Better Heat Transfer in PWR

[mauner]

I came across this invention that improves heat transfer in a Pressurize Water Reactor.

http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/fetch....DBSELECT=PCT&SORT=41217651-KEY&DISPLAY=STATUS

Does anyone know if any PWRs actually have plans to use nanoparticles to enhanced heat transfer?

Is it wise to operate the reactor beyond conventional thermal limits?

 

[vpl]

To the best of my knowledge, no operating reactor in the US uses nanotechnology in the heat transfer fluid. Additionally, I haven't heard of any applicants for new construction who plan on using this technology.

In regard to whether it is "wise" to operate a reactor beyond conventional thermal limits: It depends. ... in order for a reactor in the US to increase its thermal power level, it would need to get a license amendment (or a new license if it is a new plant) from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. As part of getting that license, the applicant would have to provide extensive documentation to show the safety of the reactor operation. Whether the NRC's review would be sufficient for it to be "wise" probably depends on who you ask. There are some people who believe that the current thermal limits are "unwise" and unsafe. There are others who will claim that the current thermal limits are overly conservative. Still others will tell you that the NRC is extremely conservative or maybe it's "just a tool of the industry."

What all this boils down to is that wisdom, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder and is not a good measure to use to judge the scientific merit of a process.

Patricia Lougheed

Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of the Eng-Tips Forums.

 

[davefitz]

The brief patent summary suggests the use of carbon nano particles in the seconday heat transfer loop. I'm not sure the steam turbine vendor is anxious to find nano particles in the steam flowpath. And if they find their way into the environment and they are tracked back to a reactor, there will be a lot of public consternation.

 

[mauner]

The discussion is a little confusing but my understanding is to use nano particles on the primary side heat transfer. Critical heat flux is the basis for thermal limits on the fuel rods and nothing to do with the turbine.

 

[davefitz]

The patent stream number 145 is clearly shown as the secondary loop. Maybe the patent figure is wrong- I did not read the full patent, but the sketch contained in the above link shows it as the secondary loop.

 

[unclesyd]

Not particularly related but here is another water boiling enhancer, Copper nanoparticles

http://www.azom.com/news.asp?newsID=12751