Development of a Compact Multivariable Sensor Probe for Two-Phase Detection in High Temperature PbLi–argon Vertical Columns

Design, fabrication and validation of an electrical conductivity principle based two-phase detection sensor array for molten lead (Pb) based heavy metal coolants up to 600°C

“…Thorough considerations toward selection of functional and structural materials could enable utilization of the array in very high temperature environment and facilitate future applications in actual neutronic environment of advanced reactors. Considering low pressure operations and relatively low flow velocities generally encountered in molten metal circuits, the designed sensor assembly could be miniaturized, using micro-needle probes and ultrafine thermocouples, to warrant its usage with very low pressure drop performance, while providing quantification of localized process parameters with an enhanced response [5,25,28]. The sensor array based on the basic principle of electrical conductivity could provide realistic advantages where other sophisticated techniques may get challenged by the process environment.…”

“…The gas bubbles generated thereafter rise vertically within the melt and some of these bubbles strike the sensing tip of the probe under test. A typical installation scheme for the J-type sparger is shown in figure 7 A simplified sparger design renders the required flexibility of probe insertion and removal independently of the sparger, a challenge encountered during previous investigations [25]. The gas volume collected above the melt is continuously released, employing proper safety measures, through a dedicated purge gas outlet tube.…”