Two-Phase Flow Measurement Studies for the SPES3 Integral Test Facility for IRIS Reactor Simulation

The measurement of two-phase flow parameters has never been an easy task in the experimental thermal-hydraulics and the need of such measurements in the SPES3 facility has led to investigation of different possibilities and evaluation methods to determine mass flows and energies. This paper deals with the theoretical prediction of the two-phase mass flow rate by the development of a mathematical model for a spool piece, consisting of a drag disk, a turbine and a void fraction detector. Data obtained by simulation of DBAs in the SPES3 facility, with the RELAP5 thermal-hydraulic code, have provided the reference conditions for defining the main thermal-hydraulic parameter ranges and selecting a set of instruments potentially suitable to measure and derive the required quantities. The governing equation and the instrumentation output are defined for each device. Three different turbine models (Aya, Rouhani and volumetric) have been studied to understand which one better adapts to two-phase flow conditions and to investigate the best instrument combination. The mathematical model has been tested versus the RELAP5 results with a reverse process where calculated variables, like void fraction, quality and slip ratio, are given as input to a specifically developed program to get back the mass flow rate. The analytical results, verified versus the DVI break transient, well agree with the RELAP5 mass flow rate. Specific tests on proper experimental loops are required to verify the analytical studies.