Computational optimization of a novel venturi meter for an upflow reactor cooling system

A novel venturi for the upflow assembly monitor of a proposed heavy water reactor has been developed by Savannah River Laboratory. Initial experiments of the monitor revealed the need to modify the shape of the venturi to reduce noise in the signal conveyed to the metering instrumentation. Fine tuning using computational fluid dynamics resulted in an annular venturi shape that minimizes the magnitude of the vorticity entering the throat of the venturi and maximizes pressure recovery and discharge coefficient. This paper discusses the details and results of the computational optimization of the venturi shape. 6 refs., 9 figs.