Abstract

The flow field or multidimensional velocity distribution of the coolant in fuel rod bundles of the reactor core in pressurized water reactors (PWRs) is an important parameter that is revealed through experimental investigations. This paper presents the two-dimensional (2D) velocity profile measurement using a two-element ultrasonic transducer with both elements acting as a transceiver. The size of the transducer is minimized for compactness, leading to a narrow sound field appropriate for applications in fuel rod bundle flow. Furthermore, the transducer’s sound pressure is evaluated via simulations and experimental measurements. In order to confirm the ability of the ultrasonic velocity profiler (UVP) with a two-element transducer, the experimental measurement is conducted in turbulent horizontal pipe flow. The 2D velocity vector profile is obtained, and then the measurement in swirling flow is conducted. The 2D velocity profile in an axial and radial plane is obtained utilizing the UVP measurement. Lastly, the ability of the UVP to derive the 2D velocity profile in the narrow area of the rod bundles is demonstrated.

Highlights

  • Pressurized water reactors (PWRs) [1] are nuclear power plants with many operating units

  • This paper presents the two-dimensional (2D) velocity profile measurement using a two-element ultrasonic transducer with both elements acting as a transceiver

  • In order to confirm the ability of the ultrasonic velocity profiler (UVP) with a two-element transducer, the experimental measurement is conducted in turbulent horizontal pipe flow

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Summary

Introduction

Pressurized water reactors (PWRs) [1] are nuclear power plants with many operating units. The method cannot provide information on the full velocity profile or flow field along the flow path of rod bundles with spacer-grids This technique can measure the velocity data in the axial plane but not in the radial plane. Hamdani et al [20] constructed a 2D and two velocity component measurement system using an eight-element phased array transducer and applied it to pipe flow with an elbow layout [21] [22] These measurement concepts are practical ways of visualizing the multidimensional velocity profile. The UVP measurement with a two-element transducer was demonstrated in order to derive a 2D velocity profile of the flow field in the rod bundle configuration

Ultrasonic Velocity Profiler Basics
Kikura et al DOI
UVP Measurement with Two-Element Transducer
Preliminary Consideration of Design
Sound Pressure Measurement
Experimental Setup
Measurement and Comparison in Fully Developed Flow
Measurement in Swirling Flow
Rod Bundle Measurement Results
Conclusion

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