A least-squares method for residence time distribution analysis

Investigation of flow dynamics of primary coolant in a delay tank of a swimming pool-type nuclear reactor using radiotracer technique

Radiotracer investigations were carried out for tracing primary coolant in a delay tank of a swimming pool type nuclear reactor. The delay tank was designed to provide a certain delay or residence time to the primary coolant so that the short-lived radioisotopes such as (nitrogen-16 and oxygen-19) decay to a safer level before exiting from the delay tank. However, soon after commissioning of the reactor, the radiation levels at the exit of the reactor core and delay tank, in the working area were found to be higher than the permissible levels. Therefore, the main objectives of the investigations were to measure breakthrough and residence times and, to investigate flow dynamics of the coolant within the tank. Residence time distributions (RTDs) of the coolant were measured in the delay tank using technetium-99m as sodium pertechnatate as a radiotracer. The breakthrough time (BTT) and mean residence time (MRT) were determined from the measured RTD and the same were found to be inadequate to allow the decay of short-lived radioisotopes to the permissible levels. Axial dispersion model with two parallel flow streams was used to simulate the measured RTD curves. Results of the model simulation indicated bypassing of the coolant. Based on the results of the radiotracer investigations, necessary modifications were carried out in the design of the tank. After implementing the modifications, the radiotracer experiments were repeated and, the BTT and the MRT were found to increase sufficient enough to allow decay of the produced radioisotopes and thus to reduce the radiation levels at the exit of the delay tank and in the working area to the safer and permissible levels.

Investigation of flow dynamics of porous clinkers in a ball mill using technitium-99m as a radiotracer

A radiotracer investigation was carried out in a ball mill of a cement plant in Kenya. Residence time distribution (RTD) of raw feed to the mill was measured using Technetium-99m adsorbed on the clinkers as a radiotracer. From the measured RTDs, solid holdup and mean residence times (MRTs) in the ball mill and associated separator were determined. The measured RTDs were modelled using axial dispersion model (ADM) and tank-in-series model both connected with a plug flow component in series. The results of the modelling indicated significant degree of backmixing within the ball mill and no axial mixing in the separator.

Radiotracer investigation on the measurement of residence time distribution in an ethyl acetate reactor system with a large recycle ratio

A radiotracer investigation was carried out on the measurement of residence time distribution (RTD) of process fluid in an industrial-scale ethyl acetate reactor system, which consists of two independent reactors with recirculation and connected in series with each other. Bromine-82 as ammonium bromide was used as the radiotracer for the RTD experiments at different operating conditions. The individual reactors and the overall reactor system were modelled using physically representative phenomenological models comprising of continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs). The results showed that the recirculation rate considerably affected the flow mixing behaviour and mean residence time of the process fluid in the reactor system. The results also showed that there was bypassing of the fluid in the first reactor that ranged from 12% to 22% and 40% dead volume at different operating conditions, whereas the second reactor behaved closely as an ideal CSTR. The results of the investigation can be used to optimise the process parameters and design new improved reactor systems for the production of ethyl acetate.

Flow investigation in an industrial-scale soaker using radiotracer technique

Flow dynamics of heavy petroleum residue in an industrial-scale soaker operating in a petroleum refinery was investigated. Residence time distributions (RTDs) of the residue were measured using radiotracer technique. Bromine-82 as dibromobiphenyl was used as radiotracer for tracing the petroleum residue. The measured RTDs were treated and mean residence times (MRTs) were determined. The measured RTD data was simulated using a combined model i.e. axial dispersion model in parallel with tanks-in-series with stagnant volume and exchange. The results of the model simulation fitted very well to the experimentally measured data and identified bypassing or existence two parallel flow paths within the soaker.

Investigation of flow dynamics of liquid phase in a pilot-scale trickle bed reactor using radiotracer technique

A radiotracer investigation was carried out to measure residence time distribution (RTD) of liquid phase in a trickle bed reactor (TBR). The main objectives of the investigation were to investigate radial and axial mixing of the liquid phase, and evaluate performance of the liquid distributor/redistributor at different operating conditions. Mean residence times (MRTs), holdups (H) and fraction of flow flowing along different quadrants were estimated. The analysis of the measured RTD curves indicated radial non-uniform distribution of liquid phase across the beds. The overall RTD of the liquid phase, measured at the exit of the reactor was simulated using a multi-parameter axial dispersion with exchange model (ADEM), and model parameters were obtained. The results of model simulations indicated that the TBR behaved as a plug flow reactor at most of the operating conditions used in the investigation. The results of the investigation helped to improve the existing design as well as to design a full-scale industrial TBR for petroleum refining applications.

Radiotracer investigation in a glass production unit

A radiotracer investigation was carried out in a glass production unit in a glass industry. Lanthanum-140 as lanthanium oxide mixed with silica was used as a radiotracer to trace the molten glass in various sections of the unit. Residence time distributions of molten glass were measured and analyzed to identify the flow abnormities. The flow parameters such as breakthrough time, mean residence time, homogenization time, dead volume and flow patterns in different sections of the unit were obtained from the measured RTD data. The results of the investigation were used to improve and optimize the operation of the glass production unit.

Synthesis, characterization and application of Au-198 nanoparticles as radiotracer for industrial applications

This paper describes synthesis and characterization of radioactive gold nanoparticles ((198)Au-NPs), and explores their utility as a radiotracer for tracing an aqueous phase in a continuous laboratory-scale bubble column at ambient conditions. The performance of the (198)Au-NPs as a radiotracer was compared with the results obtained with a conventional radiotracer i.e. bromine-82 ((82)Br) as ammonium bromide and found to be identical. A tank-in-series with backmixing model (TISBM) was used to simulate the RTDs of the aqueous phase and characterize flow in the bubble column.

Measurement of residence time distribution of liquid phase in an industrial-scale continuous pulp digester using radiotracer technique

A series of radiotracer experiments was carried out to measure residence time distribution (RTD) of liquid phase (alkali) in an industrial-scale continuous pulp digester in a paper industry in India. Bromine-82 as ammonium bromide was used as a radiotracer. Experiments were carried out at different biomass and white liquor flow rates. The measured RTD data were treated and mean residence times in individual digester tubes as well in the whole digester were determined. The RTD was also analyzed to identify flow abnormalities and investigate flow dynamics of the liquid phase in the pulp digester. Flow channeling was observed in the first section (tube 1) of the digester. Both axial dispersion and tanks-in-series with backmixing models preceded with a plug flow component were used to simulate the measured RTD and quantify the degree of axial mixing. Based on the study, optimum conditions for operating the digester were proposed.

Residence time distribution measurements in a pilot-scale poison tank using radiotracer technique

Various types of systems are used to control the reactivity and shutting down of a nuclear reactor during emergency and routine shutdown operations. Injection of boron solution (borated water) into the core of a reactor is one of the commonly used methods during emergency operation. A pilot-scale poison tank was designed and fabricated to simulate injection of boron poison into the core of a reactor along with coolant water. In order to design a full-scale poison tank, it was desired to characterize flow of liquid from the tank. Residence time distribution (RTD) measurement and analysis was adopted to characterize the flow dynamics. Radiotracer technique was applied to measure RTD of aqueous phase in the tank using Bromine-82 as a radiotracer. RTD measurements were carried out with two different modes of operation of the tank and at different flow rates. In Mode-1, the radiotracer was instantaneously injected at the inlet and monitored at the outlet, whereas in Mode-2, the tank was filled with radiotracer and its concentration was measured at the outlet. From the measured RTD curves, mean residence times (MRTs), dead volume and fraction of liquid pumped in with time were determined. The treated RTD curves were modeled using suitable mathematical models. An axial dispersion model with high degree of backmixing was found suitable to describe flow when operated in Mode-1, whereas a tanks-in-series model with backmixing was found suitable to describe flow of the poison in the tank when operated in Mode-2. The results were utilized to scale-up and design a full-scale poison tank for a nuclear reactor.

Radiotracer investigation in an industrial-scale oxidizer

A radiotracer investigation was carried out in an industrial-scale oxidizer. The main objectives of the investigation were to measure residence time distribution (RTD) of organic process fluid, determine the mean residence time (MRT) and investigate the degree of axial mixing. Bromine-82 as p-dibromo biphenyl was used as a radiotracer for measuring RTD of the organic process fluid. The MRT of the fluid in the oxidizer was determined to be 390min. An ideal stirred tank model with a plug flow reactor in recirculation stream was used to simulate the measured RTD data and was found suitable for describing flow in the system. Based on the model simulation the mean residence times in oxidizer and recycle stream were estimated. The results of the investigation showed that the oxidizer behaved as a well-mixed reactor whereas the recycle stream behaved as a plug flow reactor.

Measurements of liquid phase residence time distributions in a pilot-scale continuous leaching reactor using radiotracer technique

An alkaline based continuous leaching process is commonly used for extraction of uranium from uranium ore. The reactor in which the leaching process is carried out is called a continuous leaching reactor (CLR) and is expected to behave as a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) for the liquid phase. A pilot-scale CLR used in a Technology Demonstration Pilot Plant (TDPP) was designed, installed and operated; and thus needed to be tested for its hydrodynamic behavior. A radiotracer investigation was carried out in the CLR for measurement of residence time distribution (RTD) of liquid phase with specific objectives to characterize the flow behavior of the reactor and validate its design. Bromine-82 as ammonium bromide was used as a radiotracer and about 40-60MBq activity was used in each run. The measured RTD curves were treated and mean residence times were determined and simulated using a tanks-in-series model. The result of simulation indicated no flow abnormality and the reactor behaved as an ideal CSTR for the range of the operating conditions used in the investigation.