Large-scale sodium-basalt concrete reaction test LSC-1

Abstract
The energy and hydrogen released from sodium-concrete reactions must be considered the analysis of beyond-design basis accidents for breeder reactors. Consequently, a large-scale sodium-basalt concrete reaction test was completed in the Large Sodium Fire Facility (LSFF) at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory (HEDL). 454 kg of sodium at 593{sup 0}C was spilled onto 0.84 m{sup 2} of basalt concrete 0.61 m deep containing two layers of reinforcing steel bar. From the data obtained, it was possible to complete a mass and energy balance for this test. The hydrogen generation and generation rate as functions of time for the duration of the test were determined. The major contribution to the chemical energy was energy associated with the formation of hydrogen (sodium-water reactions).