Pump Intakes
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Alden is known nationally and internationally for pump intake modeling and has conducted generic studies of containment sumps for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. |
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Staff from Alden have played a major role in preparing the revised Hydraulic Institute Standards and continue to serve on the committee. Staff members have authored sections pertaining to modeling in the Pump Handbook and the IAHR Monograph on Swirling flow. |
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A well designed pump intake structure will result in longer pump operating life, reduced maintenance, and a more efficient operation. Physical model studies of pump intakes are conducted at Alden to:
- Improve flow patterns approaching pumps (including the elimination of vortices, pre-rotation or swirl, and non-uniform velocities at the pump bell)
- Develop appropriate remedial changes to assure satisfactory flow conditions at the pump
Alden conducts pump intake studies to analyze approach flow patterns, formation and types of vortices, and swirling flow in the suction pipes of:
- Cooling water intakes
- Reactor containment sumps
- Pump storage intake structures
Studies have also been conducted for cooling tower intakes, flood control pumping stations, sewerage pumping plants, fresh water intakes, and other facilities. Considerable research has been conducted in the area of vortex formation and suppressors and scale effects on vortices in Froude models, both as part of contract research and graduate theses. Papers on scale effects on vortex flows and other topics related to intakes are regularly presented at various national and international meetings. Generic testing to determine flow characteristics in BWR containment pump sumps was conducted at Alden, and these test results led to revised NRC regulatory guidelines.
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