This project involves a new approach for a low power fourier transform processor. an algorithm which requires no multiplications in the fourier transformation has been developed. it is to be implemented and tested in this program. the algorithm is well suited for real-time spectral analysis at… More

The project will involve adptation of the loop current step response method invented and developed by the project participants for determining installed thermocouple response for type j, k and e thermocouples used in turbine engine test facilities. the method involves processing data from a cooling… More

The project will involve adaptation and validation of noise signal analysis for monitoring of operability of the processsensors in nuclear power plants. the project will focus on developing microcomputer-based algorithms and procedures forcontinuous, unattended monitoring of sensors as the process… More

Safety system temperature sensors in nuclear power plants are subject to performance degration becaise pf aging effects. a program of laboratory testing and in-situ testingis needed to ensure that aging does not lead to reduced safety and availability. much of the technology needed for this program… More

The development of noise analysis for in-situ response time testing of safety system pressure sensors in nuclear powerplants is under way. the technique is based on recording the naturally occurring fluctuations that exist at the output of pressure sensors as the plant is operating. these… More

Periodic response time testing has been performed for the past twelve years on the safety system pressure sensors in many nuclear power plants. however, the results of these tests are not reliable for assessment of aging effects. theis because inadequate methods and procedures have been used in… More

A research project is proposed to evaluate the suitability of newly developed smart sensor technologies for both of thefollowing nuclear power plant applications: management of aging degradation of safety system temperatureand pressure sensors in conventional lwrs smart temperature and pressure… More

This proposal is prepared in direct response to the nrc's solicitation for an improved device to measure air movement for personnel radiation protection and health physics applications in nuclear facilities. the purpose of the new device is to properly locate air samplers so that the air sampled is… More

As a result of recent problems such as the oil loss phenomenon in some models of rosemount pressure transmitters, the nuclear industry has become interested in fiber optic pressure transmitters. these transmitters are potential candidates to replace the existing pressure transmitters in the safety… More

The nuclear power industry continues to depend largely on antiquated methods and hands-on maintenance for its instrumentation, for plant-aging management, and health monitoring. This project will develop on-line monitoring technology that will help establish the accuracy and reliability of nuclear… More

Wireless sensors are becoming very popular in industrial processes for process measurement and control, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and management of accidents and mishaps. Over the next few years, these wireless sensors are targeted for full implementation in nuclear power… More

The nuclear power industry continues to depend largely on hands-on antiquated methods for maintenance of its equipment, for plant-aging management, and for health monitoring. As such, advanced maintenance technologies are needed for current and next generation nuclear power plants. This project… More

Research reactors such as the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have a long history of service to the nation and are expected to continue to operate successfully for many more years.… More

Power generation utilities are striving to use wireless technologies in nuclear power plants, but a number of important challenges must be overcome. These challenges include infrastructure issues, security risks, reliability questions, and interference problems. This project will develop a… More

The designs of many existing Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) incorporate a Digital Rod Position Indication (DRPI) system to monitor the positions of the control and shutdown rods within the reactor. These DRPI systems have been in service for over 30 years in nuclear power stations worldwide, and… More

Research reactors in the United States use numerous motors, compressors, fans, turbines, and other rotating equipment that need systematic maintenance. These devices could benefit from advanced predictive maintenance techniques that have become available in recent years. Although some reactor… More

The Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has a long history of service to the nation and is expected to continue to operate for many more years. Recently, ATR was designated as a user facility, making it accessible to a wider spectrum of researchers, engineers, and… More

There currently exists no end-to-end reactor/power conversion monitoring system that can provide both autonomous health monitoring, but also in-situ sensor calibration and response time testing without human interface. One of the key challenges facing space nuclear power systems is their extremely… More

The health and integrity of aircraft sensors and instruments play a critical role in aviation safety. However, inaccurate or false readings from these same sensors/instruments can lead to improper decision-making resulting in serious if not fatal consequences. This proposal offers a research and… More

A hands-on research and development effort is proposed for an advanced portable cable testing system with specific monitoring and diagnostic capabilities for submerged outboard electrical cables installed in U.S. Navy surface craft and submarines. The focus in Phase I will be on design of equipment… More

In the U.S., almost all 104 operating commercial nuclear power plants have applied or plan to apply for license renewal, and over 50 percent have already received approval. This allows the utilities who own these plants to operate them for up to 60 years, and discussions have already begun for a… More

The designs of many existing nuclear power reactors incorporate a digital rod position indication system to monitor the positions of the control and shutdown rods within the reactor. These digital rod position indication systems have been in service for over 30 years in nuclear power stations… More

In this period of the nuclear energy renaissance and recognition of the role that nuclear energy can play in carbon free power production and energy security, the value of the existing fleet of nuclear power plants and the need for construction of additional units have become obvious in recent… More

Like any large-scale industrial environment, the safe and efficient operation of a nuclear reactor is a function of the health of the equipment and components that make up the plant. Although nuclear power plants have provided a reliable source of power for the U.S. over the last four decades,… More

Over the last decade, on-line monitoring (OLM) technologies have become prevalent in most industrial processes including nuclear power plants for equipment and process condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, aging management, and life extension. However, research reactors have not benefited… More

In the U.S., almost all 104 operating commercial nuclear power plants have applied for or plan to apply for, or have already received license renewal to allow operation for up to 60 years. As the plants age, safe operation becomes increasingly important and more frequent monitoring of the health of… More

The health and integrity of aircraft sensors play a critical role in aviation safety. Unfortunately, inaccurate or false readings from these sensors can lead to improper decision-making resulting in serious and sometimes fatal consequences. The research performed in Phase I demonstrated the… More

The primary goal of this project is to design and develop an autonomous instrumentation and control (I & C) health monitoring system for space nuclear power applications. The system, once fully developed, will be able to detect system anomalies based on analytical modeling technique using data… More

A Light Water Reactor (LWR) is equipped with control and shutdown rods that are inserted into and withdrawn from the core to control the power level in the reactor. The positioning of the control and shutdown rods is performed via the plants rod control system, which in a typical Pressurized Water… More

As the existing fleet of US nuclear power plants pass midlife, the aging condition of safety related systems, structures, and components (SSCs) becomes increasingly important. Electrical cables, including those used for instrumentation and control, are vital for safety related systems and problems… More

Although nuclear power plants have provided a reliable source of power for the U.S. over the last four decades, unexpected equipment failures have resulted in losses of power production and millions of dollars of revenue, which may have been avoided if the warning signs of impending failures had… More

Aging and obsolescence issues have recently led to problems with the rod control systems of existing pressurized water reactors. These issues, along with plans for plant life extension, have prompted the industry to actively seek viable options to monitor the health of these systems in order to… More

Current designs of Light Water Reactors (LWR) are equipped with control and shutdown rods that are inserted and withdrawn from the reactor core for reactivity control. In particular, the Control Element Drive Mechanism (CEDM) system is widely used for regulating plant power levels and core power… More

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are at the forefront of the nuclear industrys options for deployment of new reactors to meet the growing electricity needs of the world. However, the designs of SMR plants are not yet far along enough to know the type and number of instruments that will be included in… More