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An axial-flow centrifugal type bubble separator was developed for application in the xenon removal system proposed for a moltensalt breeder reactor. The gas bubbles in this type separator would be driven toward the centerline by the radial pressure gradient developed in the liquid vortex. The gas would be collected in a void along the centerline and would be removed along wtth some entrained liquid through takeoff ports on both the upstream and downstream ends of the separator. The theory of operation as well as the design and development testing of a 500 gpm separator having a gas capacity of about 1.3 scfm at 1300 deg F, is described. The separation efficiency at design flow rates varied between 80% and 95% depending on the bubble diameter and test fluid. (auth)

A venturi type bubble generator was developed for application in the xenon removal system proposed for a molten-salt breeder reactor. Gas injected into the high velocity liquid at the venturi throat is fromed into bubbles by the fluid turbulence in the diffuser cone. Tests were conducted using aqueous solutions to determine the various pressure drops of the bubble generator as a function of liquid and gas flow rates and to determine the bubble diameter produced. Empirical relationships were developed which could be used in combination with the more conventional fluid flow equations to predict the overall head loss and the gas injection pressure of the bubble generator. A dimensionless correlation for predicting the bubble diameter was developed for bubble generators of similar geometry.