Effect of Oxygen Content on Heat Transfer in Steam-Generating Tubes in Transverse Flow of Heavy Liquid-Metal Coolant

A series of works was conducted on determining the coefficient of heat transfer in a bundle of heat-exchange tubes in transverse flow of lead in the base oxygen regime and with oxygen concentration on the saturation line. The object of investigation was an experimental model consisting of a horizontal bundle of six rows of smooth tubes with four tubes per row. The investigation was conducted with sub- and supercritical pressure in the water loop. It was confirmed that the oxygen content in lead significantly affects the coefficient of heat transfer. In the experimental range of velocities up to 0.3 m/sec, the coefficients of heat transfer in the base oxygen regime are two to three times higher than for lead with oxygen concentration on the saturation line. In agreement with other studies, it was found that for lead with oxygen concentration on the saturation line the coefficient of heat transfer is velocity-independent in a narrow section.