Current Test System Design Based on LabVIEW

As one of important reactor control systems, Rod Control Rod Position System (RGL) is used for driving the rod, lifting or inserting in order to achieve reactor neutron balance. It plays an important role on ensuring safety operation and improving load factor of nuclear station. This paper introduces a current test system for driving the rod based on LabVIEW, which including test principle, software and hardware design and conclusion. The result indicates this systemic function is correct and meets the requirements. It can be used for current test of RGL system.

Application of Phased Array Sectorial Scanning (PASS) to Determine Check-Valve Operational Readiness at the Palo Verde Nuclear Station

The reliability of check valves is paramount to the safe operation of plant systems. This paper provides a description of the benefits of applying advanced phased array techniques to establish the operational readiness of swing-check valves in the static or dynamic operational modes. In addition, a utility model perspective is described explaining how the Phased Array Sectorial Scanning (PASS) data assessments can be used to support operational predictive maintenance decisions. A collaborative effort between Arizona Public Service Co., the Palo Verde plants, and IHI Southwest Technologies, Inc. (IHI), was realized when IHI personnel applied Phased Array Sequence Scanning techniques to swing-check valves operating in the closed static position, as well as to three identical valves operating in the dynamic open positions in Palo Verde Units 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Paper published with permission.