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Title: Method of automatically monitoring the power distribution of a nuclear reactor employing movable incore detectors

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7362770

Described is a method of automatically monitoring the power distribution of a nuclear reactor during normal power operation employing in-core detectors maintained within the thermal environment of the reactor at a prearranged storage location, normally outside the core reactivity region. The detectors are intermittently inserted into the core region according to a periodic predetermined time program. Upon insertion, the detectors are moved along corresponding preselected linear paths which terminate at the detector storage locations. Detector output vs. position is continuously recorded during travel to provide a partial core flux map. Four detectors, arranged in two electronically redundant groups, are alternately inserted into the core at staggered intervals dictated by the time program to obtain the desired flux information. Reinitiation of the program is effected upon a given movement of the reactor control rods to remap the corresponding reactivity changes and provide a complete and updated readout of the reactor core power distribution.

Assignee:
Westinghouse Electric Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 3932211
Application Number:
TRN: 76-016124
OSTI ID:
7362770
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: Filed date 13 Jul 1973
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English