Automated data qualification in reactor safety (transient) test facilities

This report describes a computer-based technology developed to qualify thermal-hydraulic measurements from loss-of-coolant-accident testing conducted in the Loss of Fluid Test (LOFT) Facility. Qualification is achieved through a point-by-point evaluation of specific time scores attributes against measurement system characteristics as determined from in-situ calibrations, parametric testing and incertainty analyses. Individual evaluation results are then combined to produce an overall estimate of measurement health upon which qualification statements are made. The repeatability and objectivity of a computerized approach to date qualification is accompanied by additional benefits in reduced qualification time and cost savings of >3 compared with the manual systems replaced. The technology is highly advantageous to any transient test facility or real time application in which large numbers of digital measurements are recorded and a processing capability exists.