Feedwater flow measurement in US nuclear power generation stations

The study was divided into two parts. In Part I of the study, a review on flow measuring methods was performed. Methods were screened and identified for potential applications to feedwater flow measurement. Important and relevant information on methods identified were tabulated for easy reference and comparison. It was found that ultrasonic techniques are most promising in our search for alternate methods to replace the widely used venturis in nuclear plant feedwater flow measurement. A utility survey was conducted in Part II of the study to solicit information from US utilities on plant experience in feedwater flow measurement. Surveys from a total of thirty-three reactor units were returned. This represents slightly less than 30% of the operable reactors in the United States. Results from the survey were summarized and discussed.