Detection device, system, and method for detecting coolant flow rate and temperature in an atomic force environment

Abstract

The sensing device is a flow and temperature measurement device in the form of a tube having a channel arranged parallel to the coolant flow, and includes a drogue securely attached to a mount within the channel. The mount has a load sensing device securely embedded near the inlet to the tube. The drogue is at least neutrally buoyant in the fluid at the lowest fluid temperature of interest. Changes in the buoyancy of the drogue as a function of temperature and corresponding changes in the output of the strain sensing device in the fluid are determined by a combination of simple physical and calibration measurements. A relationship between changes in the signal output of the strain sensing device and flow-induced forces applied to the drogue surface is also determined using a combination of simple physical and calibration measurements. Systems and methods are also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 561,472, filed on September 5, 2019, entitled "Detection Apparatus, System, and Method for Detecting Coolant Flow Rate and Temperature in a Nuclear Environment", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The disclosed and claimed subject matter generally relates to nuclear reactors, and more particularly, to detection apparatus, systems, and methods for detecting the temperature and flow rate of a coolant within a nuclear reactor.

Background Art

[0003] Numerous types of nuclear reactors are known. A nuclear reactor is typically located within a containment vessel, and the fuel within the nuclear reactor undergoes a controlled nuclear fission reaction, as a result of which heat is added to a coolant. The coolant typically flows through a primary loop, which is in a heat exchange relationship with a secondary loop from which heat is extracted to perform useful work.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] During the operation of such nuclear reactors, it is desirable to enable measurements regarding the nuclear reactor output level, output distribution, and margin to nuclear reactor operating limits. However, convenient and cost - effective approaches for obtaining these measurements have been difficult to implement. Therefore, improvement is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The detection device described in this specification measures the temperature and mass flow rate of a fluid passing through a tube using the force applied to a drug housed within the cylindrical channel of the tube. The force is measured via strain measurements from a strain detection device located at the fluid inlet of the tube, and the strain detection device is fixed to a specially designed and configured drug object housed within the tube.

[0006] The drug object has at least neutral buoyancy in the fluid at the minimum fluid temperature of interest. The change in the buoyancy of the drug as a function of temperature and the corresponding change in the output of the strain detection device in the fluid are determined by a combination of simple physical measurements and calibration measurements. The relationship between the change in the signal output of the strain detection device and the force induced by the flow rate applied to the drug surface is also determined using a combination of simple physical measurements and calibration measurements.

[0007] When it is known that the flow rate is stable, the change in the strain signal represents the change in buoyancy and thus represents the change in fluid temperature. When it is known that the temperature is stable, the change in the measured strain signal represents the change in flow rate. The relative changes in fluid temperature and flow rate can be determined by understanding the time history of the strain signal, the maximum flow rate change rate, and the maximum temperature change rate that can be made within the fluid environment via the differential equations of heat and flow in the fluid environment.

[0008] In a commercial power reactor, the ability to measure the coolant flow rate distribution and the corresponding temperature distribution at the core inlet and outlet would make it possible to determine measurements of the reactor power level, power distribution, and margin to reactor operating limits based solely on thermodynamic principles. Nuclear radiation measurements would not be required. However, convenient and cost-effective approaches for obtaining these measurements have previously been difficult to implement. Measuring the coolant flow and temperature at the core inlet and outlet and using thermodynamic principles to convert this information to reactor power distribution and margin to operating limits would greatly simplify the reactor power distribution measurement process. This would be particularly applicable in reactor designs such as the lead fast reactor (LFR) where the coolant / moderator suppresses the amount of radiation available for nuclear radiation monitoring.

[0009] The improved detection device, described in more detail later, is a flow and temperature measurement device in the form of a tube arranged parallel to the coolant flow, and includes a drag in the form of a ball, for example, of a material having a very low coefficient of thermal expansion such as tungsten or other suitable material. The drag is firmly attached, for example, to a mount in the form of a thin rod. The rod has a load detection device, for example, in the form of a strain gauge, firmly embedded near the inlet to the tube. The rod is fixed to the tube at the inlet by a cross-shaped base having a very low coefficient of thermal expansion and very high structural rigidity, such as tungsten or other suitable material. The base is configured to provide a cross-section with very low flow interaction. The rod freely passes through a similar structure at the outlet end of the tube. The tube serves to maintain the axial positioning of the ball within the tube and to capture the ball if it moves away from the rod. The electrical resistance measurements from the strain gauge are measured through an inorganic insulation (MI) cable wired from the reactor environment to a data processing system for signal processing.

[0010] The ball object has at least neutral buoyancy in the fluid at the targeted minimum coolant / moderator fluid temperature. The buoyancy acting on the ball within the tube will vary as a function of the temperature of the surrounding fluid. The variation of the ball's buoyancy as a function of the temperature of the fluid surrounding the drag and the corresponding variation of the output of the strain detection device may be determined using a combination of simple physical measurements and calibration measurements. The relationship between the change in the strain detection device signal and the force induced by the flow rate applied to the drag at its surface may also be determined using a combination of simple physical measurements and calibration measurements.

[0011] When the flow rate is known to be stable, as is the case when the inlet end of a specially configured detection device is blocked, and as a result, the coolant fluid will stagnate within the channels of the tube, the change in the strain signal represents the change in buoyancy and thus the change in fluid temperature. When the temperature is known to be stable, as indicated by the same or another specially configured detection device having a blocked inlet end, the measured change in the strain signal will represent the change in flow rate. The relative changes in fluid temperature and flow rate can also be determined by understanding the time history of the strain signal, the maximum flow rate change rate, and the maximum temperature change rate that can be made within the fluid environment through the differential equations of heat and flow within the fluid environment.

[0012] By positioning the detection device tube such that the radial and axial positions of the detection device are firmly fixed at predetermined positions relative to the surrounding support structure and vertically positioned above and below the core, it will be possible to determine the reactor output as a function of time within the corresponding measurement region using the following simple equation, using the flow and temperature differences between the detection devices located above and below the core.

Number

[0013] The value of the change in fluid temperature at time t2, ΔT = T(t2) - T(t1), is determined from the change in the buoyant force acting on the object contained within the tube. The buoyant force acting on the drug object generates a distortion force Fb(t) given by the following equation.

Equation

[0014] The change in fluid temperature indicated by the change in the measured distortion value can be determined from the ratio of the strain and force values using the following equation.

Equation

[0015] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the equation for the density of lead as a function of temperature, employed as the coolant, is as follows.

Equation

[0016] The temperature at time t2 is as follows.

Equation

[0017] The equation for the temperature change is as follows.

Equation

[0018] At a stable temperature, the force induced by the flow acting on the shape within the tube is expressed as follows.

Equation

[0019] Relationship for calculating the mass flow rate (= ρ(T)A vL) And, using the equation for force related to mass and acceleration (F = ma), the equation for describing the mass flow rate at time t2 can be developed as follows.

Number

[0020] The constant K and the initial mass flow rate at time point t1 can be determined in the calibration process. The value of the force can be replaced with the strain force measured at a constant temperature. The influence of temperature on the calculation of the mass flow rate can be captured by adjusting the fluid density used in the original flow rate equation = ρ(T)A vL It can be captured by adjusting the fluid density used in.

[0021] The contributions of temperature and flow from different fuel assemblies to the inlet of a particular device can be captured using the "mixing coefficient" approach or modeled using a benchmarked CFD model, and can be used to determine the output levels of individual fuel assemblies. Figure 1 provides a schematic diagram in the LFR system.

[0022] The disclosed and claimed system and detection device of the idea advantageously provide the ability to determine the reactor output level and margin with respect to the fuel operation limit using simple thermodynamic calculation methods.

[0023] The disclosed and claimed detection device of the idea is advantageously configured from a very simple structure that can be easily manufactured and arranged in an array across the top and bottom of the reactor.

[0024] The disclosed and claimed detection device of the idea does not require power supply in an extreme reactor environment, and signal processing is advantageously performed by a data processing system located outside the reactor containment vessel.

[0025] The disclosed and claimed system and detection device of the idea advantageously enable obtaining flow measurement values at any position within the reactor environment when oriented parallel to the flow direction.

[0026] The disclosed and claimed inventive system and detection device advantageously enable the simultaneous measurement of flow rate and ambient fluid temperature, provided that gravity is not orthogonal to the channel.

[0027] Accordingly, one aspect of the disclosed and claimed inventive concept is to provide an improved detection device configured to be positioned within the flow of fluid within a nuclear reactor containment vessel. The detection device generally comprises a support that can be said to have a body, the body having a channel formed therein, a support; a drag located on the support and disposed within the channel; and a measuring device that can be said to include a load detection device located between the drag and the support and configured to output a signal responsive to the load on the drag by the fluid within the channel.

[0028] Another aspect of the disclosed and claimed idea is generally an improved system, the system generally comprising a containment vessel, a core located within the containment vessel, and a nuclear reactor generally including a fluid located within the containment vessel and in communication with the core, a plurality of detection devices located within the containment vessel and disposed within the fluid, each of the detection devices generally comprising a support, a drag, and a measuring device, the support generally comprising a body having a channel formed therein, the drag located on the support and disposed within the channel, the measuring device located between the drag and the support and generally comprising a load detection device configured to output a signal responsive to a load on the drag by the fluid within the channel, a processor device generally comprising a processor and a storage device, the load detection device generally comprising the processor device in communication with the processor, the storage device storing a number of instructions that, when executed on the processor, cause the detection devices to perform a process, the process generally including receiving signals from at least some of the plurality of detection devices as a plurality of inputs to the processor, and determining at least one of a temperature of the fluid and a flow rate of the fluid based at least in part on the number of the plurality of inputs, to provide a system.

[0029] Another aspect of the disclosed and claimed inventive concept is to provide an improved method for use in connection with a nuclear reactor having a containment vessel, a core located within the containment vessel, and a fluid located within the containment vessel and in communication with the core. The method generally comprises positioning a plurality of detection devices within the containment vessel and disposing them within the fluid, each of the detection devices generally comprising a support, a drag, and a measuring device, the support generally comprising a body having a channel formed therein, the drag being located on the support and disposed within the channel, and the measuring device being located between the drag and the support and generally comprising a load detection device configured to output a signal responsive to a load on the drag by the fluid within the channel; receiving, as a plurality of inputs to a processor, signals from at least some of the plurality of detection devices; and determining at least one of a temperature of the fluid and a flow rate of the fluid based at least in part on the number of the plurality of inputs.

[0030] A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

[0032]

Figure 2

[0033]

Figure 3

[0034]

Figure 4

[0035]

Figure 5

[0036]

Figure 6

[0037]

Figure 7

[0038]

Figure 8

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Throughout this specification, like numbers refer to like parts.

[0040] An improved system 2 according to one aspect of the disclosed and claimed inventive concept is schematically shown in FIG. 1. System 2 includes a nuclear reactor 4, a detection system 8, and a data processing system 10. As will be described in more detail below, the detection system 8 is advantageously configured to detect the temperature and flow conditions of the nuclear reactor 4 by using simple physical data and calibration data, which greatly simplifies the collection of data and the determination of the relevant characteristics of the nuclear reactor 4.

[0041] The nuclear reactor 4 can be said to include a containment vessel 14, a reactor core 16 located inside the containment vessel 14, and a certain amount of fluid 22 that functions as a coolant and is in thermal contact with the reactor core 16. The fluid 22 flows through a primary loop that is in a heat transfer relationship with a secondary loop connected to a turbine or the like that performs useful work. The fluid 22 flows out from a number of outlets of the primary loop, one of which is indicated by the number 26, and flows into the inside 20 of the containment vessel 14.

[0042] As can be further understood from FIG. 1, the data processing system 10 can be said to include a processor device 28 that includes a processor 32 and a storage device 34 that communicate with each other. The storage device 34 stores a number of routines 38 that, when executed on the processor 32, cause the processor device 28 and the system 2 to perform certain processes as described herein. As used herein, the expression "a number of" and variations thereof shall broadly refer to any non-zero quantity that includes one quantity. The data processing system 10 further includes an input device 40 that supplies an input signal to the processor 32 and an output device 44 that receives an output signal from the processor 32.

[0043] The detection system 8 shown in FIG. 1 includes, by way of example, a plurality of detection devices indicated by the numeral 42 in FIGS. 2 and 3, and further includes a number of detection devices indicated by the numeral 42A as shown in FIG. 6. The detection device 42A is similar to the detection device 42 except that it is slightly modified, as will be described in more detail below. It is understood that the detection devices 42 and 42A may be referred to collectively or individually herein by the numeral 42.

[0044] Referring again to FIG. 1, the detection system 8 further includes a number of grids, indicated by numerals 48A, 48B, and 48C, which may be referred to herein collectively or individually by the numeral 48. The grids 48 support the detection devices 42 and 42A at various positions within the interior 20 of the containment vessel 14, some of such positions being in proximity to the core 16. More particularly, as indicated by reference numeral 50 in FIG. 1 and as can be understood from the arrow representing the flow direction of the fluid 22 with respect to the core 16, a number of grids 48A support a number of detection devices 42 or a number of detection devices 42A, or both, at the lower end of the core 16, which is the inlet end of the core 16. Similarly, a number of grids 48B support a number of detection devices 42 or a number of detection devices 42A, or both, at the outlet end of the core 16, which is located vertically above the core 16. Further, a number of grids 48C support a number of detection devices 42 or a number of detection devices 42A, or both, at a position in the lateral direction of the core 16, i.e., around the core 16 and substantially adjacent to the outlet from the primary pump, such as adjacent to the outlet 26. It should be understood that other positionings of the detection device 42 are possible without departing from the gist of the illustrated exemplary embodiment.

[0045] As can be understood from FIGS. 2 - 4, it can be said that each detection device 42 includes a support 54 having a cylindrical body 56, within which a cylindrical channel 60 is formed such that the body 56 has the shape of a cylindrical tube. The detection device 42 further includes a drag 62 located on the support 54 within the channel 60. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the drag 62 is substantially spherical and has an external drag surface 64. The detection device 42 further includes a measuring device 66 configured to detect a force applied to the drag 62 and, in response, output a signal representative of the load exerted on the drag 62 by the fluid 22 within the channel 60 and transmit it to the input device 40.

[0046] As can be understood from FIGS. 2-4, the support 54 further includes a base 68, and the base 68 includes a first portion 70 (FIG. 3) fixed to the main body 56 at the input end below the channel 60, and further includes a second portion 74 (FIG. 2) fixed to the main body 56 at the output end above the channel 60. As can be seen in FIG. 3, a number of first openings 72 are formed in the first portion 70 to allow the fluid 22 to flow into the channel 60. As can be seen in FIG. 2, a number of second openings 76 are formed in the second portion 74 to allow the fluid 22 to flow out of the channel 60 and out of the second opening 76. In this regard, as can be understood from FIG. 4, the channel 60 is elongated, and in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the main body 56 is oriented with respect to the flow direction 50 such that the channel 60 is substantially parallel to the flow direction 50. During operation of the system 2, the fluid 22 flows in the flow direction 50, enters the first opening 72, passes through the drug 62 through the channel 60, continues to advance along the flow direction 50, and finally flows out of the second opening 76. The first and second portions 70, 74, and their first and second openings 72, 76 are configured to have a minimal impact on the inflow of the fluid 22 into the channel 60, the flow of the fluid 22 through the channel 60, and the outflow of the fluid 22 from the channel 60. As will be described in more detail below, the detection device 42A is a modified version of the detection device 42. In the detection device 42A, the fluid 22 is located within the channel 60 but is stagnant therein, and thus does not flow through the drug 62, but rather merely physically contacts the drug 62 at the drug surface 64.

[0047] As best shown in FIG. 4, the support 54 further includes a mount 78, which extends through the channel 60 and is, for example, in the form of a thin and rigid rod, a structure to which the drug 62 is fixed thereon. The mount 78 has a fixed connection 80 with the first part 70 and a movable connection 82 with the second part 74. The fixed connection 80 between the mount 78 and the first part 70 firmly positions the drug 62 at the radial center of the channel 60, and the rigid nature of the mount 78 and the rigidity of the fixed connection 80 together firmly support the drug 62 within the channel 60. The movable connection 82 between the mount 78 and the second part 74 is clearly depicted in FIG. 5, which shows a considerably exaggerated gap 84 between the mount 78 and the receiving port 86 formed in the mount 78 and the second part 74, enabling the mount 78 to be telescopically received within the receiving port 86. That is, the mount 78 is freely movable within the receiving port 86 in the second part 74, while the mount 78 is fixed to the first part 70. Further, it should be noted that the first and second parts 70 and 74 serve to hold the drug 62 within the channel 60 in the event that the drug somehow detaches from the support 54. This advantageously reduces the possibility of having a detached portion within the reactor 4. Additionally, other structures may be provided within the channel 60 to further minimize the possibility of having a detached portion within the reactor 4.

[0048] As best shown in FIG. 4, the annular space 88 exists between the surface 89 of the channel 60 and the surface 64 of the drug 62. When the fluid 22 flows through the channel 60 in the flow direction 50, the flow of the fluid 22 interacts with the drug 62 by applying form drag and skin drag to the drug surface 64. Thus, the measuring device 66 of the detection device 42 is advantageously configured to include a load detection device 90, in the form of a strain gauge for example, located upstream of the drug 62, i.e., on the upstream portion 92 of the mount 78 located between the drug 62 and the first portion 70. The load detection device 90 detects the load on the drug 62 and communicates a signal representing such load to the input device 40 via the signal cable 94 of the measuring device 66. It should be noted that in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the signal cable 94 is a mineral insulated (MI) cable drawn from the storage container 14 to the data processing system 10, and the data processing system 10 is disposed outside the storage container 14.

[0049] As described above, the buoyancy of the drug 62 in the fluid 22 is a function of the temperature of the fluid 22. Such a change in the buoyancy of the drug 62 can result in a change in the signal output by the load detection device 90. However, it should be noted that the flow of the fluid 22 through the space 88 and past the drug 62 also applies a load to the drug 62. As a result, the signal output by the load detection device 90 of the detection device 42 while the fluid 22 flows into the first opening 72 in the flow direction 50, passes through the space 88, and exits through the second opening 76 can include a first signal component based on the flow of the fluid 22 past the drug 62, and can also include a second signal component based on the buoyancy of the drug 62 in the fluid 22, the second signal component being based on the temperature of the fluid 22.

[0050] Accordingly, advantageously, one or more examples of the detection device 42 are modified to include a cap 96 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, resulting in a modified detection device 42A. The modified detection device 42A is identical to the detection device 42 in all respects except as follows. That is, the first opening 72 of the detection device 42A is blocked so as to prevent the fluid 22 from flowing in the flow direction 50 and passing through the drug 62, for example, by using the cap 96, and the fluid 22 enters the channel 60 through the second opening 76 which remains open even though the cap 96 is attached to the opposite end of the body 56, and is enabled to continue to be stationary within the channel 60. Thus, it can be said that the cap 96 prevents the fluid 22 from flowing into the first opening 72 and prevents the fluid 22 from passing through the drug 62. Further, it is understood that any of a variety of devices and structures that close or otherwise block the first opening 62 can be employed, provided that the structure that effects the occlusion does not affect the way in which the load on the drug 62 is detected by the load detection device 90 and communicated via the signal cable 94.

[0051] Note that FIG. 1 shows only a small representative number of detection devices 42 and does not clearly distinguish between the detection device 42 and the detection device 42A. It should be understood that any of a variety of strategies may be employed with respect to the detection device 42A and the positioning and deployment of the detection device 42 with respect to the core 16.

[0052] During the processing of the system 2, the detection device 42A is positioned such that the fluid 22 remains in the channel 60 and contacts the drug 62. If the signal from the load detection device 90 of the detection device 42A has not changed, this indicates that the buoyancy of the drug 62 in the fluid 22 has not similarly changed, which means that the temperature of the fluid 22 has not similarly changed. As a result, this indicates that any change in the load of the drug 62, such as that detected by the load detection device 90 of the detection device 42 when the fluid 22 flows through the channel 60 and passes through the drug 62, is the result of the flow of the fluid 22 through the drug 62.

[0053] For example, if it is determined, based on the aforementioned determination that the output signal from the load detection device 90 of the detection device 42A has not fluctuated, that the temperature of the fluid 22 has not fluctuated, and if the signal from the load detection device 90 of the detection device 42 also does not fluctuate in the presence of the fluid 22 flowing through the space 88, this would indicate that the mass flow rate of the fluid 22, i.e., the flow rate of the fluid 22, has not fluctuated either. On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature has not fluctuated, but the signal from the load detection device 90 of the detection device 42 fluctuates when the fluid 22 is flowing through the space 88, this would indicate that the mass flow rate, i.e., the flow rate of the fluid 22, has fluctuated. Further, if it is determined that the signal from the load detection device 90 of the detection device 42A has fluctuated, i.e., it means that the temperature of the fluid 22 has fluctuated, this means that the signal output by the load detection device 90 of the detection device 42 when the fluid 22 is flowing through the space 88 contains a component based on the fluctuating temperature. Thus, the signal from the detection device 42A can potentially be subtracted from the signal output by the detection device 42 to produce a net signal representing only the force associated with the flow added to the drug 62. In such a situation, if the signal from the detection device 42 is equal to the signal from the detection device 42A, this would indicate that the flow rate has not fluctuated while the temperature has fluctuated.

[0054] To determine the actual temperature and flow rate, temperature calibration dataset 98A and flow rate calibration dataset 98B are established for the detection device 42 and stored in the storage device 34. It should be noted that the temperature calibration set 98A and the flow rate calibration set 98B can be referred to collectively or individually by the number 98 in this specification. The calibration datasets can be established experimentally or empirically for the detection device 42, or they can result from a combination of both approaches. Routine 38 uses the logic described above regarding the signals from the detection device 42 and the detection device 42A to determine whether the temperature, the flow rate, or both are changing or not, in addition to whether such signals are changing or not. Further, the routine uses the calibration dataset 98 to determine the actual temperature and flow rate based on the signals output by the load detection device 90. In this regard, the signals from the detection device 42 located upstream of the core 16 and the signals from other detection devices 42 located downstream of the core 16 are used to determine various parameters of the nuclear reactor as described above. Various parameters and other data can be output via the output device 44, for example.

[0055] The detection device 42 can be dispersedly arranged in a predetermined manner across the upstream end and the downstream end of the core 16 as required. Further, a detection device located on the grid 48C close to the outlet 26 of the primary loop can be further employed to determine the temperature and flow rate of the fluid present at the outlet 26. Such data can likewise be used when performing the above-described analysis to obtain various operating parameters of the nuclear reactor 4.

[0056] FIG. 8 depicts an aspect of an improved method according to the disclosed and claimed inventive concept as shown in the flowchart. The process can start, as at 105, when a plurality of detection devices 42 are located within the storage vessel 14. Some of the detection devices 42 are those shown in FIGS. 2-5, and one or more other detection devices of the detection devices 42 are designated by numeral 42A and are of a modified type shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Each detection device 42 includes a drug 62 and outputs a signal from a load detection device 90 in response to a load on the drug 62 by the fluid 22 within the channel 60. Depending on the situation, the load on the drug 62 may be due only to the buoyancy of the drug 62 within the fluid 22, as in the case of the detection device 42A. In other situations, the load on the drug 62 may be at least partially due to the influence of the flow of the fluid 22 passing through the drug 62 through the channel 60.

[0057] The process proceeds, as at 115, where signals from at least some of the plurality of detection devices 42 are received as multiple inputs to the processor 32. Such signals are received by the input device 40 from the signal cable 94 and communicated to the processor 32 for use by the routine 38. And the process proceeds, as at 125, where at least one of the temperature of the fluid 22 and the flow rate of the fluid 22 is determined based at least in part on the multiple inputs received at 115. It may be desirable to employ a temperature calibration data set 98A or a flow rate calibration data set 98B or both when making such a determination.

[0058] Thus, it can be seen that the improved system, method, and detection device 42 advantageously enable the determination of temperature and flow rate values within the storage vessel 14 and that such values can be employed to determine values such as reactor power distribution, margin to operating limits, and other values related to the operation of the reactor 4. Other variations will be apparent.

[0059] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and alternatives to these details will be developed in view of the overall disclosure. Accordingly, the specific embodiments disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is given by the scope of the appended claims and all their equivalents. "The following items are elements described in the claims at the time of international application." [Item 1] A detection device configured to be located within a fluid flow in a reactor containment vessel, a support having a main body, the main body having a channel formed therein, the support, a drag located on the support and disposed within the channel, a measuring device comprising a load detection device located between the drag and the support and configured to output a signal in response to a load on the drag by the fluid within the channel. The detection device comprises the measuring device. [Item 2] The support comprises a base located on the main body, the support further comprises a mount located on the base and disposed within the channel, the drag is located on the mount, the mount is rigid, and the mount supports the drag within the channel. The detection device according to item 1. [Item 3] The base has a first portion located on the main body and a second portion located on the main body. The mount has a fixed connection with the first portion and a movable connection with the second portion. The detection device according to item 2. [Item 4] The second portion has a receiving port formed therein, and the mount is telescopically received within the receiving port. The detection device according to item 3. [Item 5] A part of the mount extends between the first portion and the drag, and the load detection device is located on the part of the mount. The detection device according to item 4. [Item 6] The drag disposed within the channel is spaced apart from the main body. The detection device according to item 2. [Item 7] The support has a plurality of openings formed therein, the openings are in fluid communication with the channel, and are configured to allow the fluid to flow through the channel and pass through the drag. The detection device according to item 6. [Item 8] The support has a plurality of openings formed therein, the openings are in fluid communication with the channel, and are configured to allow the fluid to stagnate within the channel while preventing the fluid from flowing past the drag through the channel. The detection device according to item 6. [Item 9] A nuclear reactor including a containment vessel, a reactor core located within the containment vessel, and a fluid located within the containment vessel and communicating with the reactor core, A plurality of detection devices located within the containment vessel and disposed within the fluid, each of the detection devices comprising a support, a drag, and a measuring device, The support includes a body having a channel formed therein, The drag is located on the support and disposed within the channel, The measuring device is located between the drag and the support and includes a load detection device configured to output a signal in response to a load on the drag by the fluid within the channel, the detection device, A processor device comprising a processor and a storage device, the load detection device communicating with the processor, the processor device, Comprising, The storage device stores a plurality of instructions that cause the detection device to perform a process when executed on the processor, the process comprising: Receiving the signal from at least some of the plurality of detection devices as a plurality of inputs to the processor; Determining at least one of a temperature of the fluid and a flow rate of the fluid based at least in part on the plurality of inputs; A system including. [Item 10] One of the plurality of detection devices has a support with a number of openings formed therein, the openings being in fluid communication with the channel of the one detection device and configured to allow the fluid to flow through the channel past the drag, Another of the plurality of detection devices has another support with a different number of openings formed therein, the openings being in fluid communication with the channel of the another detection device and configured to allow the fluid to stagnate within the channel while resisting the flow of the fluid through the channel past the drag of the another detection device. The system according to item 9. [Item 11] The process further comprises: Determining that the signal from the another detection device has not changed; Based at least in part on the determination, determining that the fluid has a temperature that has not changed; The system according to item 10, further including. [Item 12] The process further comprises: Receiving, as the signal from the other detection device, a signal that is at least partially based on the buoyancy of the drug of the other detection device in the fluid; Employing a temperature calibration data set that is at least partially based on buoyancy to determine the temperature; The system according to item 10, further comprising. [Item 13] The processing includes: Determining that the signal from the detection device has changed; Further determining, at least partially based on the determination, that the fluid has a changing flow rate; The system according to item 11, further comprising. [Item 14] The processing includes: Receiving, as the signal from the detection device, a signal that is at least partially based on the fluid drag between the drug of the detection device and the flow of the fluid passing through the drug of the detection device through the channel; Employing a flow rate calibration data set that is at least partially based on fluid drag to determine the flow rate of the fluid; The system according to item 10, further comprising. [Item 15] The processing includes: Determining that the signal from the other detection device has changed; Determining, at least partially based on the determination, that the fluid has a changing temperature; The system according to item 10, further comprising. [Item 16] The processing includes, as the signal from the detection device: The fluid drag between the drug of the detection device and the flow of the fluid passing through the drug of the detection device through the channel; The buoyancy of the drug of the detection device in the fluid; The system according to item 15, further comprising receiving a signal that is at least partially based on. [Item 17] The system according to item 9, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of detection devices is oriented within the storage container such that the channel is parallel to the flow direction of the fluid. [Item 18] A first subset of the plurality of detection devices is located in the fluid upstream of the core; A second subset of the plurality of detection devices is located in the fluid downstream of the core. The system according to item 9. [Item 19] The nuclear reactor further comprises an outlet through which the fluid flows; A third subset of the plurality of detection devices is located in the fluid between the outlet and the first subset. The system according to item 18. [Item 20] A method for use in connection with a nuclear reactor having a containment vessel, a core located within the containment vessel, and a fluid located within the containment vessel and in communication with the core, wherein the method comprises: positioning a plurality of detection devices within the containment vessel and disposing them within the fluid, each of the detection devices comprising a support, a slug, and a measuring device, wherein the support comprises a body, wherein the body has a channel formed therein, wherein the slug is located on the support and disposed within the channel, wherein the measuring device comprises a load detection device located between the slug and the support and configured to output a signal responsive to a load on the slug by the fluid within the channel, the step; receiving the signal from at least some of the plurality of detection devices as a plurality of inputs to a processor; determining at least one of the temperature of the fluid and the flow rate of the fluid based at least in part on the plurality of inputs; and a method.

Claims

1. A detection device (42) configured to be located within a fluid flow in a reactor containment vessel, a support (54), a main body (56), a base (68) including a first portion (70) fixed to the main body (56), a channel (60) formed within the main body (56), a mount (78) extending through the channel (60) and having a fixed connection portion (80) with the first portion (70), the support (54) having the mount (78), a drag (62) located on the mount (78) and disposed within the channel (60), a measuring device (66) including a load detection device (90), the load detection device (90), is located on an upstream portion (92) of the mount (78), configured to output a signal in response to a load on the drag (62) by the fluid within the channel (60), the upstream portion (92) of the mount (78) is located upstream of the drag (62), the detection device.

2. The mount is rigid and supports the drag within the channel, the detection device according to claim 1.

3. The base further has a second portion located on the main body, and the mount has a movable connection with the second portion, the detection device according to claim 2.

4. The second portion has a receptacle formed therein, and the mount is telescopically received within the receptacle, the detection device according to claim 3.

5. A part of the mount extends between the first portion and the drag, and the load detection device is located on the part of the mount, the detection device according to claim 4.

6. The drag disposed within the channel is spaced apart from the main body, the detection device according to claim 2.

7. The support has a plurality of openings formed therein, the openings are in fluid communication with the channel, and are configured to allow the fluid to flow through the channel and pass through the drag, the detection device according to claim 6.

8. The support body has a plurality of openings formed therein, and the openings are in fluid communication with the channel and are configured to allow the fluid to stagnate in the channel while preventing the fluid from flowing through the drug through the channel. The detection device according to claim 6.

9. A nuclear reactor including a storage container, a reactor core located within the storage container, and a fluid located within the storage container and in communication with the reactor core. A plurality of detection devices located within the storage container and disposed within the fluid, each of the detection devices including a support body, a drug, and a measuring device. The support body includes a main body and a mount, the main body having a channel formed therein, and the mount extending through the channel. The drug is located on the mount and disposed within the channel. The measuring device includes a load detection device, the load detection device being located on the mount upstream of the drug within the channel, and the load detection device being configured to output a signal in response to a load on the drug by the fluid within the channel. The detection device. A processor device including a processor and a storage device, the load detection device communicating with the processor. The processor device. Comprising The storage device stores a plurality of instructions that, when executed on the processor, cause the detection device to perform a process. The process Receiving the signal from each of at least some of the plurality of detection devices as a plurality of inputs to the processor. Determining at least one of the temperature of the fluid and the flow rate of the fluid based at least in part on the plurality of inputs. A system including

10. A plurality of first openings (72) and a plurality of second openings (76) are formed in the support body (54) of one of the plurality of detection devices (42). The plurality of first openings (72) and the plurality of second openings (76) are in fluid communication with the channel (60) of the one detection device and are configured to allow the fluid to flow through the drug (62) through the channel (60). A plurality of first openings (72) and a plurality of second openings (76) are formed in the support body (54) of another detection device (42A) of the plurality of detection devices. The other detection device (42A) includes a cap (96) that closes the first opening (72) of the other detection device (42A), and the other detection device (42A) is configured to allow the fluid to stagnate in its channel (60) while passing its drug (62) through its channel (60) without resisting the flow of the fluid. The system according to claim 9.

11. The process determining that the signal from the other detection device has not changed; judging, at least partially based on the determination, that the fluid has an unchanged temperature; The system according to claim 10, further comprising.

12. The process receiving, as the signal from the other detection device, a signal that is at least partially based on the buoyancy of the drug of the other detection device in the fluid; adopting a temperature calibration data set based at least in part on buoyancy to determine the temperature; The system according to claim 10, further comprising.

13. The process determining that the signal from the detection device has changed; further judging, at least partially based on the determination, that the fluid has a changing flow rate; The system according to claim 11, further comprising.

14. The process receiving, as the signal from the detection device, a signal that is at least partially based on the fluid drag between the drug of the detection device and the flow of the fluid passing through the channel and through the drug of the detection device; adopting a flow rate calibration data set based at least in part on fluid drag to determine the flow rate of the fluid; The system according to claim 10, further comprising.

15. The process determining that the signal from the other detection device has changed; judging, at least partially based on the determination, that the fluid has a changing temperature; The system according to claim 10, further comprising.

16. The process, as the signal from the detection device, the fluid drag between the drug of the detection device and the flow of the fluid passing through the channel and through the drug of the detection device; the buoyancy of the drug of the detection device in the fluid; The system according to claim 15, further comprising the step of receiving a signal that is at least partially based on

17. The system according to claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of detection devices is oriented within the storage container such that the channel is parallel to the flow direction of the fluid.

18. A first subset of the plurality of detection devices is located within the fluid upstream of the core, The system according to claim 9, wherein a second subset of the plurality of detection devices is located within the fluid downstream of the core.

19. The nuclear reactor further comprises an outlet through which the fluid flows, The system according to claim 18, wherein a third subset of the plurality of detection devices is located within the fluid between the outlet and the first subset.

20. A method for use in connection with a nuclear reactor having a storage container, a core located within the storage container, and a fluid located within the storage container and communicating with the core, the method comprising: The method comprises: Positioning a plurality of detection devices within the storage container and disposing them within the fluid, each of the detection devices comprising a support, a drag, and a measuring device, The support comprises a body, The body has a channel formed therein, The support comprises a mount extending through the channel, The drag is located on the mount and disposed within the channel, The support comprises a first portion fixed to the body at an input end of the channel, The measuring device comprises a load detection device located on the mount between the drag and the first portion of the support, the load detection device being located upstream of the drag within the channel, the load detection device comprising a load detection device configured to output a signal responsive to a load on the drag by the fluid within the channel; the step; Receiving the signal from at least some of the plurality of detection devices as a plurality of inputs to a processor; Determining at least one of the temperature of the fluid and the flow rate of the fluid based at least in part on the plurality of inputs; A method comprising.

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