Abstract: A component interface module (CIM) arbitrates through priority logic component command signals from redundant systems and integrates the selected priority command signal with component feedback signals in component logic to generate a control signal for a component in a complex plant. The non-software based CIM is programmable for use with a variety of plant components. The component logic includes blocking logic that prevents or terminates generation of the control signal such as when component activation has been completed. Diagnostics incorporated into the CIM include: an input port interface test, a pulse test that continuously checks for proper propagation of test pulses through the priority and component logic, and a test of the functioning of the CIM output device such as a relay.

Abstract: A component interface module (CIM) arbitrates through priority logic component command signals from redundant systems and integrates the selected priority command signal with component feedback signals in component logic to generate a control signal for a component in a complex plant. The non-software based CIM is programmable for use with a variety of plant components. The component logic includes blocking logic that prevents or terminates generation of the control signal such as when component activation has been completed. Diagnostics incorporated into the CIM include: an input port interface test, a pulse test that continuously checks for proper propagation of test pulses through the priority and component logic, and a test of the functioning of the CIM output device such as a relay.

Abstract: A simulator for a distributed process control system utilizes a simulator station as an interface between a plant modeling computer and an instrumentation and control system which uses actual distributed processing units (DPUs) running actual process control software. The simulator station memory maps sensor signals received from the plant modeling computer through reflective memory directly to a memory-mapped input/output (I/O) interface of each DPU at the scan rate, or a multiple of the scan rate, of the DPU, and provides the control signals generated by the DPUs to the plant modeling computer at the same rates. A data highway such as in the actual system provides communications between the DPUs and between the DPUs and operator stations, (and potentially other man-machine interface stations) which provide operator signals used by the DPUs.

Abstract: A method for compensating a rod position indication system for non-linearity comprises the steps of applying an excitation current to a primary of a sensor for inducing a generally linear voltage that is representative of the position of a control rod on a secondary of the sensor. The excitation current includes a first frequency which is sufficient to provide the generally linear output for the sensor. The excitation current is then modified to include a second frequency which is sufficient for providing the generally linear output when the first frequency is insufficient to provide the generally linear output.

Abstract: A method for magnetic coupling compensating a rod position indication system having at least two rod position indicators each having induced noise comprising the steps of applying a sinusoidal current to a primary of the first rod position indicator for inducing a voltage on a first secondary of the first rod position indicator; receiving both the first secondary voltage from the first rod position indicator and a second secondary voltage, induced from the noise, of the second rod position indicator; and deriving a difference of the first and second secondary voltage for obtaining the magnetic coupling compensation.

Abstract: An excore neutron flux power level detector assembly includes a neutron flux detector subassembly and a moderator subassembly having the form of a dual-wall canister of annular cross-section for receiving the detector subassembly in coaxial and telescoping relationship therein and having moderator material, preferably high density polyethylene, in the annular space between the dual-walls thereof for converting epithermal neutrons in leakage flux from a nuclear reactor to thermal neutrons having a power level detectable by the flux detector subassembly. Insulating spacer elements affixed concentrically about and axially displaced along the surface of the cylindrical housing of the detector provide lateral, structural support and spacing therebetween and electrical insulation of the detector subassembly from the moderator subassembly.

Abstract: Triaxial connector adapters for connecting triaxial cables. Triaxial connector adapters provided in accordance with the present invention allow connection of triaxial cables having different bend radii, thereby ensuring that monitoring instruments in, for example, the nuclear power industry, can be sealed in accordance with federal regulations. Furthermore, triaxial connector adapters disclosed herein provide quick, efficient and safe retrofitting of existing monitoring instruments which use standard large bend radius triaxial cables.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for reducing the effects of frequency burst noise and noise spikes accompanying a random pulse signal, pulses with an amplitude above a high threshold or below a low threshold are eliminated, with the remaining pulses of intermediate amplitude being statistically filtered. The statistical filter compares the current pulse count rate signal to maximum and minimum statistical limits generated from the recent average value of the pulse count rate using Poisson statistics, and clamps the output to the limit which is exceeded. If the pulse count rate is between the statistical limits, it is used as the output pulse count rate signal. If the statistical limits are exceeded for a designated interval indicative of a true change in the pulse count rate, clamping of the output signal is overridden so that the true change in pulse count rate can be tracked. Statistical filtering is resumed when the current pulse count rate is again within the statistical limits.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor power monitor utilizes radiation sensors, and a microprocessor implementing alpha-beta tracker equations. The use of alpha-beta tracker equations results in good noise suppression and fast follow capability. Therefore, alignment of the reactor power monitor is simplified and transients in the power level of a nuclear reactor can be detected.