Power reactor noise measurements in Hungary

Abstract

The history of the reactor noise research in Hungary can be divided into three parts. In the first period some very fundamental research work has been done in the field of zero-power reactor noise [I-3]. This theoretical work initiated experimental zero-power reactor noise research: Rossi-~, Feynman and, correlation function measurements, determination of fleff by the method of statistical weights and by measuring the absolute power of reactor using neutron fluctuations [4-6]. In the second period of the research work the interest has become focused on the investigation of the problems of at-power reactor noise. Neutron noise measurements have been performed on the WWR-SM reactor in order to obtain some information about the dynamics of the reactor and in order to get experiences in the field. The power spectrum of reactor noise has been studied by the auto-correlation method using an on-line computer. The reactor power and coolant flow rate have been varied [7-8]. Based on these measurements, new measuring equipments; Correlators, a multichannel analyser, signal conditioners have been developed. This work has been greatly helped by a research contract with the IAEA (contract number 855/R1/RB) [9]. In the present, third period we intend to deal with problems related directly to the early diagnostics of malfunctions of power reactors [10].