Radiation DetectorsPOWER RANGE NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTATIONPOWER RANGE NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTATIONThree ranges are used to monitor the power level of a reactor throughout the fullrange of reactor operation. The power range makes use of an uncompensated ionchamber.EO 3.5 STATE the reason gamma compensation is NOTrequired in the power range.EO 3.6 Given a block diagram of a typical power rangeinstrument, STATE the purpose of majorcomponents.a. Linear amplifierb. Reactor protection interfacePower range nuclear instrumentation normally consists of four identical linear power levelchannels which originate in eight uncompensated ion chambers. The output is a steady currentproduced by the neutron flux. Uncompensated ion chambers are utilized in the power rangebecause gamma compensation is unnecessary; the neutron-to-gamma flux ratio is high. Havinga high neutron-to-gamma flux ratio means that the number of gammas is insignificant comparedto the number of neutrons.The output of each power range channel is directly proportional to reactor power and typicallycovers a range from 0% to 125% of full power, but varies with each reactor. The output of eachchannel is displayed on a meter in terms of power level in percent of full rated power. The gainof each instrument is adjustable which provides a means for calibrating the output. Thisadjustment is normally determined by using a plant heat balance. Protective actions may beinitiated by high power level on any two channels; this is termed coincidence operation.Rev. 0 Page 69 IC-06
Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business