Steam flow vortex straightener
AssigneeGE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
InventorsKhaled M. Ewida, James P. Carneal
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Abstract
An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for reducing the magnitude or frequency of flow-induced vibrations. An embodiment of the present invention may be integrated with at least one structure of a reactor pressure vessel of a nuclear reactor. Other embodiments of the present invention may be integrated with other systems that require a dampening of and/or frequency change in the flow-induced vibrations. For example, but not limiting of, the other pressure vessels including: a steam generator, a heat exchanger, a condenser, a boiler, or the like.
Claims18
An apparatus for reducing flow induced vibrations within a system, the apparatus comprising:
- a base adaptable for integrating within a system that allows for flow induced vibrations;
- and
- a vortex restrictor configured for reducing the likelihood of a flow vortex forming;
- wherein the flow vortex leads to the flow induced vibrations;
- and wherein the vortex restrictor is supported by the base;
- wherein the vortex restrictor is positioned adjacent a flow path of a fluid of the system and reduces a level of the flow induced vibrations.
A system for reducing flow induced vibrations experienced within a steam system of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV), the system comprising:
- a nuclear fuel core comprising a plurality of fuel bundle assemblies;
- a feedwater inlet;
- a steam nozzle;
- and
- a flow straightener comprising a base and a vortex restrictor;
- wherein the vortex restrictor is positioned adjacent a steam flow path of steam within the steam system and reduces a level of flow induced vibrations.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.