Ultrasonic flow measurements in liquid metal flows with partial solidification


Ultrasonic flow measurements in liquid metal flows with partial solidification

Franke, S.; Räbiger, D.; Eckert, S.

The monitoring of the flow rate is an inherent part of process control in all technical large-scale plants to guarantee process stability and safety. It is particularly important for nuclear applications. In the case of a liquid metal coolant in addition, the control of the aggregate state is important.
The use of ultrasound techniques opens an attractive opportunity to measure both the fluid velocity by evaluating the Doppler phase shift and the phase boundary by the detection of the reflection signal from the interface. In addition, the measuring principle enables a noninvasive implementation of the measuring technique. A test facility is necessary to qualify the measuring technique for real applications.
In this study a new LBE experimental facility has been designed and constructed. The setup enables to control the temperature and the fluid flow in the liquid. Further a partial solidification can be induced. The liquid metal vessel is equipped with ten ports for ultrasonic probes. These ports allow for testing the ultrasound measuring principle for different conditions. It was demonstrated that the ultrasonic sensors can be operated up to 200°C at the piezo element. First measuring results demonstrate the potential of ultrasound measuring techniques for monitoring liquid metal applications.

  • Lecture (Conference)
    SESAME International Workshop, 19.-21.03.2019, Petten, Netherlands
  • Contribution to proceedings
    SESAME International Workshop, 19.-21.03.2019, Petten, Netherlands
    SESAME International Workshop

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-29026
Publ.-Id: 29026