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
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 16 Jun 1981; Other Information: PAT-APPL-274121
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
COOLANTS
LEVEL INDICATORS
PWR TYPE REACTORS
GAMMA RADIATION
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
REACTOR COOLING SYSTEMS
REACTOR CORES
REACTOR PROTECTION SYSTEMS
THERMOMETERS
COOLING SYSTEMS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENERGY SYSTEMS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
RADIATIONS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTORS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
210200* - Power Reactors
Nonbreeding
Light-Water Moderated
Nonboiling Water Cooled