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FLOW CHARACTERISTICS OF DILUTE SMALL PARTICLE SUSPENSIONS

Journal Article · · Brit. Chem. Eng.
OSTI ID:4110061
A study was made of the dynamic behavior of smallparticle suspensions because of interest in a power reactor fuel consisting of a fissile powder suspended in a liquid metal. Fissile uranium powder suspended in molten sodium was selected for a theoretical stady. For a variety of pipe sizes and concentrations. data were obtained for watersystems of red lead, barium sulfate, tungsten, and talc. The density oi the solids was from 2.7 to 19.3 g/cc, and was readily available in the sub-sieve size range. The horizontal settling velocity was determined by reducing the flow rate and observing the point at which a moving bed appeared, as well as the point at which a stationary bed appeared for flow through a horizontal pipe. upward through a vertical pipe, and through a smooth 90 deg elbow. The results are given graphically as effective density ratio as a function of horizontal settling velocity. A radiometric method was used to measure concentration distributious and, to facilitate the measurements. the tungsten suspension was circulated through a pipe of square cross section. Graphiments across the horizontal pipe. across the center of the elbow, and across the vertical pipe for suspension velocities of approximately 3 ft/sec and approximately l3.5 ft/sec. The conclusions are discussed. (B.O.G.)
Research Organization:
Australian Atomic Energy Commission, Lucas Heights, New South Wales, Australia
NSA Number:
NSA-15-006106
OSTI ID:
4110061
Journal Information:
Brit. Chem. Eng., Journal Name: Brit. Chem. Eng. Vol. Vol: 5
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English