The Experimental Measurement of Circumferential Temperature Distributions Developed on Pressure Tubes Under Stratified Two-Phase Flow Conditions: Tests 1 to 5

Abstract

Five experiments have been conducted to study the effects of pressure, liquid level and heating power on the circumferential temperature distribution and deformation of CANDU pressure tubes under stratified coolant conditions. Stratified coolant conditions in these experiments were effected by injecting near-saturated water into the heated pressure tube to replenish the water boiled off during each experiment. In all five experiments, the pressure tube ballooned at the top, resulting in near or direct contact with calandria tube. The experimental results suggest that pressure-tube deformation had a significant cooling effect on the pressure tube and therefore affected the circumferential temperature distribution. The experimental program was funded by the CANDU Owners Group (COG).