Method and installation for monitoring the core of a nuclear reactor

Abstract

Method and device for monitoring the core of a nuclear reactor comprising a movable in-core instrumentation system (4) whose instrumentation conduits (3) enter the nuclear reactor core (1) and the fuel assemblies at the core level In (2'), the purpose is to form a measurement channel. Each movable probe fixed to one end of a displacement cable allows neutron flux measurements along the entire height of the core to be made in each measurement channel. The core is monitored by comparing at least one critical core operating parameter to a predetermined threshold. If a critical parameter is found to reach a threshold value, or a value determined based on a physical quantity measured from the core (1) deviates from a value calculated based on a model, a movable probe is introduced into the core (1) by one less measurement channel ( In 3), the movable probe is moved over the height of the core (1), a set of neutron flux measurements are taken, and critical parameters are calculated using the neutron flux measurements made by the movable probe.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring a nuclear reactor and in particular the core of a pressurized water cooled nuclear reactor. Background technique [0002] Nuclear reactors, for example pressurized water cooled nuclear reactors, comprise a core comprising generally prismatic fuel assemblies juxtaposed with their longitudinal axis in a vertical direction, ie along the height of the core. [0003] During the operation of nuclear reactors, it is always necessary to ensure that the reactor works perfectly and complies with the general safety conditions set by regulations and standards. [0004] In particular, it is necessary to determine whether the generation and volume distribution of the neutron flux, and whether the volume distribution of the released power in the core is satisfactory, ie corresponds to the conditions for normal and good operation of the core. [0005] To do this, the core operating parameters of the nuclea...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In addition, the in-core metering system using the movable probe must be able to be used periodically in any case, which also incurs maintenance costs associated with the movable metering system

[0025] The removable probe in-core instrumentation system allows very accurate neutron flux measurements, can be deployed very quickly and provides great flexibility, as yet there has been no continuous monitoring of the core of a nuclear reactor

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