Optical Method for Controlling the Flow Rate of the Coolant in Nuclear Reactors

Abstract

The necessity of increasing the accuracy of measuring the coolant flow rate to control the operation of a nuclear reactor and the need to ensure the maximum heat transfer coefficient to increase the efficiency of electric power generation has been substantiated. The design of a fiber-optic system for measuring the flow rate of the coolant has been developed. The influence of y - radiation on an optical fiber and relaxation processes of E’ centers is investigated. We present the method for measuring the flow rate of the coolant q and the results of checking the operation of the fiber-optic system.