Expanding nuclear engineering education with a PLC-based reactor monitor
The reactor monitoring system of the WPI reactor is discussed. The reactor monitor consists of a Computer Technology Corporation ToolBOX Workstation operator interface terminal (OIT) and the digital Allen-Bradley PLC 5/11. The OIT and PLC provide a useable man-machine interface used primarily for supervising and controlling industrial plant systems. While common in manufacturing industries, digital controllers are being used more frequently in the nuclear industry. Similar to a personal computer with a data acquisition board, the OIT and PLC combination accomplishes a comparable task but is more reliable and insensitive to the severe conditions often found in industrial settings. The WPI reactor does not have such conditions. Nonetheless, the reactor monitoring system allows instructors a device for enhanced demonstration of reactor operation principles while providing students exposure to and an opportunity to work with digital equipment that is becoming more common in the nuclear industry.
- OSTI ID:
- 75935
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-940602--
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Vol. 70; ISSN 0003-018X; ISSN TANSAO
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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