Demonstration of the heat removing capabilities of the EPR core catcher

The tests demonstrated the good-natured behavior of the system, even for induced heat fluxes that significantly exceed realistically expectable maximum values. Although, at high heat fluxes, a local dry-out occurred at the top of the channel, structural temperatures remained in a safe range. This excellent performance is attributed to the fact that heat can enter the water through both the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the cooling channel. As a result a high, effective critical heat flux (CHF) level is achieved. The performed tests yield a valuable contribution to the validation of the function of the EPR core catcher concept.