ASTEC applications to VVER-440/V213 reactors

Abstract Since the beginning of ASTEC development by IRSN and GRS the code was widely applied to VVER reactors. In this paper, at first specific features of VVER-440/V213 reactor design that are important from the modelling point of view are briefly described. Then the validation of ASTEC code with focus on its applicability to VVER reactors is briefly summarised and the results obtained with the ASTEC V2.0-rev1 version for the ISP-33 PACTEL natural circulation experiment are presented. In the next section the application of ASTEC V2.0-rev1 code in upgrade of VVER-440/V213 NPPs to cope with consequences of severe accidents is described. This upgrade includes adoption of in-vessel retention via external reactor vessel cooling and installation of large capacity passive autocatalytic recombiners. Results of analysis with focus on corium localisation and stabilisation inside reactor vessel, hydrogen control in confinement and prevention of long-term confinement pressurisation are presented.