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VAMCIS, a new measuring channel for continuous monitoring of leak rates inside PWR steam generators

Conference · · Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6948198
In order to assess the primary to secondary leakage, radioactive isotopes, formed in the primary coolant as a result of fission or neutron capture, are usually monitored in the pressurized water reactor (PWR) secondary coolant. Conventional methods mainly based on the detection of /sup 133/Xe, tritium, and /sup 41/Ar are widely used on French Electricite de France (EdF) PWRs. Some years ago, it appeared necessary to improve both leak rate assessments and steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) detection. A volumetric activity measuring channel inside steam (VAMCIS) has been developed for this purpose. The SGTR that occurred at the North Anna PWR has focused the attention of safety authorities on this new measuring channel. It is planned to implement VAMCIS at North Anna in order to check the leak rate variations more accurately.
OSTI ID:
6948198
Report Number(s):
CONF-880422-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 56
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English