Steam generator flow regulator

Abstract

An apparatus and method for conditioning fluid flow within a steam generator of a nuclear power plant is disclosed. The flow conditioning apparatus includes an outer enclosure defining a plurality of inlet openings arranged in an array and a plurality of outlet openings arranged in an array. A plurality of baffle plates are defined within the outer housing. The baffle plates define flow channels in fluid communication with the inlet openings and the outlet openings to form alternating directional flow paths. The flow channels receive fluid flow from the plurality of inlet openings, direct the fluid flow from the inlet openings through the flow channels in alternating directions, impart swirl and frictional pressure losses to the fluid flow, and direct the exiting fluid flow through the outlet openings to a tube lane region of the steam generator.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 269,363, filed March 15, 2022, and entitled “FLOW CONDITIONING DEVICE FOR STEAM GENERATOR,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a flow conditioner for use in a steam generator. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a flow conditioner for use in a nuclear power steam generator. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a flow conditioner structurally attached to a tube support plate disposed in a tube lane region of the steam generator.

[0003] Current nuclear power plant steam generator designs have high flow velocities in the tube lane region, where the high flow velocities can cause tube vibration and wear on the tube support plates near the drilled plate flow holes. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To address these concerns, a novel flow conditioner is disclosed herein for use with a broached tube support plate design. The flow conditioner is located in the tube lane area of ​​the steam generator and differs from other known designs in performance capabilities and configuration. The flow conditioner improves fluid conditions adjacent the short radius U-bend tube section of the steam generator tube bundle. The flow conditioner increases fluid flow resistance, reduces fluid flow velocity, and reduces tube support plate vibration and wear in the tube lane area. Such a flow conditioner for use with a broached tube support plate design is disclosed below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a flow conditioner for use in a steam generator of a nuclear power plant, the flow conditioner comprising an outer enclosure defining a plurality of inlet openings arranged in an array and a plurality of outlet openings arranged in an array, and a plurality of baffle plates defined within the outer housing, the baffle plates defining flow channels in fluid communication with the inlet openings and the outlet openings, the flow channels forming alternating directional flow paths, the flow channels receiving fluid flow from the plurality of inlet openings, directing the fluid flow from the inlet openings in alternating directions through the flow channels to impart swirl and frictional pressure losses to the fluid flow, and directing the exiting fluid flow through the outlet openings to a tube lane region of the steam generator.

[0006] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for increasing local hydraulic resistance in a tube lane region of a steam generator of a nuclear power plant, the method including receiving a fluid flow from a plurality of inlet openings defined by an outer enclosure. The inlet openings are arranged in an array, the inlet openings in fluid communication with the tube lane region of the steam generator. The fluid flow is directed from the inlet openings in alternating directions through flow channels defined by a plurality of baffle plates defined within an outer housing. The flow channels impart swirl and frictional pressure losses to the fluid flow through the flow channels. The exiting fluid flow is directed through an outlet opening into the tube lane region of the steam generator. A plurality of outlet openings are defined by the outer enclosure, the plurality of outlet openings being arranged in the array. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] The various aspects described herein, both as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of a steam generator according to one aspect of the present disclosure, including a proposed hardware implementation layout of a flow conditioner that mitigates wear on the tube support plate near the drilled flow holes in the tube lane area.

[0009] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a close-up view of the proposed hardware implementation of the flow regulator arrangement shown in FIG. 1.

[0010] [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates a first detailed view of a cover installation location of a flow conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 4] 4 illustrates a second detailed view of the cover installation location of the flow conditioner shown in FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Diagram 5] 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flow conditioner shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.

[0013] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the flow conditioning device shown in FIGS. 3-5, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set forth herein are, in one aspect, illustrative of various disclosed embodiments, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope thereof in any manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Before describing in detail various aspects of the flow conditioning device disposed in the tube lane region of a nuclear power steam generator, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments are not limited in application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts shown in the accompanying drawings and description. The exemplary embodiments may be implemented or incorporated in other embodiments, variations and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been selected for the purpose of describing the exemplary embodiments for the convenience of the reader, and are not intended to limit the embodiment, and may be combined with any one or more of the other embodiments, embodiment expressions, and / or embodiments described below.

[0016] In some large steam generator designs, studies have shown that the "drilled plate" flow hole type configuration of the top tube support plate does not provide sufficient hydraulic resistance to reduce the fluid flow velocity in the tube lane region to the level required to meet design requirements. It has been determined that completely blocking the flow in the tube lane region (complete elimination of flow holes and slots) can create undesirable problems such as vortices and stagnation zones in the tube bundle. The following description discloses a flow conditioning device that is attached to a broached tube support plate to increase the local hydraulic resistance and reduce the fluid flow velocity in the tube lane region of the steam generator.

[0017] Turning now to FIG. 1, which is a front view of a steam generator 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The steam generator 300 includes a proposed hardware implemented flow conditioning device 320 (FCD) to mitigate tube wear at tube support plate 308 (TSP) intersections near drilled flow holes in the tube lane region. A detail 314 showing the location of the proposed hardware implemented FCD 320 is shown in FIG. 2. Various embodiments of the FCD 320 for increasing hydraulic resistance of fluid flowing through the tube lane region 330 are described herein with reference to 1-6.

[0018] 1 and 2, the steam generator 300 includes a steam separator 302, a feedwater inlet nozzle 304, a tube bundle 306, and a number of TSPs 308. The steam generator 300 also includes a primary inlet nozzle 310 and a primary outlet nozzle (not shown). With particular reference to detail 314, the steam generator 300 further includes a hand hole access port 316 in line with the upper tube lanes of the number of TSPs 308. In the illustrated embodiment, the hand hole access port 316 is aligned with the upper tube lanes of the TSPs 10 ("K" plate). The FCD 320 is centered in a U-bend tube 322 in the tube lane region of the steam generator 300, and the U-bend tube 322 is supported by an additional U-bend support called an anti-vibration bar 324.

[0019] 3 and 4 show first and second views of an FCD 320 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the FCD 320 is attached to the upper TSP 308. The tube lane region 330 is accessed through hand hole access ports 316 in one row. The hand hole access ports 316 may be closed with wrapper plugs, which are not shown for clarity of disclosure. Also shown are first and second rows of U-shaped bent tubes 322 that define the tube lane region 330. The other U-shaped tubes 322 of the tube bundle 306 are not shown for clarity of disclosure. The FCD 320 is structurally attached to the TSP 308 and positioned over the drilled plate flow holes 332 and flow slots 334 of the tube lane region 330.

[0020] The tube lane region 330 of the TSP 308 (also described below in FIGS. 5-6 ) often provides a lower hydraulic resistance than the remainder of the TSP 308 (the broached regions), which generally results in higher local fluid velocities in the tube lane region 330. The fluid velocity exiting the tube lane region of the top TSP 308 approximates the U-bend portion of the low row of U-bend tubes 322 in the tube bundle 306.

[0021] 1-6, to mitigate high fluid flow velocities near the TSP 308 in the tube lane region 330 near the drilled plate flow holes 332 (FIGS. 3-6), the present disclosure provides a hardware implemented FCD 320 to improve flow conditioning near the low radius U-bend tube 322 portion of the tube bundle 306. The disclosed FCD 320 does not completely block fluid flow near the low radius U-bend tube 322, but instead increases fluid flow resistance and reduces fluid flow velocity, minimizing risk of unintended flow anomalies and minimizing impact to interface systems, hardware, analysis, etc. In one embodiment, the disclosed FCD 320 is introduced through an existing pressure boundary penetration, such as, for example, a secondary side inspection port, referred to herein as hand hole access port 316. The introduction of the FCD 320 allows modifications to be made during manufacturing of the steam generator 300 without requiring significant disassembly / rework.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an FCD 320 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The FCD 320 includes an inlet opening 336 in fluid communication with the drilled plate flow holes 332 of the tube lane region 330. The inlet opening 336 receives the fluid flow from the drilled plate flow holes 332 and directs the fluid flow in alternating directions through internal channels or passages defined by a baffle plate 346 (shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6). The internal channels defined by the baffle plate 346 redirect the fluid flow, subjecting the fluid flow to swirl and frictional pressure losses, reducing the fluid flow velocity. The fluid flow is directed by the internal baffle plate 346 to an outlet opening 337, which directs the exiting fluid flow into the tube lane region 330 of the steam generator 300. The internal baffle plate 346 increases the hydraulic resistance to fluid flow across the remainder of the TSP 308 (the broached area), typically reducing the local fluid velocity in the tube lane region 330.

[0023] 6 is a schematic diagram of the FCD 320 shown in FIGS. 3-5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The FCD 320 includes an outer enclosure 340 that is structurally attached to the TSP 308 by mechanical fasteners 342, such as threaded fasteners, or any other suitable mechanical fasteners. The FCD 320 is structurally connected to the TSP 308 using mechanical fasteners, such as threaded bolts, or any other suitable mechanical fasteners.

[0024] 6, in the tubelane region 330, the TSP 308 defines flow holes 332 drilled through the plate to provide fluid flow paths 344 as indicated by the arrows. Fluid flows through the flow holes 332 and is received through the inlet opening 336. An internal flow baffle plate 346 is in fluid communication with the inlet opening 336 and is arranged in an ordered array to direct the incoming fluid flow into the FCD 320. The internal baffle plate 346 directs the fluid flow through the outlet opening 337 and into the tubelane region 330. The fluid flow paths 344, indicated by the arrows, increase the hydraulic resistance of the fluid flow and reduce the velocity of the fluid flow exiting the outlet opening 337.

[0025] With further reference to FIG. 6 , the FCD 320 may be adapted and configured to target local hydraulic resistance in the tube bundle 306 of the nuclear steam generator 300. In one embodiment, the FCD 320 may be formed from a rigid structure of one or more functional components, including an outer enclosure 340, an internal flow baffle plate 346, and threaded fasteners 342 for structural attachment to the TSP 308. The outer enclosure 340 defines a plurality of inlet openings 336 arranged in a regular array that direct the incoming fluid flow into the FCD 320. The baffle plate 346 and the plurality of inlet openings 336 arranged in a regular array form flow channels or passages with alternating directions, as shown by the fluid flow paths 344 indicated by the arrows, that impart swirl and frictional pressure losses to the fluid flow. The plurality of inlet openings 336 defined by the outer enclosure 340 are arranged in a regular array to direct the flow out into the tube bundle 306 at a desired velocity magnitude and direction. In one embodiment, the FCD 320 may be structurally attached to the TSP 308. However, in alternative embodiments, the FCD 320 may be structurally attached to the steam generator 300 using a variety of mounting configurations.

[0026] In another embodiment, outer enclosure 340 of FCD 320 may include alignment or support features designed to orient, support, or facilitate attachment of FCD 320 to TSP 308. In various embodiments, alignment features may include support pins, support inlet tubes, or matching holes. In various embodiments, support features may include contact surfaces on outer enclosure 340.

[0027] In another aspect, the multiple inlet openings 336 defined by the outer enclosure 340 of the FCD 320 are configured to align or mate with matching flow holes 332 defined by the TSP 308 .

[0028] In yet another embodiment, in addition to or instead of using threaded fasteners 342, FCD 320 may be attached to TSP 308 using alternative attachment methods, such as a hydraulic expansion type design or an interference fit type design.

[0029] 1-6, the tube lane region 330 of the TSP 308 described herein is configured to provide a higher hydraulic resistance than the remainder of the TSP 308 (the broached region) due to the increased fluid flow path 344 indicated by the arrows. This generally results in a lower local fluid velocity in the tube lane region 330. The fluid velocity exiting the tube lane region 330 of the upper TSP 308 approximates the U-bend portion of the low row U-bend tube 322. The local tube gap velocity is referred to as the "effective velocity." The "critical velocity" of the tube is defined as the velocity at the onset of fluid elastic oscillations. The additional hydraulic resistance in the tube lane region 330 reduces the effective velocity of the U-bend portion of the low row U-bend tube 322.

[0030] Further hydraulic resistance can be achieved by using an FCD 320 specifically designed for this purpose. The FCD 320 is preferably attached to the upper TSP 308 (top of the TSP 308) using mechanical hardware (i.e., threaded bolts), although other suitable and qualified structural attachment techniques are possible. The FCD 320 increases the hydraulic resistance of the local tube lane region 330 by incorporating sufficient micro losses to meet the desired local fluid velocity. Micro losses can include, but are not limited to, friction, swirl, and changes in flow location (i.e., inlet and outlet).

[0031] In one embodiment, FCD 320 is preferably installed during initial manufacture of steam generator 300 at a factory, but may also be designed for installation on a fully assembled steam generator 300 in the field.

[0032] In one aspect, the FCD 320 is designed to have a low impact on the overall thermal-fluid performance (i.e., steam pressure, circulation ratio) of the steam generator 300 and a targeted impact on the tube gap velocity for the U-bend portion of the low row of U-bend tubes 322 in the region of the upper TSP 308.

[0033] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, the FCD 320 employs a drilled offset plate within a channel that is bolted to the upper TSP 308 in the tube lane region 330.

[0034] 1-6, the FCD 320 described herein differs from existing or known tube support plate designs having flow holes and slots "drilled" into the tube lane region in design configuration, manufacturing method, installation, and overall hydraulic resistance. The FCD 320 design described herein provides higher localized flow resistance compared to "drilled plate" designs, resulting in improved flow "tuning" to achieve targeted velocities in the tube lane region 330 of the steam generator 300 without significantly impacting the overall thermal-fluid operating characteristics.

[0035] In various embodiments, the FCD 320 can be installed in various steam generators used in the nuclear power generation industry, such as, for example, steam generators for PWR type nuclear reactors.

[0036] Various additional aspects of the subject matter described herein are described in the numbered examples below.

[0037] Example 1: A flow conditioner for use in a steam generator of a nuclear power plant, the flow conditioner comprising: an outer enclosure defining a plurality of inlet openings arranged in an array; and a plurality of outlet openings arranged in an array; and a plurality of baffle plates defined within the outer housing, the baffle plates defining flow channels in fluid communication with the inlet openings and the outlet openings, the flow channels forming alternating directional flow paths, the flow channels receiving fluid flow from the plurality of inlet openings, directing the fluid flow from the inlet openings in alternating directions through the flow channels to impart swirl and frictional pressure losses to the fluid flow, and directing the exiting fluid flow through the outlet openings to a tube lane region of the steam generator.

[0038] Example 2: The flow conditioner of example 1, wherein the outer enclosure is structurally attached to a tube support plate of the steam generator.

[0039] Example 3: The flow control device of any one of Examples 1-2, wherein the outer enclosure comprises threaded fasteners for structurally attaching the outer enclosure to a tube support plate of the steam generator.

[0040] Example 4: The flow conditioning device of any one of Examples 1-2, wherein the outer enclosure is structurally attached to the tube support plate by hydraulic expansion.

[0041] Example 5: The flow conditioning device of any one of Examples 1-2, wherein the outer enclosure is structurally attached to the tube support plate by an interference fit.

[0042] Example 6: A flow control device described in any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the outer enclosure has alignment or support features to orient, support, or facilitate attachment of the outer enclosure to the tube support plate.

[0043] Example 7: The flow control device of example 6, wherein the alignment features include support pins, support inlet tubes, or matching holes.

[0044] Example 8: The flow control device of example 6, wherein the support feature comprises a contact surface on the outer enclosure.

[0045] Example 9: A flow control device described in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the multiple inlet openings defined by the outer enclosure are configured to align or mate with corresponding flow holes defined by the tube support plate.

[0046] Example 10: A method of increasing hydraulic resistance in a tube lane region of a steam generator of a nuclear power plant, the method including: receiving a fluid flow from a plurality of inlet openings defined by an outer enclosure, the inlet openings being arranged in an array, the inlet openings being in fluid communication with the tube lane region of the steam generator; directing the fluid flow from the inlet openings in alternating directions through a flow channel defined by a plurality of baffle plates defined in an outer housing, imparting swirl and frictional pressure losses to the fluid flow through the flow channel; and directing the exiting fluid flow through an outlet opening into the tube lane region of the steam generator, the plurality of outlet openings being defined by the outer enclosure, the plurality of outlet openings being arranged in an array.

[0047] Example 11: The method of example 10, further comprising structurally attaching the outer enclosure to a tube support plate of the steam generator.

[0048] Example 12: The method of any one of Examples 10-11, further comprising structurally attaching the outer enclosure to a tube support plate of the steam generator using threaded fasteners.

[0049] Example 13: The method of any one of Examples 10-11, further comprising structurally attaching the outer enclosure to a tube support plate of the steam generator by hydraulic expansion.

[0050] Example 14: The method of any one of Examples 10-11, further comprising structurally attaching the outer enclosure to a tube support plate of the steam generator by an interference fit.

[0051] Example 15: The method of any one of Examples 10-11, further comprising structurally attaching the outer enclosure to a tube support plate of the steam generator by aligning the outer enclosure to the tube support plate.

[0052] Example 16: The method of Example 15, further comprising aligning an outer enclosure with the tube support plate using a support pin, support inlet tube, or matching hole.

[0053] Example 17: The method of example 15, further comprising aligning the outer enclosure with the tube support plate using a contact surface on the outer enclosure.

[0054] Example 18: The method of any one of Examples 10-17, further comprising aligning or mating a plurality of inlet openings defined by the outer enclosure with matching flow holes defined by the tube support plate.

[0055] Although several embodiments have been illustrated and described, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or limit the scope of the appended claims to such details. Numerous modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents to these embodiments may be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the structure of each element associated with the described embodiments may be alternatively described as a means for providing the function performed by the element. Also, where materials are disclosed for a particular component, other materials may be used. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, combinations, and variations as fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Also, the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, modifications, and equivalents.

[0056] One or more components may be referred to herein as being "configured," "configurable," "operable," "adapted," "capable," "adaptable," etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that unless the context requires otherwise, "configured" can generally encompass active components and / or inactive components and / or standby components.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the terms used in this specification, in general, and in the appended claims, particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the word "comprise" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to," the word "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," and the word "comprise" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to"). Those skilled in the art will further recognize that if a particular number of claim recitations introduced is intended, such intent will be expressly set forth in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent exists. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims below may use the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce the claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as intending that a claim recitation introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an" is intended to limit any particular claim that includes a claim recitation so introduced to claims that contain only one such recitation, even if the same claim includes the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"). The same applies to definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[0058] Furthermore, even if a particular number of recitations in an introduced claim is explicitly stated, a person skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should generally be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the plain recitation "two recitations" without other modifiers generally means at least two, or more than two recitations). Furthermore, when a convention similar to "such as at least one of A, B, and C" is used, such a construction is generally intended to have the meaning that a person skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and / or A, B, and C). When a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, such construction is generally intended to have the meaning that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and / or A, B and C, etc.). As will be further understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, disjunctions and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should typically be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both of the terms, unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B" is typically understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B," or "A and B."

[0059] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations recited therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, while the claims are presented in a sequence, it should be understood that various operations may be performed in other orders than those recited, or may be performed simultaneously. Examples of such alternative orders include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, progressive, preliminary, supplemental, simultaneous, reversed, or other variant orders, unless the context dictates otherwise. Moreover, words such as "according to," "with respect to," or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0060] It should be noted that references to "one embodiment," "one embodiment," "one example," "one example," etc., mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in one embodiment," "in one example," and "in one example" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined as appropriate in one or more embodiments.

[0061] Any patent applications, patents, non-patent literature, or other disclosure materials referred to in this disclosure and / or set forth in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that the incorporated materials do not conflict with this specification. Therefore, to the extent necessary, the disclosures expressly set forth herein supersede any conflicting materials incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portions thereof, that is intended to be incorporated herein by reference that conflicts with existing definitions, descriptions, or other disclosure materials set forth herein is incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated materials and the existing disclosure materials.

[0062] In summary, numerous advantages resulting from the adoption of the concepts described herein have been described. The foregoing description of one or more embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. One or more embodiments have been selected and described in order to explain the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the various embodiments, with various modifications, as appropriate for the particular application envisioned. The claims submitted herein are intended to define the overall scope.

Claims

1. 1. A flow conditioning device for use in a steam generator of a nuclear power plant, the flow conditioning device comprising: an outer enclosure defining a plurality of inlet openings arranged in an array and a plurality of outlet openings arranged in an array; a plurality of baffle plates defined within the outer enclosure; the baffle plate defines a flow channel in fluid communication with the inlet opening and the outlet opening; the flow channels define alternating flow paths; The flow channel comprises: receiving a flow of fluid from the plurality of inlet openings; directing the fluid flow from the inlet opening in alternating directions through the flow channel to impart swirl and frictional pressure losses to the fluid flow; A flow conditioner that directs exiting fluid flow through the outlet opening and into a tube lane region of the steam generator.

2. The flow conditioner of claim 1 , wherein the outer enclosure is structurally attached to a tube support plate of the steam generator.

3. The flow conditioner of claim 2 , wherein the outer enclosure comprises threaded fasteners for structurally attaching the outer enclosure to the tube support plate of the steam generator.

4. The flow conditioner of claim 2 , wherein the outer enclosure is structurally attached to the tube support plate by hydraulic expansion.

5. The flow conditioner of claim 2 , wherein the outer enclosure is structurally attached to the tube support plate by an interference fit.

6. The flow conditioner of claim 2 , wherein the outer enclosure includes alignment or support features to orient, support, or facilitate attachment of the outer enclosure to the tube support plate.

7. The flow regulator of claim 6 , wherein the alignment features comprise support pins, support inlet tubes, or matching holes.

8. The flow conditioner of claim 6 , wherein the support feature comprises a contact surface on the outer enclosure.

9. The flow conditioner of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of inlet openings defined by the outer enclosure are configured to align or mate with matching flow holes defined by the tube support plate.

10. 1. A method for increasing local hydraulic resistance in a tube lane region of a steam generator of a nuclear power plant, the method comprising: receiving a fluid flow from a plurality of inlet openings defined by an outer enclosure, the inlet openings being arranged in an array, the inlet openings being in fluid communication with the tube lane region of the steam generator; directing the flow of the fluid from the inlet opening in alternating directions through flow channels defined by a plurality of baffle plates defined within the outer enclosure; imparting swirl and frictional pressure losses to a flow of the fluid through the flow channel; and directing an exiting fluid flow into the tube lane region of the steam generator through a plurality of exit openings, the plurality of exit openings being defined by the outer enclosure, the plurality of exit openings being arranged in an array.

11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising structurally attaching the outer enclosure to a tube support plate of the steam generator.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising structurally attaching the outer enclosure to the tube support plate of the steam generator with threaded fasteners.

13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising structurally attaching the outer enclosure to the tube support plate of the steam generator by hydraulic expansion.

14. The method of claim 11 , further comprising structurally attaching the outer enclosure to the tube support plate of the steam generator by an interference fit.

15. The method of claim 11 , further comprising structurally attaching the outer enclosure to the tube support plate of the steam generator by aligning the outer enclosure to the tube support plate.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising aligning the outer enclosure with the tube support plate using support pins, support inlet tubes, or matching holes.

17. The method of claim 15 further comprising aligning the outer enclosure with the tube support plate using a contact surface on the outer enclosure.

18. The method of claim 10 , further comprising aligning or mating the plurality of inlet openings defined by the outer enclosure with matching flow holes defined by the tube support plate.

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