Non-uniform flow distribution in the steam generator U-tubes of a pressurized water reactor plant during single- and two-phase natural circulations

A flow model is formulated to analyze the single- and two-phase flow characteristics in the primary side of a vertical, inverted U-tube steam generator. Using the flow model, a pressure drop–mass flow rate curve is derived. It is shown that the curve has a negative slope and, thus, flow excursion in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nuclear engineering and design 2004-07, Vol.231 (3), p.303-314
Main Authors: Jeong, Jae-Jun, Hwang, Moonkyu, Lee, Young Jin, Chung, Bub Dong
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Controled nuclear fusion plants
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Exact sciences and technology
Fission nuclear power plants
Fuels
Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy
Nuclear fuels
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Summary:A flow model is formulated to analyze the single- and two-phase flow characteristics in the primary side of a vertical, inverted U-tube steam generator. Using the flow model, a pressure drop–mass flow rate curve is derived. It is shown that the curve has a negative slope and, thus, flow excursion instability can occur under certain low-flow conditions. The stability criterion and its physical interpretation are given. Nonuniform flow behaviors in multiple U-tubes of different tube lengths are also discussed.
ISSN:0029-5493
1872-759X
DOI:10.1016/j.nucengdes.2004.02.002