Gamma-thermometer-based reactor-core liquid-level detector. [PWR]

Patent · Tue Jun 16 04:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:5277712

Burns, T. J.

A system is provided which employs a modified gamma thermometer for determining the liquid coolant level within a nuclear reactor core. The gamma thermometer which normally is employed to monitor local core heat generation rate (reactor power), is modified by thermocouple junctions and leads to obtain an unambiguous indication of the presence or absence of coolant liquid at the gamma thermometer location. A signal processor generates a signal based on the thermometer surface heat transfer coefficient by comparing the signals from the thermocouples at the thermometer location. The generated signal is a direct indication of loss of coolant due to the change in surface heat transfer when coolant liquid drops below the thermometer location. The loss of coolant indication is independent of reactor power at the thermometer location. Further, the same thermometer may still be used for the normal power monitoring function.

• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): None
• Application Number: ON: DE82011763
• OSTI ID: 5277712
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
210200* -- Power Reactors
Nonbreeding
Light-Water Moderated
Nonboiling Water Cooled
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GAMMA RADIATION
HEATING
IN CORE INSTRUMENTS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
LEVEL INDICATORS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PWR TYPE REACTORS
RADIATION HEATING
RADIATIONS
REACTOR INSTRUMENTATION
REACTORS
THERMOCOUPLES
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS