Abstract
Ultra Electronics, Energy is currently the supplier of neutron flux instrumentation to the UKs Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR) fleet. Neutron flux instrumentation provides a safety critical function, giving operators the fastest indication of any transient power behaviour in a nuclear reactor. The operating requirements for these sensors in an AGR reactor are higher than those for equivalent instrumentation in a Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) or Boiling Water Reactor (BWR). Whilst the underlying physics of these devices is the same, the engineering challenges for AGR instrumentation are different. Design and manufacturing processes have to be more precise due to susceptibility of device performance to a number of factors post installation. The AGR sensor therefore provides a sound engineering platform for the development of an equivalent device for the harsh environments expected in Generation IV reactors. This paper discusses the capabilities of the Ultra Electronics neutron flux detector manufacturing facility and how these capabilities are being expanded to cover the anticipated operating conditions for Generation IV reactor designs. A prototype design has been manufactured and mechanically tested, the sensitive coating process has been developed and the Mineral Insulated (MI) signal cable has been tested at elevated temperature.
Highlights
Ultra Electronics (Ultra) is currently the supplier of neutron flux detectors to the entire UK Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR) fleet
The plans for the build of future nuclear power platforms include smaller, more efficient devices that operate at temperatures well beyond even the AGR level of 550°C
The concept designs for these Generation IV High Temperature Reactors utilise a range of heat transfer mediums and in many cases have a requirement for neutron flux detectors to drive control or safety circuits
Summary
Ultra has been investing in the development and build of a proof of concept fission chamber. Test capabilities include a linear accelerator driven thermal neutron source capable of delivering 1×107 n·cm-2· s-1 in continuous operation, a 10 TBq 137Cs source for gamma irradiation testing as well as large chamber ovens capable of achieving 650°C. Failure of these devices during manufacture and service is typically caused by the presence of contamination in the neutron sensitive volume of the detector. To minimise the risk of contamination during build, a clean assembly area has been incorporated into the manufacture facility. Wherever possible, automated processes have been implemented to reduce this risk as the time taken to manufacture is of the order of months and the financial cost is significant
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