Evaluation of a steam generator tube rupture accident in an accelerator driven system with lead cooling

A postulated steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) accident in a lead cooled accelerator driven transmuter (ADT) is investigated. The design of the ADT without intermediate loops bears the risk of water/steam blasting into the primary coolant. As a consequence a nuclear power excursion could be triggered by steam ingress into the ADT core which has a significant positive void worth. A thermal coolant–coolant interaction (CCI) might initiate a local core voiding too and additionally could lead to sloshing of the lead pool with mechanical impact of the heavy liquid on structures. The steam formation will also lead to a pressurization of the cover gas. The problems related to an SGTR are identified and investigated with the SIMMER-III accident code.