Waveguide ultrasonic liquid level transducer for nuclear power plant steam generator

This paper deals with the development and utilization of a new acoustic method to control the level of the coolant in industrial power-generating equipment. The development research was carried out on the basis of the method of acoustic impedance, based on measuring attenuation of a longitudinal ultrasonic wave in a waveguide sensing element. Ultrasonic attenuation is determined by the degree of submergence of the sensing element in liquid. For this purpose waveguide ultrasonic transducers are used, made with specially designed technology (waveguide acoustic transducers - WAT-technology). The transducers are adapted for operation under extreme conditions in the water coolant with temperatures up to 350 C and pressure up to 20 MPa. The paper tackles: principle of operation of transducers, methods of testing under laboratory conditions, design and results of calibration in a thermophysical test facility, results of the operational trial of the level transducer at the nuclear power plant in Zaporozhye. (orig.)