Development of a thermal mass flow meter for heavy liquid metal applications

In the framework of heavy liquid metal applications, experimental campaigns play an essential role in the development and licensing of new technologies. Reliable experimental results can be achieved with proven methodologies and accurate measuring instruments. ENEA has developed and tested a thermal mass flow meter design for heavy liquid metal applications that proved to be reliable within its range of operation. An experi- mental campaign has been conducted on the IELLLO facility to test the high range (1–10 kg/s) thermal mass flow meter, already adopted on other facilities, and the new low range (0.1–2 kg/s) prototype, designed for fusion application on the WCLL Test Blanket Module. The results of the two instruments have been reported, with a detailed discussion on error estimation, for which analytical and Monte Carlo calculation have been performed. CFD modelling of the phenomena on both the TFMs have been presented to support the comprehension of the experimental results. The activities demonstrate the capability of the instruments to provide accurate and reli- able results while supplying a better understanding of the physics involved.