Gamma thermometer based reactor core liquid level detector
- Knoxville, TN
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.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN
- Assignee:
- Burns, Thomas J. (Knoxville, TN)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4406011
- OSTI ID:
- 864709
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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