Advanced Digital Rod Position Indication System for Existing and Next Generation Nuclear Reactors

Abstract

The designs of many existing pressurized water reactors (PWRs) incorporate a digital rod position indication (DRPI) system to monitor the positions of the control and shutdown rods within the reactor. Recently, aging and obsolescence issues have led to an increase in problems with the DRPI systems including analog card failures and coil cable connection problems. These problems, along with plans for plant life extension, have prompted the industry to actively seek new options to monitor the health and accuracy of these DRPI systems in order to ensure reliable plant operation.