Centrifugal Pumps for Sodium Cooled Reactors

This comprehensive introduction to centrifugal pumps used in sodiumcooled fast reactors discusses the special attributes of centrifugal pumps, design features, manufacturing requirements, instrumentation, and operating experience. It covers the characteristics of mechanical pumps, used as the main coolant pumps in fast reactors. Key Features: Covers description of pumps in various reactors highlighting the special features of the pumps and providing an overview of futuristic design concepts Discusses the aspects related to the design, manufacture, testing, instrumentation, and operating experience of centrifugal sodium pumps Highlights the challenges in centrifugal sodium pump testing Presents topics such as cavitation testing for critical applications and thermodynamic effect on pump cavitation Real-life case studies are included for better understanding This book gives a detailed overview of the design, manufacture, testing, and operating experience of the main coolant pumps used in sodium-cooled nuclear reactors. It further discusses the special type of pumps used in fast reactor power plants to circulate liquid sodium through the core. The text examines the challenges in centrifugal sodium pump testing and types of test facilities around the world. Real-life examples are used to highlight important aspects. It is primarily written for senior undergraduate, graduate students, and academic researchers in the fields such as mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, and chemical engineering.