Gas phase dispersion processes and devices

Full text of publication follows: One of the basic heavy liquid metal technology (HLMC) processes is the hydrogen regeneration of the coolant. To perform it properly, a two-component HLMC-gas flow with a fine-dispersed gaseous phase should be arranged. In this connection, an analysis and investigation have been conducted of the below-listed methods and devices to disperse the gaseous phase in liquids and arrange a two-component HLMC-gas flow: - introduction into coolant of gas from cylinders or from compressor through different extensions, nozzles and so on; - various ejection and injection devices with gas fed both in the forced mode from outside cylinders or compressors and 'naturally' from the gas space of the reactor due to rarefaction being created in the devices by the coolant flow; - mechanical gas dispersers (disc dispersers, use of axial-flow or centrifugal pump, mechanisms incorporating reciprocating elements and other, with a two-component mixture pumped through the pipeline to different sub-circuits of the loop or a fine-dispersed gaseous phase developed in the vicinity of the coolant surface with the gas phase subsequently carried over by the coolant flow); - gas entrainment by falling coolant jets and drops; - various combinations of the above-listed methods and devices. The main output of the research conducted is the experimental evidence for the principal possibility of building-up a fine-dispersed gaseous phase in HLMC by the above-listed methods and devices, which lends itself to transportation by circulating coolant. Each of the considered methods and devices has its advantages and disadvantages and, in principal, may be used in reactor installation. To-day, the optimal dispersers are the following: - for loop-type design: ejector with 'natural' gas feed from the gas space; and - for integral reactor design: mechanical dispersers providing the development of two-component flow in the vicinity of the coolant surface. (authors)