Smart sensor application to nuclear plant thermocouple channels

The application of smart sensor technology to thermocouple (TC) channels at the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) has been accomplished. The objective of this work was to provide a first step toward the development of nuclear plant sensor systems that not only produce a transducer output signal, but also perform diagnostics on the sensor channel to provide signal validation. When TC impairment was detected, the system provided an analysis of the severity of the damage, its location, and probable cause.