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Radiation induced E.M.F. developing in the insulation of metal sheathed mineral insulated high temperature thermocouples and its effects of the thermocouple signal

Conference ·
OSTI ID:4077248

The behaviour and performance of tungsten-rhenium thermocouple instrumentation in DRAGON reactor irradiation experiments is briefly reviewed. A particular emphasis is put on the existence and origin of EMF signals induced within the insulant of such thermocouples and distributed along the ''hot zone'' part of the thermoelectric circuit. It is shown how a thermocouple failure caused by a hardly detectable open circuit can result in a misleading interpretation of the temperature reading, with the inherent consequences regarding the reactor operation. (auth)

Research Organization:
AEE, Winfrith, Eng.; Commission of the European Communities, Petten (Netherlands). Joint Nuclear Research Center; UKAEA Research Group, Harwell. Atomic Energy Research Establishment
NSA Number:
NSA-33-022538
OSTI ID:
4077248
Report Number(s):
EUR--5395(Vol.2); CONF-741226--P2
Country of Publication:
CEC
Language:
English