Reactivity anomaly surveillance in the Fast Flux Test Facility through cycle 3

Conference · Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6277810

Knutson, B J; Harris, R A

The technique for monitoring core reactivity during power operation used at the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is described. This technique relies on comparing predicted to measured rod positions to detect any anomalous (or unpredicted) core reactivity changes. It is implemented on the Plant Data System (PDS) computer and thus provides rapid indication of any abnormal core conditions. The prediction algorithms use thermal-hydraulic, control rod position and neutron flux sensor information to predict the core reactivity state. Initial results of using this technique based mainly on theoretical formulations is presented. The results show that the reactivity changes due to increasing reactor power (power defect) and burnup of the fuel were within approx. 16% of predicted values. To increase the sensitivity and accuracy of this technique, the prediction algorithms were calibrated to actual operating data. The work of calibrating this technique and the results of using the calibrated technique up through the third full operating cycle are summarized.

• Research Organization: Hanford Engineering Development Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76FF02170
• OSTI ID: 6277810
• Report Number(s): HEDL-SA-3108-FP; CONF-840901-20; ON: DE85001065
• Resource Type: Conference paper/presentation
• Conference Information: ANS topical meeting on reactor physics and shielding, Chicago, IL, USA, 17 Sep 1984
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
220600* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Research
Test & Experimental Reactors
ALGORITHMS
EPITHERMAL REACTORS
FAST REACTORS
FFTF REACTOR
LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTORS
MATHEMATICAL LOGIC
REACTIVITY
REACTORS
RESEARCH AND TEST REACTORS
RESEARCH REACTORS
SODIUM COOLED REACTORS
SURVEILLANCE
TEST REACTORS