Shape modification of the optical probe for wetness measurement using CFD calculations

Abstract

An optical extinction probe is usually used for measurements of liquid phase parameters of wet steam in steam turbines. Since the probe is relatively large, its interaction with the flow field negatively affects the accuracy of the measurements. A shape modification of the optical probe has been proposed to reduce this negative impact of the probe-flow field interaction. The benefit of the proposed shape modification of the probe has been verified using numerical (CFD) calculations. In these CFD calculations, a non-equilibrium steam condensation which enables to simulate a formation and development (growth) of fine droplets has been considered.