Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Robert F Barry

Harry N Andrews

Apparatus for monitoring the processes of a nuclear reactor to detect off-normal operation of any process and for testing the monitoring apparatus. The processes are evaluated by response to their paramters, such as temperature, pressure, etc. The apparatus includes a pair of monitoring paths or signal-processing units. Each unit includes facilities for receiving on a time-sharing basis, a status binary word made up of digits each indicating the status of a process, whether normal or off-normal, and test-signal binary words simulating the status binary words. The status words and test words are processed in succession during successive cycles. During each cycle, the two units receive the same status word and the same test word. The test words simulate the status words both when they indicate normal operation and when they indicate off-normal operation. Each signal-processing unit includes a pair of memories. Each memory receives a status word or a test word, as the case may be, and converts the received word into a converted status word or a converted test word. The memories of each monitoring unit operate into a non-coincidence which signals non-coincidence of the converted word out of one memory of a signal-processing unit not identical to the converted word of the other memory of the same unit. The converted test words are processed only in the signal-processing units where they originate. Each signal-processing unit also includes elapsed-time signalling facilities which signal if it detects no signal a predetermined time interval after a cycle or processing of status words and test words has been initiated. The converted status words are transmitted to an evaluating unit for determination if off-normal operation exists. This evaluating unit also receives digit indications of faults in the signal-processing units, either by reason of non-coincidence or elapsed-time signalling. The protective apparatus for the reactor is actuated on the evaluation by the evaluating unit of off-normal operation or of faulty operation in both of the signal-processing units.

Monitoring of operating processes

Modular bundles of U-shaped tubes having primary fluid conduits with compression seals which cooperate with a pair of transversely disposed parallel support plates to allow removal and replacement of the modular tube bundles to facilitate maintenance and extend steam generator life in pressurized water reactors.

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St. Genese, Belgium

Robert F Barry