Patent classifications
G21C17/035
Liquid level measuring apparatus, method, and program
Provided is a liquid level measuring technique capable of measuring a liquid level with high accuracy even if a liquid stored in a container is boiling. The liquid level measuring apparatus includes: ultrasonic sensors each configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave, the ultrasonic sensors being respectively set at a plurality of positions on an outer surface of a container that stores a liquid; a transmission/reception controlling unit configured to set, as a target, any one of the ultrasonic sensors at the plurality of positions and control the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic wave of the target; an intensity detecting unit configured to detect an intensity of the ultrasonic wave that satisfies at least 2N (N: natural number), of the ultrasonic waves that are reflected N times on an inner surface of the container; a gas/liquid determining unit configured to determine which of the liquid and a gas a reflection point on the inner surface is in contact with, on a basis of the detected intensity of the ultrasonic wave; and a level determining unit configured to determine a liquid level of the liquid on a basis of gas/liquid determination results respectively derived by the ultrasonic sensors at the plurality of positions.
Liquid level measuring apparatus, method, and program
Provided is a liquid level measuring technique capable of measuring a liquid level with high accuracy even if a liquid stored in a container is boiling. The liquid level measuring apparatus includes: ultrasonic sensors each configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave, the ultrasonic sensors being respectively set at a plurality of positions on an outer surface of a container that stores a liquid; a transmission/reception controlling unit configured to set, as a target, any one of the ultrasonic sensors at the plurality of positions and control the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic wave of the target; an intensity detecting unit configured to detect an intensity of the ultrasonic wave that satisfies at least 2N (N: natural number), of the ultrasonic waves that are reflected N times on an inner surface of the container; a gas/liquid determining unit configured to determine which of the liquid and a gas a reflection point on the inner surface is in contact with, on a basis of the detected intensity of the ultrasonic wave; and a level determining unit configured to determine a liquid level of the liquid on a basis of gas/liquid determination results respectively derived by the ultrasonic sensors at the plurality of positions.
Reactor condition controlled check valve permits coolant to flow from a reservoir to an isolation condenser chamber
Nuclear reactors include isolation condenser systems that can be selectively connected with the reactor to provide desired cooling and pressure relief. Isolation condensers are immersed in a separate chamber holding coolant to which the condenser can transfer heat from the nuclear reactor. The chamber may selectively connect to an adjacent coolant reservoir for multiple isolation condensers. A check valve may permit coolant to flow only from the reservoir to the isolation condenser. A passive switch can operate the check valve and other isolating components. Isolation condensers can be activated by opening an inlet and outlet to/from the reactor for coolant flow. Fluidic controls and/or a pressure pulse transmitter may monitor reactor conditions and selectively activate individual isolation condensers by opening such flows. Isolation condenser systems may be positioned outside of containment in an underground silo with the containment, which may not have any other coolant source.
Reactor condition controlled check valve permits coolant to flow from a reservoir to an isolation condenser chamber
Nuclear reactors include isolation condenser systems that can be selectively connected with the reactor to provide desired cooling and pressure relief. Isolation condensers are immersed in a separate chamber holding coolant to which the condenser can transfer heat from the nuclear reactor. The chamber may selectively connect to an adjacent coolant reservoir for multiple isolation condensers. A check valve may permit coolant to flow only from the reservoir to the isolation condenser. A passive switch can operate the check valve and other isolating components. Isolation condensers can be activated by opening an inlet and outlet to/from the reactor for coolant flow. Fluidic controls and/or a pressure pulse transmitter may monitor reactor conditions and selectively activate individual isolation condensers by opening such flows. Isolation condenser systems may be positioned outside of containment in an underground silo with the containment, which may not have any other coolant source.
Fluid level control system for a molten fuel salt sampling tank in a nuclear reactor system
A molten fuel salt reactor system includes a fluid level control system configured to circulate a molten salt through a molten salt loop including an experimental tank, a sump tank, and a drain tank. The fluid level control system further includes a plurality of level sensors, pressure transducers, and electronic pressure regulators fluidically coupled with the fuel salt reactor system. The fluid level control system is configured to receive cover gas pressures in the headspaces of the tanks and calculate target fluid height setpoints for each of the tanks. The fluid level control system further invokes the electronic pressure regulator to iteratively adjust the cover gas pressures of the tanks to achieve and maintain a target fluid level in the experimental tank.
Fluid level control system for a molten fuel salt sampling tank in a nuclear reactor system
A molten fuel salt reactor system includes a fluid level control system configured to circulate a molten salt through a molten salt loop including an experimental tank, a sump tank, and a drain tank. The fluid level control system further includes a plurality of level sensors, pressure transducers, and electronic pressure regulators fluidically coupled with the fuel salt reactor system. The fluid level control system is configured to receive cover gas pressures in the headspaces of the tanks and calculate target fluid height setpoints for each of the tanks. The fluid level control system further invokes the electronic pressure regulator to iteratively adjust the cover gas pressures of the tanks to achieve and maintain a target fluid level in the experimental tank.