MAN-MACHINE FACTORS IN THE NRL NUCLEAR REACTOR CONTROL SYSTEM

Technical Report · Wed Dec 24 04:00:00 EST 1958

OSTI ID:4242787

Berliner, H J; Young, M P; Wall, G F

One important problem in the design of a research reactor is the allocation of control responsibility among men and automatic equipment so as to achieve the maximum in safety, flexibility, and continuous operation. To meet these objectives, the design planning for the NRL Researeh Reactor control system included careful consideration of the relative advantages and limitations of men and machines for each of the required control fanctions. For example, the operator has been assigned the primary controlling task, but he is given the option of turning over to the automatic equipment the routine task of maintaining reactor power level at a constant value. In addition, the operator's controlling behavior is restricted by the system of automatic alarms which warns him to take corrective action whenever reactor operation will lead to unsafe conditions. Thus, man's ability as a general-purpose computer capable of dealing with lowprobability alternatives is utilized to institute appropriate corrective action before automatic shutdown is enforced. To facilitate the operator's task, he has displays which provide him with continuous, concise information, and controls which allow prompt action on the basis of this information. Indicators which display equipment conditions on the outside of cabinets make diagnosis easier in case of equipment trouble. Replacement and maintenance are lightened by having plug-in type replacement chassis, nearby repair shops, and ample servicing access space. (auta)

• Research Organization: Naval Research Lab., Washington, D.C.
• NSA Number: NSA-13-012273
• OSTI ID: 4242787
• Report Number(s): NRL-5270
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ACCIDENTS
AEROSOLS
AUTOCLAVES
CONTAMINATION
CONTROL
CONTROL SYSTEMS
FAILURES
LEVELS
MAINTENANCE
MAN
NRR
OPERATION
PERSONNEL
PLANNING
PRESSURE VESSELS
REACTOR SAFETY
REACTORS
REMOTE CONTROL
RESEARCH REACTORS
SERVOMECHANISMS
SHUTDOWN