METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REVERSE CIRCULATING NUCLEAR STEAM GENERATOR SECONDARY FLUID

摘要

A method and apparatus is disclosed for inducing reverse circulation of the fluid on the secondary side of a steam generator of the type including an outer vessel and a vapor generation chamber having an annular baffle means dividing the chamber into an outer annular downcomer passage and an inner riser section. A quantity of gas is introduced into the lower end of the annular downcomer passage and allowed to bubble up the downcomer passage, thus creating a region of fluid density in the downcomer less than the fluid density in the inner riser section. The density differential therebetween induces a natural circulation of the fluid down the riser section and up through the downcomer passage.