Iterative model coupled with experimental procedures to determine flow rate in a closed natural circulation circuit

Abstract

A set of simplified iterative model coupled with experimental procedures has been derived to aid in computing the flow rate of a closed rectangular NC Circuit at low pressure/low power steady state condition. The approach involves partitioning the NC loop into different pressure loses segments depending on the associated factor, thereafter the various pressure drops in each segment is determined with applicable mathematical correlations. The iterative model allows for varying of the outlet temperature, at a predetermined Heating Power (Decay Heat) and inlet temperature such that the flow rate is determined when the pressure drops equals to the driving force (Δ Pdrive = Σ Δ Ploss). The model was applied in computing the flow rate of the NC loop considered based on the assigned parameters with results validated with experimental data showing good agreement. Microsoft excel was employed in the computation procedures to allow for simplicity and easy comprehension.