Application of steam injector to improved safety of light water reactors

• Extensive review of the steam injector research was done.
• Applicability of the steam injector to the nuclear system was considered.
• Future direction of the steam injector research is suggested.

Steam injector (SI) is a simply designed passive jet pump which does not require external power source or internal mechanical parts. The SI utilizes direct contact condensation between steam and water as an operational mechanism and is capable of producing higher pressure water than the inlet fluid pressures. The accident in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant caused setback to the credibility and reliability of nuclear power. One way to regain its trust from the global community, it is suggested to develop and install passive coolant injection systems that are operable even during the station black out. In this review paper, thorough and complete review of the SI system was completed and applicability of the SI system as the passive core cooling system is discussed in details. Due to its high heat removal capability, the system can possibly be applied as a high efficiency heat exchanger as well. Its design and operational mechanisms, and fundamental thermal-hydraulic theory utilized in the analysis and experimental work are reviewed. In addition, its possible application towards existing nuclear power plant systems is reviewed.