Gamma thermometer based reactor core liquid level detector
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 midified 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.
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4406011
- OSTI ID:
- 5315677
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
210200* -- Power Reactors
Nonbreeding
Light-Water Moderated
Nonboiling Water Cooled
COOLANTS
COOLING SYSTEMS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENERGY SYSTEMS
GAMMA RADIATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
LEVEL INDICATORS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PWR TYPE REACTORS
RADIATIONS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR COOLING SYSTEMS
REACTOR CORES
REACTOR PROTECTION SYSTEMS
REACTORS
THERMOMETERS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS