The Prediction of multiple heated channel flow patterns from single channel pressure drop data

Abstract

Pressure drop and burnout data taken on a single tube apparatus using Freon at one atmosphere has been used to predict the flow patterns, burnout and points at which flow reverses in a five tube array. All the behavior which might have been expected from the single tube experiments was found in the five tube apparatus but quantitative predictions of the details were not possible because of uncertain bubble nucleation and substantial departures from thermal equilibrium. Application of the techniques suggested in this report is outlined for two reactor problems. One application concerns determining when the flow reverses in a channel of the core of a reactor in which a loss of pumping power accident has occurred. The other application concerns determining when a natural circulation loop will be set up during the quenching in a reactor which has already lost its coolant.