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BWR stability monitoring using neutron noise

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6221235
Three aspects of BWR stability have been studied in this analysis: overall core stability monitoring using neutron noise; the temporal behavior of the neutron noise signal; and relationship between stability and two-phase flow velocity. The following are the results of our analysis of BWR stability and neutron noise behavior using data from an operating reactor: the APRM noise signal can be used to monitor changes in the closed-loop stability of BWRs. Studies are currently underway to improve the estimate of stability margin by identifying the primary perturbation source. Comparison of the temporal behavior of the neutron signal for short and long data records indicates that there is no smoothing of the spectral resonance frequency nor subsequent distortion of the decay ratio when long data records were used. A positive correlation coefficient of 0.77 exists between stability index and two-phase velocity in a fuel channel. The methods developed provide an efficient procedure for on-line monitoring of stability trends in BWRs and for assessing the effects of various operating conditions during power generation and reactor maneuvering.
Research Organization:
Tennessee Univ., Knoxville (USA). Dept. of Nuclear Engineering
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6221235
Report Number(s):
CONF-811042-7; ON: TI85004510
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English