7.

ANALYSIS OF NOZZLES
Within PTS analysis it is necessary to show that the strength criteria are satisfied for the postulated defects located at the elements of RPV with the worst properties, highest neutron fluence and with maximum tensile stresses. The coldest water temperatures as well as the maximum heat transfer coefficient under PTS occur at the lower region of the nozzle, leading to maximum tensile stresses (see the examples presented in Appendix G for WWER-1000 and PWR RPVs). For these reasons PTS analysis also needs to be performed for this part of the RPV. Irradiation effects are not considered for nozzle area due to negligible fluence values at this location. The integrity assessment results for the RPV nozzles area are the governing ones for unirradiated parts of RPV4. The following sections provide recommendations on nozzle integrity assessment.

7.1. Governing transients

Based on experience of PWR and WWER nozzle area calculations the small primary side break LOCA transient leads to the most severe results due to the high inner pressure during the transient. Situations with maximum temperature gradients in the RPV nozzle area should also be analysed. Therefore the governing transients to be considered for the nozzle integrity assessment are not necessary the same as for the beltline region, and specific transient selection should be performed.

7.2. Postulated defect location

The postulated defect should be located in the region submitted to maximum tensile stresses as well as the coldest water temperatures during the selected transient. Based on the experience of nozzle integrity assessment on PWR and WWER (with and without cladding) the defect location at the 6 oclock position parallel to the nozzle axis, in the lower nozzle corner (inlet nozzle for PWR, inlet and outlet nozzle for WWER) leads to the most severe results however the highest stress location in the nozzle can slightly change during the transient. The highest stresses during cooling transient acting on the outlet nozzle of PWR are located at the lower nozzle area (in the MSL direction and not at the corner, due to the outlet nozzle geometry of PWR). More details can be found in Appendix G. The size of the postulated defect could be selected with respect to the size of a realistic manufacturing defect probable to exist in the considered nozzle region or according to standards if available. According to [5] the crack depth can be also connected to the plant specific non-destructive testing qualification criteria, along with specification of safety margins.

7.3. Temperature and stress field

The recommendations in section 4 are also valid for the nozzle area, with some specific considerations. Stratification in the nozzle occurs for transients with ECCS water injection. This has to be taken into account in the thermal load description (T fluid, HTC), in addition to the mechanical loading due to pressure variation and other loadings due to the attached piping system. The residual stress in the cladding due to the cladding manufacturing should be considered in the calculation. This stress is usually simulated with the use of the stress-free temperature in the FE code.