Phase Doppler anemometer: commissioning tests for measurement of water aerosol sizes and velocities in flashing jets

A state-of-the-art phase Doppler Anemometer (PDA) has been commissioned at AECL Research, Whiteshell Laboratories to undertake the measurement of size and velocity of water droplets generated in flashing jets. Experimental data on size and velocity distribution of water aerosols in flashing jets are required to support licensing of current multiple-unit and single-unit Canada deuteruim uranium stations. This paper presents the methodology involved in choosing the magnitudes of the various operating parameters of the PDA such as laser power and sensitivity of photomultiplier tubes in obtaining the experimental data. The various calibration and validation procedures used are also discussed. Size and velocity distributions in a typical flashing jet are presented.