Optimization of swirling-straight sprinklers in the pressurized spray systems of 200 MWt integrated nuclear heating reactors in China

Abstract

The sprinkler serves as critical equipment for reducing steam temperature and pressure in the pressurizers of nuclear power plants, and the even distribution of spray droplets predominantly governs the heat transfer efficiency. This study involved the design and fabrication of four straight swirling sprinklers, accompanied by the establishment of a performance testing platform. Experimental results indicate that the pressure drop across these sprinklers is consistently related to jet velocity, exhibiting a power-law correlation with an exponent exceeding 2. Additionally, the Gaussian curve peak fitting technique was applied to model the radial distribution curve, effectively revealing the interactive synergistic influence of swirling and axial flows within the sprinkler. This approach has introduced a novel methodology for investigating the uniformity of sprinkler distribution. Further analysis of the scale-up effects associated with varying swirling channel area ratios revealed that an increase in this ratio diminishes the magnification effect.