Westinghouse Electric Company LLC

Abb Combustion Engineering Nuclear Power, Inc.

Clifford B Martin

Daniel A Peck

A system and method of detecting and monitoring flow conditions in the coolant of a nuclear reactor that relies upon acoustic or optical differences in the various flow conditions. The system uses a database of acoustic or optical characteristics of the various known flow conditions being monitored, and a processor that compares the detected acoustic signals with the known acoustic characteristics. The processor uses various methods of discrimination, such as altering or decaying the transmitted signal, to aid in the interpretation and comparison of the signals. The acoustic detection is provided by a pair of sensor assemblies positioned a distance from each other to detect variations in the acoustic patterns associated with the coolant flow. A transmitter and receiver of each sensor assembly can be positioned on opposite sides of the pipe in which the coolant is flowing, or on the same side of the pipe, depending upon which configuration provides the best discrimination between the flow conditions being monitored. The monitoring system is effective for determining, among other things, the existence of bubbles entrained in the coolant, the existence and level of a free surface, the existence of vortex or whirlpool formations, and the existence of entrained solid particulates.

Flow condition monitor

A blowdown manifold for a nuclear power plant includes a main conduit section, at least one coolant exhaust conduit, and at least one fluidic device. The main conduit section is connected to a pressure relief system in the nuclear power plant. The coolant exhaust conduit has a first end coupled to the main conduit section and a second end extending into a receptacle. The fluidic device is in fluid communication with the main conduit and exhibits a lower flow resistance to air than to water and steam.

Blowdown manifold evacuator for nuclear power plants

A method and apparatus for mitigating oscillatory pressure disturbances that result from venting steam from a nuclear reactor into a pressure suppression pool through a plurality of spargers is disclosed. The individual spargers are connected in series so that a time delay exists between first venting of noncondensable gas and steam from successive spargers. This time delay can be adjusted so that the pressure disturbances from successive spargers are out of phase, partially or wholly canceling one another. This cancellation of oscillatory pressure disturbances minimizes dynamic loads on the walls of the suppression pool and on structures submerged in the suppression pool.

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Somers, CT, United States of America

Clifford B Martin