铅铋反应堆冷却剂泵内部流动特性研究

Study on Internal Flow Characteristics of Lead-bismuth Reactor Coolant Pump

  • 摘要: 铅铋反应堆作为第4代反应堆型中最具有发展潜力的堆型之一,可为我国“双碳”目标提供强力支撑。其中铅铋主泵是铅铋反应堆冷却回路中的关键设备,其水力性能直接影响反应堆的安全性与经济性。针对液态铅铋介质带来的复杂流动问题,本文对所设计的铅铋泵模型进行数值模拟研究,分析了泵内压力场、速度场、涡结构及压力脉动特性。结果表明:叶轮叶片存在显著压差,前缘低压区易诱发流动分离;导叶尾缘存在脱落涡影响流场稳定,出口扩管导致约2%扬程损失。动静干涉使入口及导叶流域产生周期性压力脉动,脉动振幅沿流动方向逐渐降低。研究揭示了泵内复杂流动机制,可为水力性能优化提供依据。

     

    Abstract: Lead-bismuth reactors, recognized as one of the most promising candidates among fourth-generation reactor systems, can provide substantial support for China’s dual carbon strategy. The lead-bismuth main pump constitutes a critical component in the cooling circuit of such reactors, and its hydraulic performance directly governs the safety and economic efficiency of the reactor plant. To address the complex flow challenges arising from the high density and strong corrosivity of liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE), this study presented a numerical investigation of the internal flow characteristics of an LBE main coolant pump under design conditions. A full three-dimensional model of the pump, comprising the inlet section, impeller, diffuser, and outlet pipe, was established. Transient simulations were performed using the SST k-ω turbulence model within ANSYS Fluent, with LBE specified as the working fluid. The numerical methodology was validated against experimental data obtained with water as the test medium, demonstrating good agreement with a relative error of less than 10% near the design point. The results reveal a substantial pressure difference between the pressure and suction sides of the impeller blades, with low-pressure regions near the leading edge of the suction side prone to flow separation. Within the diffuser zone, pressure increases gradually from the hub to the shroud, and low-pressure regions near the trailing edge indicate the presence of shedding vortices that disturb flow stability. Velocity analysis shows a maximum velocity of 14.4 m/s in the impeller region, which decreases to approximately 4.2 m/s in the diffuser region, confirming effective conversion of kinetic energy. Nevertheless, the outlet diffuser pipe induces flow separation and recirculation, resulting in an estimated head loss of approximately 2%. Pressure pulsation analysis indicates that, under normal operating conditions, the pressure pulsation at the inlet exhibits a sinusoidal waveform and is governed by the periodic rotation of the impeller. Within the diffuser zone, pressure pulsations display pronounced periodicity, with uniform fluctuation amplitudes in the front and middle sections of the diffuser. Owing to the low-velocity separation zone at the trailing edge of the diffuser blades, the fluctuation amplitude of pressure pulsations at the diffuser outlet becomes relatively larger. Along the flow direction, the amplitude of pressure pulsations gradually decreases. Collectively, these findings systematically elucidate the complex flow mechanisms within LBE pumps and offer critical insights for improving hydraulic performance and operational stability in advanced nuclear reactor systems.

     

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