Power fluidics for nuclear and process plant safety and control

There are many situations in both nuclear and process plant where the inherent reliability and lack of maintenance requirement of non moving part devices makes them very attractive. These advantages have already led to the incorporation of power fluidic elements in the control and safety systems of nuclear plant. Vortex diodes are in use in nuclear plant, both as safety devices to control depressurisation of A.G.R. reactor vessels in the event of pipeline fracture and as elements in non moving part pumps for pumping highly active liquors in nuclear fuel reprocessing plant. Vortex amplifiers are used for ventilation control of glove boxes, cells and caves. These examples are typical of the potential for application of power fluidic elements to a range of situations which vary from pipeline protection, through flow and pressure regulation in high pressure, high temperature or corrosive fluids, to biotechnology plants where the lack of moving parts and the absence of glands and seals makes power fluidics attractive in sterile or mono-culture systems. This paper outlines some current fields of application of power fluidics and points to a range of future applications. (author)