Installation of and Experience with a New Standard Criticality Alarm System

Conference · Mon Oct 19 04:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:6197306

Kolar, O. C. ^[1]; O'Dell, A. A. ^[1]; Hill, E. E. ^[1]; Jackson, V. L. ^[1]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

At the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, we have specified a standard criticality alarm system (CAS) for use in all of the Laboratory's nuclear facilities. This paper describes the initial CAS as supplied from the vendor, as well as the modifications we have made to develop a generic system that better suits our needs. Each such system contains gamma detectors, data-acquisition modules (serviced by uninterruptible power supplies), one or more control terminals, and an emergency evacuation alarm module (also with an uninterruptible power supply). The primary function of the CAS is to sound an alarm in the event of a criticality accident, but our standard system can also be used to collect dosimetry data for assessing background radiation levels, to monitor possible background radiation levels in the event of an accident, and to monitor post-accident conditions remotely. Steps have been taken to assure that these additional functions do not compromise the primary function. We also describe the present status of the new standard system, the experience we have had with it, and future plans for other component CASs.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6197306
• Report Number(s): UCRL-96681; CONF-871045-1; ON: DE87010341
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220900* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
440100 -- Radiation Instrumentation
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ALARM SYSTEMS
Background Radiation Levels
CRITICALITY
Criticality Alarm System (CAS)
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
Dosimetry Data
ENGINEERED SAFETY SYSTEMS
MONITORING
Monitoring
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
Status Update