Calibration of the SRE Shim Rods by the Oscillation Method

Technical Report · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1960

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4097225· OSTI ID:4097225

Griffin, C. W. ^[1]; Lundholm, Jr., J. G. ^[1]

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1. North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, CA (United States). Atomics International Div.

Calibrations of the SRE shim rods were obtained by oscillation and period methods. The oscillation and period measurements compared within a scatter of 6% of mean differential worth. Three different oscillation techniques were employed: 1) Direct oscillation of a shim rod by means of a Scotch-yoke mechanical drive. 2) Direct oscillation of a shim rod by use of the existing relay servo controller. 3) Inserting a known step change of reactivity by rotating a rotary oscillator and observing the change in shim rod position as commanded by the automatic flux controller. Period measurements were performed following the oscillation measurements of each point. The time required for oscillation measurements was less than one-fifth that required for period measurements. Oscillation measurements were shown to have an accuracy equal to or better than period measurements. Oscillation measurements performed at power proved this technique of shim rod calibration to be applicable from zero to any desired power level. This is because the average power level of the reactor is unaffected by the oscillation method of calibration.

• Research Organization: North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, CA (United States). Atomics International Div.
• Sponsoring Organization: US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
• DOE Contract Number: AT(11-1)-GEN-8
• NSA Number: NSA-15-004757
• OSTI ID: 4097225
• Report Number(s): NAA-SR--3764
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
42 ENGINEERING
CONTROL ELEMENTS
LEVELS
MEASURED VALUES
NEUTRON FLUX
OSCILLATIONS
REACTIVITY
REACTOR OSCILLATORS
REACTORS
RODS
ROTATION
SRE