Thermal-Hydraulic Test Facilities

Overview

The TFS group operates the following experimental research facilities at INR with the focus on the thermo-hydraulic design of complex thermal components and system dynamic behavior in the framework of balance-of-plant concepts:

KASOLA: Large liquid-sodium loop for the investigation of sodium thermal-hydraulic flow phenomena in components of prototypical size for nuclear and non-nuclear applications.

HELOKA-US (in cooperation with KEK/INR and ITES): Experimental research platform for investigating thermal-hydraulic phenomena in molten-salt-loop under steady-state, transient and non-nominal operating conditions.

RIMA: Closed water-loop for measuring turbulent flow fields inside ducts with different cross sections and wall properties.

SOLTEC: Small sodium loop for materials and corrosion testing as well as small component test with a maximum operating temperature of 720°C.

AEROLAS (in cooperation with MET/INR): Closed gas-loop for flow measurements in in rectangular ducts by means of laser-based, such as - laser-Doppler-anemometry, particle-image-velocimetry, and hot-wire-anemometry, as well as invasive flow measurement techniques.

Available thermal-flow measurement systems:

• Time-resolved Stereo-Particle-Image-Velocimetry-System,
• 2 x 2C-Laser-Doppler-Anemometer,
• Hot wire anemometer 3x velocity (CTA), 1x temperature (CCA),
• High speed cameras,
• Thermal IR cameras & Thermocouples,
• Different types pf pressure and level sensors.

Contact:

If you are interested in collaboration research projects, please contact us.

sebastian.ruck∂kit.edu - Dr. S. Ruck

evaldas.bubelis∂kit.edu - Dr. E. Bubelis