Tests on improved steam separators in the third unit at the Chernobyl nuclear power station

The authors present test results which led to an increase of the nominal mass level in the separator by 100 mm (to the +100 mm mark as indicated by the gauges from -200 to +315 mm), which increased the water stock by 7 m3 while keeping the steam wetness below 0.1%. Therefore, the separators of diameter 2600 mm have a working margin as regards limiting permissible wetness. By maintaining the level over the immersed perforated sheet 100 mm higher than the design value, the authors conclude that the water stock in the forced circulation loop can be increased by 28 m3 without interfering with increasing the steam output