Abstract: A nuclear power plant includes at least two reactor vessels enclosed within a single containment building. In a first embodiment, the reactor vessels and steam generators operate separately from one another. In a second embodiment the reactor vessels jointly provide heat to a common header having a plurality of steam generators associated therewith. In a third embodiment, the reactor vessels are completely integrated with one another by means of a single control and coolant system.

Abstract: The position of a valve member is sensed by a transducer mounted on the exterior of the valve housing. The transducer is connected to a passive circuit located within an enclosure mounted on or adjacent to the valve housing. The passive circuit, when connected to a source of electrical power, provides a signal commensurate with the output of the transducer and an encoded signal which identifies the valve. The information contained in these signals is transmitted to a remote location, decoded and employed to determine the existance of a valve member position error.