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The measurement of two-dimensional phase separation phenomena. Topical report 1977-80

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5838732

An important consideration in the design of light water nuclear reactors (LWRs) is the degree of phase separation that occurs during various postulated accidents. The dependence of phase separation on different parameters, such as flow quality, mass flux and system geometry was investigated in this study. An air/water loop was designed and constructed in order to accommodate various test sections. The test section used in this study consisted of a stainless steel frame and had transparent plexiglass walls. A single-beam gamma densitometer was constructed for the purpose of measuring the chordal-averaged void fraction. These measurements were made at various elevations within the test section. At the same locations the dynamic pressure of the flow was measured using nine Pitot tubes. The correlation between the chordal-average void fraction and the local void fraction was inferred from chordal-average void fraction measurements and the measurement of the local void fraction profile with a capacitance type local probe. For all experimental measurements (chordal-average void fraction, local void fraction and dynamic head of the flow), the statistical error was calculated and the proper measuring times were determined.

Research Organization:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst., Troy, NY (USA). Dept. of Nuclear Engineering
OSTI ID:
5838732
Report Number(s):
NUREG/CR-1936
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English