Abstract: A real-time parameter margin monitoring system, for a pressurized vessel of an operating nuclear power plant, includes a data acquisition subsystem for acquiring a plurality of real-time parameters associated with the pressurized vessel; a first subsystem for determining a plurality of characteristic parameters from the real-time parameters; a second subsystem for determining a normal operating envelope associated with the pressurized vessel, with the normal operating envelope having a plurality of dimensions each of which corresponds to one of the characteristic parameters, and with each of the dimensions having at least one limit associated with the corresponding one of the characteristic parameters; and a display subsystem for displaying at least one representation of at least some of the characteristic parameters and displaying representations of at least some of the limits of the normal operating envelope, with the representation of some of the characteristic parameters being associated with some of the

Abstract: An automated method for maintaining pressure within a nuclear power plant primary loop during either startup or shutdown, the method comprises the steps of partially filling a portion of a pressurizer vessel, in fluid communication with the primary loop, with a liquid for maintaining pressure in the primary loop; circulating a primary coolant through the primary loop; automatically injecting an inert gas by a first automated device, operatively connected to the pressurizer, into the pressurizer vessel when the pressure in the pressurizer vessel is less than a first predetermined pressure; and automatically venting the gas by a second automated device, operatively connected to the pressurizer, from the pressurizer vessel when the pressure in the pressurizer vessel is greater than a second predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A pressurizer vessel of a nuclear power plant contains a liquid and steam both of which function to maintain pressure in a reactor coolant system. A heater support assembly is disposed in an interior portion of the pressurizer vessel and receive a plurality of heaters which are matingly fitted with the heater support assembly for heating the liquid. A temperature detector is operatively connected to the heater support assembly in a structural arrangement which allows for measuring the temperature of the liquid at a plurality of preselected elevations. The temperature detector further includes temperature measuring means for measuring a plurality of temperature readings of the liquid at preselected elevations of the liquid.

Abstract: An integrated information system is provided for a plant with interactive processes running in functional equipment subsets, such as a nuclear power generation plant. Sensors are operatively coupled to monitor processes and equipment in the plant, collecting sample data for assessing operational conditions and for predicting maintenance requirements based on loading of the equipment. One or more processors access the sample data and compares present conditions to diagnostic specifications, technical specifications and historical data stored in memory and indexed to equipment subsets and functional operating groups. The processor(s) generate prioritized reports to alert users to potential operational and/or maintenance problems. In addition to the prioritized reports, the processor accesses and outputs to the users reports of the diagnostic and technical specifications applicable to the process parameters exhibiting the potential problems.