Ultrasonic Flow Rate Measurement in Nuclear Reactor Coolant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nuclear reactor coolant flow measurement is challenging due to temperature and pressure differentials, leading to sensor failure and operational inefficiencies, especially in complex reactor geometries and during start-up conditions, where turbulence and uneven temperature distributions affect flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using multiple emitter and receiver pairs positioned on the exterior surface of a reactor vessel to transmit and measure ultrasonic signals through the coolant, determining flow rates by calculating time delays and accounting for temperature and turbulence effects, allowing for accurate flow rate measurement without direct penetration into the reactor vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed inside the reactor core to measure coolant flow rate, then measurement accuracy is improved, but sensor reliability deteriorates due to temperature and pressure differentials causing sensor failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ultrasonic signals as an intermediary to measure coolant flow rate without placing sensors directly in the harsh environment. The transmission devices are positioned on the reactor vessel exterior, and ultrasonic waves propagate through the vessel wall and coolant to enable remote measurement, thus protecting sensors from temperature and pressure damage while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact sensors with ultrasonic wave propagation for flow measurement. By using acoustic waves to detect flow characteristics through the vessel wall and coolant, the system eliminates the need for physical sensor insertion into the high-temperature, high-pressure core environment
2Device complexity
If transmission devices are positioned on the exterior surface of the reactor vessel, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal attenuation through the vessel wall
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transmission devices are designed to perform multiple functions: they transmit ultrasonic signals through the reactor vessel wall, through the coolant, and enable flow rate measurement. This multi-functionality allows exterior positioning without sacrificing measurement capability, as the same device handles signal transmission and flow detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from internal to external positioning of transmission devices, utilizing the exterior surface of the reactor vessel as a new dimensional location. This spatial repositioning simplifies device installation and maintenance while the ultrasonic signal propagation through the vessel wall maintains measurement functionality
3Reliability
If multiple transmission devices are used to account for complex flow patterns, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into multiple ultrasonic signal transmission paths using several transmission devices positioned at different locations on the reactor vessel exterior. Each device measures flow characteristics in its local region, and the combined data provides comprehensive flow rate measurement that accounts for complex flow patterns and turbulence
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides reliable and efficient coolant flow rate measurement, reducing sensor failure and operational costs by avoiding direct contact with the reactor core and accounting for complex flow patterns and temperature variations, ensuring stable reactor operation.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, by a transmission device, a first signal through fluid contained within the volume
Implementation Method 2
A first time of flight of the first signal is measured from the first location to a second location on the outer structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system for measuring flow rate within a volume includes one or more transmission devices that transmit one or more signals through fluid contained within the volume. The volume may be bounded, at least in part, by an outer structure and by an object at least partially contained within the outer structure. A transmission device located at a first location of the outer structure transmits a first signal to a second location of the outer structure. A second signal is transmitted through the fluid from the second location to a third location of the outer structure. The flow rate of the fluid within the volume may be determined based, at least in part, on the time of flight of both the first signal and the second signal.