participation in the Project by its Member countries, and shall endeavour to co-ordinate the Project's work with its other activities in this field.
(b) The Management Board shr'l make an annual report to the Steering Committee for Nuclear Energy on the progress of the Project.
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(c) The OECD/NEA is invited to provide secretarial services to the Management Board and to the Programme Review Group.
' (d) The Secretariat of the OECD/NEA or, as appropriate, of the OECD, may be invited by the Management Board to_ take on some administrative or financial responsibilities for the implementation of the Project. -
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4 . Article 10 LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY AND INSURANCE (a) The Operating Agent'shall use all reasonable skill and care in carrying out its duties under this Agreement and shall be responsible for ensuring that its work under the Project is carried out in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
l (b) The Operating Agent shall propose to the Manageinent Board all necessary liability, fire and other insurance for its work under the Project and, subject to availability, sh,all, procure such insurance as the Management Board may direct. The cost of obtaining and maintaining such insurance shall be charged to the budget of the Project.
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(c) The Operating Agent shall be solely liable in respect of all actions, claims, costs and expenses whatsoever arising out of the execution of the Project, and shall indemnify the other Signatories in respect of any such actions, claims, costs and expenses, which may involve the other Signatories.
(d) In so far as any work under the Project is carried dut by a Signatory itself, all legal liabilities and any related costs for that work rest with that Signatory.
Article 1J l
l LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS (a) Activities under this Agreement shall be subject to the laws and regulations applicable to the Signatories, Such laws and regulations shall be those of the State on whose territory the activities in question are canied out.
(b) It shall be the responsibility of each Signatory concerned to facilitate the accomplishment of the formalities involved in the movement of persons, the importation of materials and equipment and the transfer of currency which shall be required to operate the Project, Article 12 SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES *
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(a) Any dispute among the Signatories concerning the interpretation or application of this Agreement that is not settled by negotiation or other agreed mode of settlement shall be referred to a tribunal of three arbitrators to be chosen by the Signatories concerned, who shall also choose the Chairman of the tribunal. Should the Signatories concerned fr.il to agree upon the composition of the tribunal or the selection ofiu Chaliman, the President of the Intemational Court of Justice shall, at the request of any of the Signatories concerned, exercise those responsibilities. The tribunal shall decide any such dispute by reference to th terms and conditions of this Agreement'and any M
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6 Lapplicable laws and regulations, and its decision shall be final and binding on the Signatories concerned; f
(b) Unless otherwise agreed by the disputing parties, this Agreemen) shall be governed by the law of the Russian Federation and arbitral proceedings initiated to settlejany dispute shall take place in Moscow and shall be conducted in the Russian and English languages.
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. Article 13 ACCESSION AND WITHDRAWAL OF SIGNATORIES l l -
(a) This Agreement shall be open to accession by Governments of other OECD Member countries or bodies designated by such Governments with the unanimous assent of the Management Board and subject to any conditions which it may determine.
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(b) With the agreement of the Management Board, and upbn the request of a Government, a Signatory proposed by that Government may be replaced by another party. The latter shall sign this Agreement and assume the rights and obligations of a Signatory.
1 (c) _
A Signatory may withdraw from this Agreement upon written notice six months prior -
- to the beginning of the financial year. The withdrawal of a Signatory under this paragraph shall not affect the rights and obligations of the other Signatories, including the amount which each of the-
- other Signatories is required to commit to the Project, unless otherwise unanimously agreed by the Management Board.
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(d) Any Signatory that fails to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement wi, thin sixty days after its receipt of notice invoking this paragraph and specifying the nature of those obligations shall be considered to have hithdrawn from this Agreement.
4 (e) The Operating Agent, with the approval of the Management Board, may enter into-l agreements with non-Signatory entities for collaboration in furtherance of the Project. Such entities shall be Associate Members. Such agreernents may, in particular, cover exchange ofinformation,-
patent rights, assignment of scientific and technkat personnel and association w:th the work of the Projectc The provisions of such-agreements shall b'e consistent with the requirements of this Agreement. * -
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Article 11
- FYNAL PROVISIONS -
(a) Unless otherwise agreed in writing between the Operating Agent and the Management Board, all assets acquired by the Operating Agen't under the Project shall remain its property at the
- termination of this Agreement.
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(b) This Agreement shall be effective upon signature, shall remain in force until 30 June 2000 and may be continued in force thereafter on the written unanimous agreement of the Signatories that desire to continue this Agreement.
I (c) This Agreement may be amended at any time by the agreemegt in writing of all the Signatories.
(d) - The original of this Agreement shall be deposited with the Director ' General of the-OECD/NEA and a certified copy thereof shall be furnished to each Signatory.
DONE in Moscow this first day of July 1997. ,
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AppenditA TIIE RASPLAY PROGRAMME: EXPERIMENTS AND ANALYSIS IN SUPPORT OF TIIE RETENTION OF MOLTEN CORIUM i WITHIN Tile LIGIIT-WATER REACTOR LOWER VESSEL HEAD.
, PilASE II A. I. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE .
In 1994 the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (NEA-OECD) sponsored the three year long RASPLAV project in Russia to carry out an integral programme of experiments and analyses to address the conditions under which molten core material can be retained inside the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) by cooling of the vessel from outside.
- The first phase of the OECD/ Russian RASPLAV project investigated natural convection in a molten corium pool and the local heat flux distribution around the lower head of the RPV using uniform initial corium compositions. In addition, material properties data essential to conducting and interpreting the experiments were obtained. Phase I of the project involved large scale integral experiments utilising prototypic core melt materials and salt simulants in a representative reactor lower head geometry. Additional tests and analyses were performed to support the integral experiments and the design of the large scale facility. During Phase I of the project the following was achieved: e .
- construction of a small scale integral facility RASPLAV-AW-2.5 (12kg) and conduct ofone test;
- construction of a small scale integral facility RASPLAV-AD-2.5 (40kg) and conduct ofone test;
- construction of the main integral facility RASPLAV-AW (200kg) and conduct of two large scale tests;
- construction of a molten salt facility, and conduct of a series of experiments;
- construction and operation of a large scale experimental facility for material interaction study (Tulpan); ~ -
- development of computer models, to describe the phenomena ofinterest;
- developm nt ofinstrumentation for high temperature operation;
- determination of corium physical properties.
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[" ^ - In achieving the above the following capabilities were demonstrated:
- integrity of the structural elements- and materials .under_' high temperature
- (RASPLAV AW-2.5 test, Rasplav-A-liq test, material study tests);.
- feasibility of side wall heating method;
- heating the corium above the liquidus temperature; I
Based on the above, the RRC K1 has created an extensive experimental base to investigate heat load to the RPV lower head, and has gained considerable experience and -
knowledge in this area. In addition they have developed a unique capabilitylto conduct -
experiments using prototypic materials simulating severe accident conditions. ,
Therefore it is concluded that the main objectives of the RASPLAV project (Phase 1) have been achieved. This conclusion is based upon the fact that sufficient experimental data have been obtained to estimate heat loads to the reactor vessel. However, the data have indicated that additional phenomena are present which could affect heat loads and reactor vessel integrity under 4
cenain conditions 1 t
The objectives of the RASPLAV Project Phase 11 are to funher utilise the l
' demonstrated capability by exploring physical phenomena and chemical interactions taking place in :
I convective corium pools such that relevant data are obtained to support safety decisions by reducing associated uncertainties. This will include molten corium pools of different compositions with non-uniform initial conditions. Funhermore, additional experiments with molten salts will be -
carried out.
A.2. EXPERIMENTAL FACILITIES ,
- Corium tests in RASPLAV_ Project Phase.Il will be performed in the present RASPLAV and TULPAN complex. Salt tes'ts will be perfonned in the present RASPLAV-SALT facility.
A.3, PROGRAMMEITEMS
.The OECD RASPLAV Project Phase 11 consists of the following key _ programme items: -
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Corlum tests Obtain experimental data from the large-scale corium tests (RASPLAV-AW200) and supponing tests (TULPAN and others) aiming at prototypic conditions by obtaining controlled boundary conditions on the top surface, and taking into account the effects of non-uniform Zr and other' materials distribution. Melt-vessel interaction will be studied in the supporting tests.
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Salt tests investigate the effects of stratification of molten materials.
Properties Obtain additional data on thermal-physical properties for variylus high tem molten core materials.
Analysis and examination Produce a consistent interpretation and understanding of the experintental data by -
sufficient pre and post test analysis and examinations. .
A. 4. SCOPE There will be a combination ofintegral corium and separate effects tests. It is envisaged that one series of salt tests per year, four TULPAN tests and 3 large scale corium tests (tentative matrix attached) will be performed. The exact number of tests andthe details of the test conditions will be proposed by the OA, reviewed by the PRG and approved by the MB, The test program may be modified based upon the results of completed tests and analysis following the same procedure.
Expert reviews may by initiated by the MB and PRG to assist in making key decisions and to evaluate results.
Tentative Test Matrix for Integral Corium Tests Test Heating Lateral Top Bottony Bottom Corium Corium Metallayer Purpose width BC BC heat mass,' comp.
. cm flux kg ,
kW/m' 1 SW 12 iso, iso. 200 200 uniform none prototypical C-22 boundary conditions 2 SW 12 iso. iso. 200 200 uniform Nonuniform stratification C-22 Zr distribution 3 SW 12 iso, iso. 200 200 C-100+ none PWR 1ron composition oxide . .
. n -.. ;g,3, _
.g.pygSgggS Key date, are:
Project start: _1 July 1997 Project end: 30 June 2000 1 This assumes no gap between Phase I ar.d Phase 11 of the RASPLAV Project.
The time required for one large-scale RASPLAV AW-200 test is 910 months . -
A.6. DELIVERABLES The main deliverables are Data Reports giving qualified results from all RASPLAV research ectivities, a Project Integration Report and an updated set of analytical models and i
computer codes. All will be delivered on or before the completion of the Prcject. However, the
" quick look" test data reports will be delivered within three months of the completion ofindividual test. All written reports will be in English.
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Appendix B TENTATIVE BREAKDOWN OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE fND l OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE RASPLAV PROJECT I B.J. FUNDS REQUIRED TO EXECUTE THE PROJECT' , .
This Appendix sets the tentative breakdown of total expenditure for the execution of the programme of the Project, as shown in the table below.
Item 1997 1998 1999 2000 Total Corium AW 200 Tests: Performance and post-test 500 800 750 200 2250 examinadon Tulpan tests: Performance and post-test examinauon 150 200 200 50 600 Salt tests 80 70 , 50 - 200 Material propenics measurenwnts 80 170 80 30 360 Material interaction investigations 70 120 70 - 260 Theoretical nodelling, pre and post test analyses 140 220 220 120 700 Reporting and administration 120 200 210 100 630 l
Total 1140 1780 1580 500 5000
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All amounts in thousands'of United States dollars.
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', , B.&
CONTRIBUTIONSFit0MSIGNATORIES amounts in United States dollars):The Signatories agree to assign fund
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Contribution freen Signatories
, The Russian Research Center "Kurchatov Institute" (and other Russian Participants) - 7500 000' The AIB Vingotte Nuclearjointly with Tractebel S.A. Belgium .
The Atomic Energy of Canada Limited 35 250 The Nuclear Research Institute of the Czech Republic 7$ 110 The IVO Power Engineering Ltd. jointly with 4 610 Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus and Sateilyturvakeskus, Finland The Commissanat & l'8nergie Atomique/Institut 14 100 de Protection et de S6 ctd Nucidaire, France -
195 220 The Gesellschaft fur Anlagen und Reaktorsicherheit (GRS) mbH., Germany 309 380 The KFKI Anomic Energy Research Institule, Hungasy
- The Agenzia Nanonale per la Protemone dell'Ambiente 4 880 jointly with the Ente per le Nuow Tecnologie, l'Energia e l'Ambiente, The Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute and 148 050 Italy the Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation -
The Koren Atomic Energy Research Institute, jointly with the Korea Institute 642 350 of Nuclear Safety.
The Energy Research Foundation, Netherlands 51 790 The Consejo de Segundad Nuclear, Spain 50 980 The Statens Karnkraibaspektion, Swuden 74 300 The Paul Scherrer Institute. Switzerland 29 010 The Health and Safety Executive, United Kingdbm
- 43 660 The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission 143 440
.- 677 870 Total Contributions from Signatories 5 000 000 to execute the programme of the Project, divided (all emounts in thousands of U.S. dollars). r es betw
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_ _ Contnbutions 1997 1998 1999 RRC KI (and other Russian Participants) 2000 Total Other Signatories 540 900 800 260 2500 Total 600 880 780. 240 2500 1140 1780 1580 500 5000
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For the RUSSIAN FEDERATION MINISTRY OF ATOMIC ENERGY, jointly with the MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECIINOLOGY POLICY, the FEDERAL NUCLEAR AND RADIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY OF RUSSIA, and the RUSSIAN RESEARCH CENTER "KURCHATOV INSTITfTE" For the AIB VINcO'ITE NUCLEAR, jointly with TRACTEBEL S.A., BELGIUM:
4 For the ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITED:
.,w .m 4
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For the NUCLEAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC:
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For the IVO POWER ENGINEERING LTD., jointly with VALTION TEKNILLINEN TUTKIMUSKESKUS and SATEILYTURVAKESKUS, FINLAND:
For the COMMISSARIAT A L'$NERGIE ATOMlQUE/INSTITUT DE PROTECTION ET DE SORETt NUCLfAIRE, FR\NCE:
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For the GESELLSCHAFT FOR ANLAGEN- UND REAKTORSICHERIIEIT(GRS) mbil, GERMANY:
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For the KFKI ATOMIC ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE,ItUNGARY:
For the AGENZIA NAZIONALE PER LA PROTEZIONE DELL'AMBIENTE, jointly with the ENTE PER LE NUOVE TECNOLOGIE, L'ENERGIA E L'AMBIENTE ITALY:
For the JAPAN ATOMIC ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE and the NUCLEAR POWER ENGINEERING CORPORATION:
A
For the KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, jointly with the KOREA INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR SAFETY:
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For the NETHERLANDS ENERGY RESEARCH FOUNDATION:
For the CONSEJO DE SEGURIDAD NUCLEAR, SPAIN:
For the STATENS K RNKRAFTINSPEKTION, SWEDEN: -
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For the PAUL SCHERRER INSTITUTE, SWITZERLAND f
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For the HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE , UNITED KINGDOM:
For the UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION:
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The Head of Legal Affairs of the OECD
, Nuclear Energy Agency hereby certifies that the present copy conforms to the original text deposited with the Director General of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency.
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Paris, The HEAD OF L EGAL AFFAIRS PATRICK REYNERS 1
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