Velocity measurements of heavy liquid metal flows by the Ultrasound Doppler method

The application of heavy liquid metals as coolant or heat transfer medium in advanced reactor systems demands for a comprehensive knowledge of the flow characteristics. CFD simulations are the main tool to predict the flow behaviour, however, the numerical models have to be validated by experimental data. Flow measurements in hot liquid metals are challenging and the available choice of measuring techniques is rather limited. A great deal of work was done during the last decade to develop suitable measuring principles for applications in metallic melts. The Ultrasound Doppler method can be considered as an attractive technique to obtain real-time velocity profiles in liquid metal flows. Flow measurements in hot metallic melts involve several specific problems, especially the high temperature and the abrasive character of the melt. Furthermore, a sufficient input of acoustic energy into the melt to be measured requires favourable conditions concerning acoustic coupling, transmission and wetting. Moreover, the availability of seeding particles has to be guaranteed to obtain Doppler signals from the fluid. We will present a concept for velocity measurement in a liquid metal channel flow based on high temperature transducer probes in combination with a matched mechanical design of the probe seating. Specific measuring procedure enables us for reliable measurements in a temperature range up to 230°C. The measuring principles are successfully applied at experimental facilities operating with different metal alloys and geometric configurations: At the LIMMCAST (Liquid Metal Model for Continuous Casting) facility of Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf we studied the flow profile of a Sn60Bi40 alloy in a circular pipe. Furthermore, the LBE duct flow of the META:LIC loop (Megawatt Target: Lead Bismuth Cooled) at the Institute of Physics in Riga-Salaspils (University of Latvia) was measured. Parametric studies of the velocity profile measurements in the ducts will be presented here. Specific problems arising for the application of the Ultrasound Doppler method in the considered experimental configuration will be discussed.