Critical Two-Phase Flow Apparatus

A two-phase flow apparatus is available for investigating critical two-phase flow rates through a pipe break. Critical flow rate predictions/calculations are of paramount importance in postulated loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) studies of nuclear reactors. The apparatus is capable of controlling the location of flashing inception during critical two-phase flow and hence, study the effect of the location of flashing on the critical flow rate as well as on the flow regime development. High speed photography can be used to capture/investigate the successive flow regimes that occur during choked (critical) flashing flow. Such knowledge is crucial to the future development/refinement of mechanistic two-phase flow models.