Study on the Distribution Characteristics of Aerosol Particle Released From Solution Leakage: Based on Solution Temperature Variation

ABSTRACT A simulation experimental device was established and utilized to study the phenomenon of solution leakage in nuclear fuel cycle facilities. The particle size and concentration distribution of aerosols released from solution leakage were investigated at different temperatures using ELPI and LPSA. The air release fraction of solution under different conditions can be obtained through analysis of the aerosol characteristic parameters. The experimental results demonstrated that the aerosol concentration distribution exhibited a certain pattern with increasing temperature. The increase in aerosol particle size was due to the aggregation of small particles. The concentration of aerosol particles quickly reached equilibrium, and the equilibrium time at 50°C was 300 s. The volume proportion of aerosols in the particle size range of 10–20 μm at 20°C, 30°C, and 40°C was relatively large. The air release fraction of solution at 20°C, 30°C, and 50°C was approximately 2.5 × 10 −7 , which was 1 order of magnitude smaller than that at 40°C (1.08 × 10 −6 ). The amount of aerosol released at 40°C was greater than that released at the other temperatures. It should be noted that the ARF values obtained from deionized‐water tests described water‐droplet release behavior and cannot be directly extrapolated to radioactive solution leakage scenarios without further conversion related to solute concentration. This study provided theoretical and technical support for the safety analysis of solution leakage accidents in the nuclear industry.