In the framework of a large scale project a noise diagnostics system has been developed for the Kalinin 1000 MW VVER NPP (Russia). The system consists of three main parts: the KARD neutron noise system (developed by the Applied Reactor Physics Department), the ARGUS vibration diagnostics system (Electric Power Research Institute, Budapest) and the ALMOS acoustic emission leakage monitoring system (AEKI High Reliability Devices Laboratory). The project was lead and co-ordinated by the Applied Reactor Physics Department.
The
KARD system obtains measured data from 30 in-core self-powered neutron detectors, 6 ex-core ionisation chambers, 6 pressure transducers and 6 accelerometers.
The software components of the KARD core diagnostics system
The system is meant for the detection of core barrel motion, monitoring of control rod vibrations, estimation of various parameters such as coolant velocity, reactivity coefficients, or thermocouple temperature response time.
The KARD system runs on an IBM compatible personal computer, its functioning is menu-driven and the
results are displayed via colour monitor screens.
Spectral amplitudes and phases of signals measured by self powered neutron detectors
Graphical and numerical representations of the reactor core barrel motion as estimated by the program
The KARD system is also operational at the Paks NPP units. An advanced version of the system, supplemented with signal validation capabilities resulted the
JEDI system.
