Korean Localization Program for Performance Verification Test of APR1400's RCP
The Korean government together with the Korean nuclear society completed the development of technologies for the design, manufacturing, and performance verification test of the APR1400's Reactor Coolant Pump (RCP) as one of the national programs for the localization of deficient nuclear technology. The RCP localization program was driven by KAERI, which was responsible for the development of the performance verification and evaluation technology, and by DOOSAN heavy industrial company, which was in charge of the design and manufacturing of the RCP. The test facility for the localized APR1400's RCP was constructed at the KAERI site at the end of 2012. The thermal hydraulic and electric capability of the RCP test facility (RCPTF) covers up to 18.5 MPa, 343 deg. C, 11.7 m{sup 3}/s, and 14.0 MW for the design pressure, temperature, flow rate, and maximum electric power, respectively. In 2013, a commissioning test was performed to verify its designed capability, followed by several modifications in the RCPTF including signal processing and control logic to enhance the verification and evaluation capability of the RCP performance. After finishing the commissioning and modification of the RCPTF, a type test for the new-type of RCP was performed successfully. In 2014 and 2015, eight production tests for the localized RCPs, which will be installed in a commercial nuclear power plant in Korea, were successfully completed. As a final stage of the localization program of the RCP, KAERI will perform a seal LOCA test to verify the leakage characteristics and produce experimental data on the localized seal assembly for a safety analysis during a station black out (SBO) condition. In this summary, several technical issues developed through a series of research processes for a performance verification test of the localized RCP are described.