ON LINE REACTOR SAFETY MONITOR FOR RAPID DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS OF REACTOR SYSTEM INSTABILITIES

Technical Report · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1963

OSTI ID:4655926

Randall, R L

The Multichannel Noise Analyzer System (MNA) is a device which simultaneously measures the spectral density of noise at 40 frequencies in 1/3 octave steps with 1/3 octave bandpass filters from 0.005 to 50 cps. The instrument can be used as an on-the-line reactor transfer function monitor or a safety monitor which continuously displays and records the frequency dependence of the fluctuations or noise in any reactor core variable. MNA is described and test results of its use are presented. MNA can determine the cause and extent of any mechanical, thermal, or coolant instability by comparing the spectral density of neutron level with other core variables such as fuel temperature, coolant temperatures, primary flow rate, power line modulation, pressure, vibration, and tape recorded signals. The device can supply a signal for a warning device, a reactor shutdown mechanism, or an adaptive control system where it is necessary to drive a reactor to maximum power levels consistent with safety. (N.W.R.)

• Research Organization: Atomics International. Div. of North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, Calif.
• DOE Contract Number: AT(11-1)-GEN-8
• NSA Number: NSA-17-034222
• OSTI ID: 4655926
• Report Number(s): CONF-39-39
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CONFERENCE
CONTROL SYSTEMS
COOLANTS
DETECTION
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
FLUID FLOW
FREQUENCY
FUEL ELEMENTS
INSTRUMENTS AND INSTRUMENTATION
MEASURED VALUES
MONITORING
NEUTRON FLUX
NOISE
POWER
PRESSURE
REACTOR CORE
REACTOR SAFETY
RECORDING SYSTEMS
SHUTDOWN
SIGNALS
SPECTRA
SPECTROMETERS
TEMPERATURE
TRANSIENTS
VELOCITY
VIBRATIONS