The Program is divided in two main subjects

Dynamic Tests/3/

In order to reduce the range of experiments it was defined that the studies will be limited to the regimes, states and perturbations foreseen for the CAREM 25. The studies will be limited to those parameters included in the modelling by computer codes.

Several conditions were established:

• The primary subcooled state is relevant only during the start up of the CAREM

• The existence of secondary subcooled and saturated states will depend on the method adopted for the start up. The situation can be avoided if there is steam available."

• Nitrogen in the dome will be limited up to 30 Kg/cm2.

• Possible perturbations in the Primary Side are produced by neutronic changes and power extraction form the secondary side. Parameters of interest are:thermal balances; water flow; thermal transference coefficients in SG, dome, and void fractions in the riser; Primary and secondary pressure and temperature; dome volume; hydraulic drag; neutron kinetics.

This stage of experiments is at present underway and will be finished by march of next year.

CHF Tests /4/, /5/ and /6/

It is known that to perform reliable thermalhydraulic calculations it is necessary to perform CHF experiments for the start up and nominal power states. In this case the CAPCN will be used with some modifications in the control system in order to obtain stable values for the pressure, water flow, water quality, with a positive power ramp. Part of the experimental work to be started next year will be devoted to determine limits and operational conditions for the CHF experiments. A detailed study was already done with the corresponding Program. For the CHF experiments themselves it was necessary to make carefiill studies because it was not possible to install a section of the same dimensions as for CAREM Fuel Element. Variables kept as in CAREM are rod diameter, pitch and ratio total section/water flow section. Preliminary experiments for temperature oscillations due to slug flow patterns will be made before starting the CHF experiments.