Pressure noise in pressurized water reactors

A general study of pressure fluctuations (noise) in the primary coolant loop of pressurized water reactors (PWRs) was performed. The study included noise sources, PWR pressure dynamics, and pressure-noise measurements. A detailed model of noise in the Loss-of-Fluid Test (LOFT) Facility was developed and compared against measurements. The potential of pressure-noise measurements for reactor monitoring and diagnosis of problems was assessed, particularly collapse of the pressurizer steam bubble, loss of subcooling, and sensing-line defects. 26 refs., 30 figs., 12 tabs.