This thesis examines five chemical solutions that are considered to be representative of the solution created in the containment sump during a postulated LOCA (loss of coolant accident) at a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) power plant. In order to compare these solutions this study examines the head-loss response they produce through a prototypical sump strainer covered with a conventional fibrous debris bed. Eleven experiments were conducted at TAMU's vertical loop facility and four tests were selected for the purposes of this study. The test procedure started with a conventional debris bed being formulated on the sump strainer. Then followed the injection of the chemical solutions. The pressure drop through the debris bed and the approach velocity were monitored and recorded, among other parameters of interest. The analysis of the results provided important insight on the relationship between the characteristics of the solutions and the response of the conventional debris bed. The results of this analysis provide valuable guidelines on the choice of chemical solutions to be used in further experimental research.
