A combined verification system for a lead bismuth medium multi-structure flowmeter

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of liquid metal flow measurement and high-temperature test verification, and particularly relates to a combined verification system for lead-bismuth medium multi-structure flowmeter. The present application can verify multiple structures of lead-bismuth flowmeter in the same closed loop, reducing repeated construction; support online calibration and flow path switching, without frequent shutdown and disassembly; through vacuum and argon dual-mode atmosphere control, reduce the risk of lead-bismuth oxidation and impurity pollution. The present application introduces overflow buffer structure and flow guide baffle in the submerged lead-bismuth flowmeter test cavity, so that the high-temperature lead-bismuth forms a more stable flow field in the overflow and back-fall process, reducing the influence of splashing, impact and local temperature difference on the sensor. The present application can record flow deviation, temperature fluctuation and historical drift rate through data acquisition and control mechanism, automatically trigger online calibration according to the preset threshold, instead of only using fixed time period calibration, thereby improving the pertinence and efficiency of long-term durability verification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of liquid metal flow measurement and high temperature test verification technology, specifically relating to a joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters suitable for lead-bismuth media. Background Technology

[0002] Lead-bismuth alloys, as a typical liquid metallic medium, are widely used in nuclear energy systems, thermal experimental devices, and high-temperature heat exchange circuits due to their excellent heat transfer properties and high thermal stability. Because lead-bismuth alloys possess characteristics such as high density, high temperature, easy oxidation, strong corrosiveness, and complex flow properties, the sensor structure for flow measurement must meet the requirements of long-term stability and measurement accuracy under high-temperature environments.

[0003] Currently, the validation of lead-bismuth flow meters typically employs independent test platforms with a single structure and installation method, which has the following shortcomings: First, different types of flow meters are often arranged separately, leading to redundant system construction and wasted test resources; second, calibration during long-term operation usually requires shutdown and disassembly, affecting the continuity of testing; third, lead-bismuth media is prone to oxidation and solidification, making system thermal management and atmosphere control difficult; and fourth, there is a lack of collaborative validation methods under a unified platform for different installation structures such as submersible, calibration section, and pipeline types.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a verification system that can enable synchronous operation, online calibration, and long-term durability evaluation of multi-structure lead-bismuth flowmeters in the same closed loop. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters with lead-bismuth media.

[0006] A joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters with lead-bismuth media includes a lead-bismuth storage tank, a protective gas supply system, and a multi-type flowmeter testing mechanism.

[0007] The multi-type flow meter testing mechanism includes a submersible lead-bismuth flow meter testing chamber, a submersible calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter installation section, and a pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter installation section. The submersible calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter installation section is located inside the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter testing chamber, and the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter is installed inside the submersible calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter installation section. The measuring section of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter passes through the bottom of the submersible calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter installation section.

[0008] The upper end of the lead-bismuth storage tank is connected to the upper part of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber via a pipeline, and the lower end of the lead-bismuth storage tank is connected to one end of the pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter installation section via a pipeline. The other end of the pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter installation section is connected to the lower part of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber via a pipeline. The side of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber is connected to the return port at the upper end of the lead-bismuth storage tank via a main circuit.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a switchable bypass channel, one end of which is connected to the main circuit via an insert port, and the other end is connected to the lower end of the lead-bismuth storage tank; the switchable bypass channel is used to switch, isolate, or calibrate different types of flow meters without stopping the circulation of the main circuit.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a temperature control and insulation mechanism, which is installed on the pipeline between the switchable bypass channel and the lead-bismuth storage tank.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a filtration and purification mechanism, which is installed on the pipeline between the installation section of the inline lead-bismuth flow meter and the test chamber of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a circulation pump, which is connected to the pipeline between the upper end of the lead-bismuth storage tank and the upper part of the test chamber of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter via a standard flow comparison measurement interface; the standard flow comparison measurement interface is used to connect to a reference flow meter for online calibration.

[0013] Furthermore, the lead-bismuth storage tank, the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber, and the pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter installation section are equipped with zoned temperature measurement points for real-time monitoring of the temperature at different locations and independent compensation control.

[0014] Furthermore, the test chamber of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter is equipped with an overflow buffer structure to mitigate the impact of high-temperature lead-bismuth flowing within the chamber.

[0015] Furthermore, at least two flow guide baffles are provided on both sides of the test chamber of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter to reduce the impact and splashing of lead-bismuth when it is discharged from the overflow buffer structure.

[0016] Furthermore, the installation section of the pipeline-type lead-bismuth flow meter is arranged horizontally and located in a stable flow zone.

[0017] Furthermore, the top of the submersible lead-bismuth flowmeter test chamber is equipped with a replaceable mounting flange assembly to accommodate flowmeters of different specifications and insertion depths.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0019] This invention enables joint verification of multi-structure lead-bismuth flowmeters within the same closed loop, reducing redundant construction; it supports online calibration and flow path switching without frequent downtime for disassembly and reassembly; and it reduces the risk of lead-bismuth oxidation and impurity contamination through dual-mode vacuum and argon atmosphere control. This invention introduces an overflow buffer structure and flow guide baffles into the test chamber of the submersible lead-bismuth flowmeter, creating a more stable flow field during the overflow and fall of high-temperature lead-bismuth, reducing the impact of splashing, impact, and local temperature differences on the sensor. This invention records flow deviation, temperature fluctuation, and historical drift rate through a data acquisition and control mechanism, automatically triggering online calibration based on preset thresholds, instead of relying solely on fixed-time-period calibration, thereby improving the relevance and efficiency of long-term durability verification. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters suitable for lead-bismuth media in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention designs a joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters suitable for lead-bismuth media, including a lead-bismuth storage tank 1, a circulating pump 201, a temperature control and insulation mechanism 3, zoned temperature measurement points 303, a protective gas supply system 5, a filtration and purification mechanism 6, a main circuit 9, a submersible lead-bismuth flowmeter test chamber 701, a submersible calibration section lead-bismuth flowmeter installation section 702, a pipeline lead-bismuth flowmeter installation section 703, a switchable bypass flow channel 704, a standard flow comparison measurement interface 705, and a vertical insertion port 7011.

[0023] The multi-type flow meter testing mechanism includes a submersible lead-bismuth flow meter testing chamber 701, a submersible calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 702, and a pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 703. The submersible calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 702 is located inside the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter testing chamber 701, and the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter is located inside the submersible calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 702. The measuring section of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter passes through the bottom of the submersible calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 702.

[0024] The upper end of the lead-bismuth storage tank 1 is connected to the upper part of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber 701 via a pipeline. The lower end of the lead-bismuth storage tank 1 is connected to one end of the pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 703 via a pipeline. The other end of the pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 703 is connected to the lower part of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber 701 via a pipeline. The side of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber 701 is connected to the return port at the upper end of the lead-bismuth storage tank 1 via the main circuit 9.

[0025] One end of the switchable bypass flow channel 704 is connected to the main loop 9 through the insertion port 7011, and the other end is connected to the lower end of the lead-bismuth storage tank 1; the switchable bypass flow channel 704 is used to complete the switching, isolation or on-line calibration of different types of flow meters without stopping the circulation of the main loop 9.

[0026] The temperature control and heat preservation mechanism 3 is arranged on the pipeline between the switchable bypass flow channel 704 and the lead-bismuth storage tank 1. The filtering and purification mechanism 6 is arranged on the pipeline between the pipeline type lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 703 and the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test cavity 701. The circulation pump 201 is connected to the pipeline between the upper end of the lead-bismuth storage tank 1 and the upper part of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test cavity 701 through the standard flow comparison measurement interface 705; the standard flow comparison measurement interface 705 is used to access the reference flow meter for on-line calibration. Partition temperature measurement points 303 are provided on the lead-bismuth storage tank 1, the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test cavity 701, and the pipeline type lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 703, which are used to monitor the temperature at different positions in real time and perform independent compensation control.

[0027] An overflow buffer structure is arranged inside the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test cavity 701, which is used to slow down the impact of high-temperature lead-bismuth when flowing in the cavity. At least two flow guiding baffles are arranged on both sides inside the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test cavity 701, which are used to weaken the impact and splash when the lead-bismuth is discharged from the overflow buffer structure. The pipeline type lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 703 is arranged horizontally and is located in a stable flow regime section. A replaceable mounting flange assembly is arranged on the top of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test cavity 701, which is used to adapt to flow meters of different specifications and insertion depths.

[0028] Embodiment 1:

[0029] This embodiment includes a lead-bismuth storage tank 1; a circulation driving mechanism communicated with the lead-bismuth storage tank 1, which is used to drive the lead-bismuth medium to circulate in a closed loop; a temperature control and heat preservation mechanism 3 arranged on the circulation loop, which is used to heat, keep warm and adjust the temperature of the lead-bismuth medium in the loop; a vacuum mechanism and a protective gas supply system 5 communicated with the circulation loop, which are used to maintain a low-oxygen environment in the loop during the test start-up, operation and stop phases; a filtering and purification mechanism 6, which is used to filter impurities in the lead-bismuth medium; a multi-type flow meter test mechanism 7, including a submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test cavity 701, a submersible calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 702 and a pipeline type lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 703; a data acquisition and control mechanism, which is used to acquire temperature, pressure, flow and on-line calibration signals, and perform linkage control on the heating, valves, circulation pumps, vacuum and gas injection processes;

[0030] The test device is applicable to verify the durability of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter under high-temperature conditions of 300 °C to 350 °C, and is applicable to verify the durability of the pipeline type lead-bismuth flow meter under conditions not lower than 250 °C.

[0031] The lead-bismuth medium is stored in a lead-bismuth storage tank and circulates in the main circuit 9 via a circulation drive mechanism. Before entering each test section, the lead-bismuth first passes through a filtration and purification mechanism 6 to remove impurities, and then is maintained at the required temperature by a temperature control and insulation mechanism 3.

[0032] The submersible lead-bismuth flow meter's test chamber 701 has a vertical structure and an internal overflow buffer structure to mitigate the impact of high-temperature lead-bismuth flowing within the chamber. At least two flow guide baffles are also installed inside the chamber to create a smoother flow path for the liquid metal.

[0033] In one embodiment, the top of the submersible lead-bismuth flowmeter test chamber 701 can be equipped with a replaceable mounting flange assembly to accommodate flowmeters of different specifications and insertion depths. This structure facilitates universal installation and quick replacement of different models of submersible flowmeters.

[0034] The submersible calibration section of the lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 702 is connected to the main circuit 9 and is suitable for the installation and operation of calibration section flow meters. The submersible calibration section of the lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 702 is connected to a standard instrument through the standard flow comparison measurement interface 705 to compare and calibrate the flow meter output.

[0035] In one embodiment, an independent heating housing 11 may be provided outside the submersible calibration section lead-bismuth flowmeter installation section 702 to reduce the temperature difference caused by environmental heat dissipation and ensure the stability of calibration conditions.

[0036] The installation section 703 of the pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter adopts a horizontal arrangement and is located in a relatively stable flow zone.

[0037] The zoned temperature measurement points 303 are distributed in the lead-bismuth storage tank 1, the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber 701, the pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter installation section 703, and the valve connection parts, and are used to monitor the temperature at different locations in real time and perform independent compensation control.

[0038] The vacuum mechanism and the protective gas supply system 5 constitute a dual-mode atmosphere control unit. Before startup, the vacuum pump removes air from the circuit, and then the protective gas supply system 5 injects high-purity argon to form a protective atmosphere. During operation, dynamic gas replenishment can be performed according to the system pressure and oxygen content to reduce oxidation risk and improve reflux efficiency.

[0039] The data acquisition and control mechanism includes a PLC controller, a host computer, a sensor array, and an alarm module. The sensor array is used to collect pressure, temperature, flow rate, and calibration-related signals; the host computer is used to store operating data and analyze flow drift trends.

[0040] In this embodiment, online calibration is not limited to fixed periodic triggering, but can also be dynamically judged based on flow deviation, temperature fluctuation and drift rate. When the system detects that the flow deviation exceeds the preset threshold, it automatically completes online calibration through the switchable bypass channel 704 and the standard flow comparison measurement interface 705.

[0041] In this embodiment, the method for jointly verifying a multi-structure flowmeter system suitable for lead-bismuth media includes the following steps:

[0042] S1: Inject the lead-bismuth medium into the lead-bismuth storage tank 1 and perform vacuum treatment on the closed loop;

[0043] S2: Inject argon gas into the closed loop to establish a low-oxygen protective environment;

[0044] S3: Start the circulation drive mechanism to make the lead-bismuth medium circulate in the main circuit 9;

[0045] S4: The lead-bismuth medium is raised to the target operating temperature through the temperature control and insulation mechanism 3;

[0046] S5: Enables the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter, the submersible calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter, and the pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter to operate continuously in their respective installation sections;

[0047] S6: Perform online calibration via the standard flow comparison measurement interface 705 according to the set cycle or drift trigger conditions;

[0048] S7: Collect and store the measurement signals, drift data and operating status data of each flow meter;

[0049] S8: Outputs performance evaluation results after the preset durability period is reached.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters suitable for lead-bismuth media, characterized in that: Includes a lead-bismuth storage tank (1), a protective gas supply system (5), and a multi-type flow meter testing mechanism; The multi-type flow meter testing mechanism includes a submerged lead-bismuth flow meter testing chamber (701), a submerged calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter installation section (702), and a pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter installation section (703). The submerged calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter installation section (702) is located inside the submerged lead-bismuth flow meter testing chamber (701), and the submerged lead-bismuth flow meter is located inside the submerged calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter installation section (702). The measuring section of the submerged lead-bismuth flow meter passes through the bottom of the submerged calibration section lead-bismuth flow meter installation section (702). The upper end of the lead-bismuth storage tank (1) is connected to the upper part of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber (701) via a pipeline, and the lower end of the lead-bismuth storage tank (1) is connected to one end of the pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter installation section (703) via a pipeline. The other end of the pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter installation section (703) is connected to the lower part of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber (701) via a pipeline. The side of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber (701) is connected to the return port at the upper end of the lead-bismuth storage tank (1) via the main circuit (9).

2. The joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters with lead-bismuth media according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a switchable bypass channel (704), one end of which is connected to the main circuit (9) through a plug-in port (7011), and the other end is connected to the lower end of the lead-bismuth storage tank (1); the switchable bypass channel (704) is used to switch, isolate or calibrate different types of flow meters without stopping the circulation of the main circuit (9).

3. The joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters with lead-bismuth media according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a temperature control and insulation mechanism (3), which is installed on the pipeline between the switchable bypass channel (704) and the lead-bismuth storage tank (1).

4. The joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters with lead-bismuth media according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a filtration and purification mechanism (6), which is installed on the pipeline between the pipeline-type lead-bismuth flow meter installation section (703) and the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber (701).

5. The joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters with lead-bismuth media according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a circulation pump (201), which is connected to the pipeline between the upper end of the lead-bismuth storage tank (1) and the upper part of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber (701) via a standard flow comparison measurement interface (705); the standard flow comparison measurement interface (705) is used to connect to a reference flow meter for online calibration.

6. The joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters with lead-bismuth media according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lead-bismuth storage tank (1), the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter test chamber (701), and the pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter installation section (703) are equipped with zoned temperature measurement points (303) for real-time monitoring of the temperature at different locations and independent compensation control.

7. The joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters with lead-bismuth media according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test chamber (701) of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter is equipped with an overflow buffer structure to reduce the impact of high-temperature lead-bismuth flowing in the chamber.

8. A joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters with lead-bismuth media according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two flow guide baffles are provided on both sides of the test chamber (701) of the submersible lead-bismuth flow meter to reduce the impact and splashing of lead-bismuth when it is discharged from the overflow buffer structure.

9. The joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters with lead-bismuth media according to claim 1, characterized in that: The installation section (703) of the pipeline lead-bismuth flow meter is arranged horizontally and located in a stable flow zone.

10. A joint verification system for multi-structure flowmeters with lead-bismuth media according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test chamber (701) of the submersible lead-bismuth flowmeter is equipped with a replaceable mounting flange assembly on the top, which is used to adapt to flowmeters of different specifications and insertion depths.

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