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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Development and validation of the SPR cavern fluid velocity model

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6381007

In order to understand a number of processes that occur in an SPR cavern, such as fluid mixing and temperature stratification, a comprehensive thermofluid model for the cavern fluid velocity flow pattern has been developed. Based on a review of other analytical and experimental data, a two-region fluid velocity model is proposed. The two regions are a boundary layer region along the vertical walls and a central core region in the middle. The boundary layer behavior is analyzed by the local similarity method which has been modified to conserve energy and to include mixed convection and other effects. The central core region uses a simple plug flow model. Mass and energy exchange between the two regions is calculated by the boundary layer model. The velocity and temperature distribution results of this model compare favorably with the limited available data. Additional data are needed, however, to completely validate the model for the conditions encountered in an SPR cavern. 63 refs., 23 figs., 2 tabs.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6381007
Report Number(s):
SAND-88-2711; ON: DE89007293
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English