An automated radiation system for measuring the parameters of a VVÉR-1000 reactor

This article describes a radiation-based monitoring system for the WWER-1000 reactor which consists of three functionally independent automated subsystems: a power meter, installed under the reactor vessel, based on recording neutrons arriving from the side wall of the vessel and proceeding through the annular gap between the vessel and the concrete shield; loop sensors which measure the thermal output by recording the N 16 gamma radiation from the coolant of the primary circuit; and a flow meter which monitors primary circuit coolant flow rate by recording the N 16 disintegration as the coolant passes into the main circulation loop. The architecture of the computerized system is diagramed and performance characteristics are given.